Ryan Franklin News

Word is that the Orioles are looking for a closer on the free agent market for next year, with Jim Johnson having struggled in that role after the trade of George Sherrill last season.

Welcome to the Thanksgiving-week Inbox. As always, if you have a question, use the link below to submit it -- and please be sure to include your first name, last initial and hometown.

A few days ago, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi over at Foxsports.com wrote that there are 7 teams interested in signing John Smoltz this offseason, with some interested in him closing.

The 2010 free agent market is razor thin. This is because many of the top players eligible for free agency are controlled under either club or player options.

Mariano Rivera and Ryan Franklin have been named The Sporting News' 2009 relievers of the year for the American and National Leagues as selected by a panel of 31 Major League Baseball general managers and assistant GMs.

Yankees closer Rivera again rolls up 40-plus saves. Franklin has a breakout season for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals' uncommon decision to bring back almost all of the bullpen next season for a return engagement starts at the end.

All fantasy owners know that closer is one of the most unpredictable positions to draft.

Mariano Rivera works in the 9th inning as the Yankees host the Minnesota Twins in game 1. The meltdowns came rapid-fire in the Division Series round, in both leagues.

Somehow, it was perfect Rick Ankiel should be the one to make the last out. a It was perfect on so many levels for Swingin' Dick to be up there, taking his hacks as the last chance of the 2009 season, that it almost seemed scripted.

Brian Fuentes has yet to blow up : Jonathan Papelbon has lots of time to refine his Riverdance after giving it up to the Angels in Game 3. Huston Street had two out in the ninth and couldn't finish the Phillies.

Colorado's Huston Street and St. Louis' Ryan Franklin were among the most effective closers in the National League.

All that Matt Holliday needed to do was make the catch, and the Cardinals would have tied the series.

As quickly as the thrill ride began for the 2009 Cardinals, it ended even faster.

Albert Pujols, watching the final inning of the Cardinals' season on Saturday, was held to one RBI in the three-game division series.

BOTTOM OF THE NINTH INNING Juan Pierre and Orlando Hudson come in as defensive replacements for the Dodgers.

So the question must eventually be asked, you know. I don't want to have to ask it, and I'm sure you probably don't want to have to try and answer, but the question will not just go away.

Wow...Matt Holliday's error helped the Dodgers clinch game 2 on Thursday night. The error that should have been routine catch, but apparently the stadium lights got in Holliday's eyes.

All that Matt Holliday needed to do was make the catch, and the Cardinals would have tied the series.

This year, he's having a tough time getting anyone out. "In the closer role, it's feast or famine," Los Angeles Angels relief ace Brian Fuentes said.