A tough call in Tampa

Jason Isringhausen's signing by the Tampa Bay Rays is going to make this spring bullpen-watch for fantasy owners. Isringhausen will directly compete with Troy Percival for closing duties with the Rays.

Tampa Bay is banking on Isringhausen's 2008 season being an aberration. His body of work allows that having him in camp is a risk worth taking.

"Gosh, I hear nothing but good things about this fella," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "We're looking forward to seeing him out there."

Isringhausen has compiled 293 career saves, sixth highest among active players and 22nd on the all-time list. Since 2000, his 284 saves rank tied for third (with Billy Wagner) among Major League pitchers, trailing only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. He is also the all-time Cardinals leader with 217 saves.

Isringhausen was selected to the National League All-Star team in 2005 and the American League squad in '00. He has pitched in five postseasons with St. Louis and Oakland and reached the World Series in '04. In 23 career postseason appearances, he is 4-5 with 11 saves and a 2.36 ERA; he saved a career-high 47 games in 2004, tied for the NL lead.

Count incumbent closer Troy Percival among Isringhausen's biggest fans after watching him pitch from the opposing dugout in the AL and being teammates with Isringhausen with St. Louis.

Yes, but dont' forget Grant Balfour, who'd appear to have a great makeup for a closer. The Rays also have David Price, who certainly could end up in the rotation. He's also got an impressive makeup for closing out baseball games. Whomever wins the job, they could easily tally 40 saves for a young contender.