Chris Perez - Chris Perez had an interesting 9th inning against the White Sox on Tuesday, allowing a HR and 2 walks before getting out of the jam and picking up his career-best 37th save. For those that follow me on Twitter, you likely noticed my rants earlier this spring about how Perez was a completely overrated closer in 2011 and that he wasn't any better in the early part of 2012. However, after whiffing just 5.88 batters per game last season, Perez has regained his ability to miss bats as evidenced by his 9.71 strikeout rate in 2012. He's also decreased his walk rate from 3.92 in 2011 to just 2.30 this season. And his 3.38 xFIP is by far a career low. All told, Perez has made huge strides this season and he's put himself firmly in the second tier of closers for 2013.
Glen Perkins - The Twins' closer gave up a HR to Andruw Jones in the 9th inning on Tuesday versus the Yankees, but recorded 2 strikeouts and picked up his 15th save of 2012. Perkins has been very good this season, posting a 9.76 strikeout rate, 2.14 walk rate and 0.94 HR rate while owning a 2.54 ERA. His 3.22 xFIP is also strong, although not as good as his 2.92 mark in 2011. This marks the second straight season Perkins has put up excellent numbers and he should be a very nice closer option in 2013. Other managers in your league may spend on more well-known names, but Perkins' stats point toward him being right there with most good closers in baseball next season.
Tommy Milone - On paper, Tuesday's matchup was about as bad as it gets for Tommy Milone. Milone has been dominant at home as evidenced by his 2.68 ERA. However, he's been terrible on the road to the tune of a 5.17 ERA with opposing batters hitting .316/.357/.516 off him. And yesterday, poor Tommy had to face the Rangers on the road. So it certainly was a big surprise when Milone gave up only 1 ER on 6 hits over 6 innings. For the season, Milone owns a 3.79 ERA and 4.05 xFIP. Part of the reason he struggles on the road is because he gives up a lot HRs and Oakland's home park is where long balls go to die. He also has an outstanding 3.64 strikeout-to-walk rate. In the minors, Milone posted very impressive ERA numbers in A, AA and AAA between 2009 and 2011 so the lefty's success, at least at home, seems somewhat sustainable in 2013. He could be a No. 6 or 7 starter next year, depending on the league format.
Phil Hughes - Phil Hughes final stat line doesn't do justice to his performance on Tuesday against the Twins. Hughes cruised through 6 innings until giving up two hits and a walk in the 7th. After getting a strikeout for out No. 2, Joe Girardi brought in Boone Logan who promptly gave up 3 ER which were all charged to Hughes. The right hander finished with a line of 6 2/3 innings, 4 ER, 6 hits and 4 strikeouts. Hughes now owns a 4.10 ERA to go along with 161 strikeouts in 186 innings. His biggest issue is the homer as he's allowed 1.64 per game this season. Looking toward next year, Hughes' value will be limited until he figures out how to keep the ball in the yard - which is a tough test for a pitcher with Yankee Stadium as his home park.
Russ Canzler - For the second straight game, Russ Canzler homered for the Indians. Since getting called up, Canzler has posted a .296/.315/.465 slash line with 3 HRs and 10 RBI. I wrote about Canzler way back in the preseason as a player who could have value in deeper leagues if he made the Tribe's Opening Day roster. Unfortunately for Canzler, he didn't make the cut and instead went to AAA where he posted a .265/.328/.487 slash line to go along with 22 HRs and a .222 ISO. Canzler has put up some very solid numbers in the minors during his career, batting .314 with 18 HRs in AAA in 2011 with the Rays a year after clubbing 21 HRs and hitting .287 at AA for the Cubs. His September performance has certainly earned him another long look next spring, so keep him on your sleeper's list for 2013.
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