Gutierrez could be D'backs future closer

The Arizona Diamondbacks like what they've seen from setup man Juan Gutierrez to the point that he might end up Arizona's closer next season. Chad Qualls is the incumbent in 2010.

Gutierrez's performance last year validated GM Josh Byrnes decision to trade former closer Jose Valverde to the Astros after the 2007 season for Gutierrez, Qualls and infielder Chris Burke. While Burke was a bust, Qualls has put together two good seasons and Gutierrez could conceivably slip into the closer's role if Qualls departs as a free agent following 2010.

"He's always had plus stuff, very solid delivery and arm action and multiple pitches," Byrnes said. "He has a lot of pieces in place to be successful. You hoped it would translate, and now that he's had success, he can build off that."

Which is exactly what Gutierrez is trying to do.

"I learned more about how to pitch last year," he said. "I learned how to control your emotions. When you have a bad day you've got to forget about it. You have to say this is a new day and I'm going to show the world what I have."

Fantasy Impact: There's a chance Gutierrez earns the job even sooner than 2011. Consider that Qualls is coming back off a serious injury sustained late in 2010, so he's not necessarily in baseball shape going into the year. Then, there's the chance that the Diamondbacks, who won't be picked any higher than third in the NL West this year, could be sellers come July. If Qualls is moved to a contending team, Gutierrez could be in line for as many as 15-20 saves over the latter half of the season. The D'backs bullpen is definitely one to monitor all summer long.

No quivering for Qualls owners

The Diamondbacks bullpen looks very strong out of the gate with Tony Pena and Chad Qualls mowing down the Rockies bats in the eigth and ninth innings. Pena struck out two of the four batters he faced while Chad Qualls pitched a perfect ninth.

"Over my whole career, I've never had the chance to be the guy," Qualls said. "In Houston, with (Brad) Lidge, I kind of filled in here and there. But I never got, 'OK, you're the closer.' And that's my goal, to go out and prove to everyone that I can close."

Fantasy Impact: Qualls leaves little to be desired. He's a pitcher who's never posted an ERA above 3.76, with a career mark at 3.27. His WHIP climbed above 1.3 in 2007, which is the worst of his career. Overall his career WHIP of 1.202 is very solid. Qualls strikes out just under a batter per inning, and he's an experienced MLB pitcher, meaning he's poised to become a solid closer.