Fantasy: Good idea to prepare for change in closers

The trading deadline is approaching and roles of players could change. That will have a seismic impact on fantasy teams.

There are players that will change leagues and in many only-formats, you will lose that player for nothing. There's really nothing you can do to prepare for this.

One area where there is some predictability is closers. The Pirates' Octavio Dotel is at the head of the list. In all likelihood, he will get dealt and more than likely won't close anymore.

Many project All-Star Evan Meek to assume the ninth-inning job, but Joel Hanrahan should be in the discussion, too. Meek has a 1.34 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 8.22 K/9 and 2.35 BB/9. But he also has a low batting average on balls in play (BABIP) of .232 and a high strand rate of 78 percent along with a 2.85 fielding independent pitching (FIP) rate.

Hanrahan has a K/9 of 12.53, a 3.02 BB/9 and 2.80 FIP. Hanrahan has closing experience with the Nationals and that tends to go a long way with managers. Another key to give you an inkling of who the next closer will be is the way a manager uses the pitcher. Meek has mostly pitched in the seventh inning and Hanrahan the eighth. If you're speculating on the next Pirates closer, go with Hanrahan.

White Sox closer. There could be a change at closer, but it won't be via trade. After Bobby Jenks blew his second save of the season Wednesday, manager Ozzie Guillen said, "All options are open now."

Jenks converted 15 consecutive saves before allowing five earned runs in 11/3 innings spanning three appearances. Jenks has been plagued by bad luck, but J.J. Putz and Matt Thornton have pitched great, so the White Sox have options and Guillen could even turn to Sergio Santos.

Jenks has a 5.09 ERA, but besides a BB/9 of 4.08, he hasn't been awful. A 10.95 K/9 is the best mark he's posted since 2005. His BABIP of .402 is very unlucky and a 2.77 FIP is a better indication of his performance. Jenks might be pulled out of the role temporarily. Still, expect him to regain it, so don't drop him yet.

Picking up Thornton and Putz is still recommended. Thornton has been one of the best relievers the past three seasons. He has a 2.58 ERA (1.89 FIP) and a 51/13 K/BB ratio in 381/3 innings with five saves.

Putz hasn't allowed an earned run in 25 consecutive appearances. He has a 1.50 ERA and a 42/6 K/BB ratio in 36 innings with two saves.

Mariners closer.David Aardsma could be traded. Brandon League would likely close, so if you're really speculating for saves, he's an option.

Gordon is back

David DeJesus is out for the season and Alex Gordon has been recalled after moving to the outfield. He should get playing time, but the Royals gave up on him after 12 games this season. Gordon, a bust so far, hit .310 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs at Triple-A. Add him in AL-only and deep mixed leagues.