We are winding down here as Sunday brings the first day of September and the expansion of rosters all around the league. We are coming to the end of the Closer Report for 2013. There aren’t likely to be many changes for the rest of the season, but we’ll still publish short columns and our closer table so that keeper and dynasty leaguers alike can keep tabs on 2014 opportunities.

Again this week, we will use a notes-style column to go around the league and hit some of the bigger news. And, yes, there isn’t too much in the way of big news.

Close Calls

Daniel Bard was designated for assignment on Sunday. It is sad end to Bard’s career with the Boston Red Sox.

Kevin Gregg is still the closer for the Cubs, but he’s not acting like he wants to be. Just your weekly update. He’s got a save, a loss and a blown save in his three appearances this week giving up runs in two of those three outings. Blake Parker is the likely recipient of any save chances in September should Gregg falter enough that the Cubs make a change. However, don’t forget about Arodys Vizcaino for 2014. He’s heading to the Arizona Fall League to get some innings under his belt and his stuff makes him a legitimate candidate for high leverage innings in Chicago in next season.

Rafael Betancourt is done for the year and probably most of next as well after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Rex Brothers is locked in as closer and Betancourt can be forgotten until 2015.

Vic Black was the player to be named later for the New York Mets in the Marlon Byrd/John Buck trade. Black is a one pitch pitcher, but he’s been relatively effective in the minors. His electric arm has allowed him to close in the minors (but also led to a high walk rate) and he’s an arm to watch as the Mets limp to the finish line for 2013.

Jason Grilli is has a rehab plan and could be back by the end of this week giving the Pirates yet another boost.

John Axford was dealt from the Brewers to the Cardinals this week. For me, there isn’t much in this move to get excited about. Axford hasn’t been an effective closer or a pitcher, in general, this season. He’s now buried behind Trevor Rosenthal, Jason Motte and Kevin Siegrist in the Cards’ pen. I don’t expect much from this move for Axford or the Cards.

Definitions

2013 Closer – The current closer
Handcuff Option – This is the guy who I believe will step into the closer role if the current closer loses his job.
Other Option – Another arm in the pen who could close if the manager chooses to go a different route.
Dark Horse Option – If all hell breaks loose in the pen, this guy could get a shot this year.
2014 Closer – This guy should be in the closer’s role on Opening Day 2014.