In 2009 Brian Fuentes led the Major Leagues in Saves with 48. Granted, they weren't all pretty and Angel fans still remember the fastball that Alex Rodriguez belted out of Yankee Stadium in the '09 ALCS; but overall Fuentes has been a solid closer for the Angels.

Just one season later, with the Angels at a mediocre 60-61, Fuentes has just 23 saves. He also has finished just 31 games in 2010. Fuentes contract includes a vesting option for 2011 if he finishes 55 games. With just 41 games remaining, a lackluster offense and relievers setting him up who are not getting the job done it seems Fuentes is headed towards free agency. With an ERA presently at 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.16, plus being left handed he is likely to have quite a few suitors.

So in the off-season of 2011 not only will the Angels have to take a hard look at upgrading their core of set up men, they may also need a new closer. Those returning next season the Angels are going to have to right their ship or the 2011 club may have the same bullpen issues they do in 2010.

Fernando Rodney is likely the favorite in house candidate to replace Fuentes. Rodney has 3 blown saves in nine opportunities. He also has a very high WHIP of 1.51 and walks to strikeout ratio of 1.35 (he averages 4.9 walks per nine innings).

Kevin Jepsen (19 H, 0 SV, 3 BS, 1.35 WHIP) is another candidate. He has an impressive 10.35 K/9 ratio but he's blown all three of his save opportunities while allowing a .243 batting average against. Jepsen does not appear to be progressing the way the Angels probably expected.

Rookies Francisco Rodriguez (0-3, 4.08 ERA, 28 K/ 15 BB) and Michael "Papel" Kohn (7 BB / 6 K) have potential but it's too early to say one way or another if one or both is the next Scot Shields, "K-Rod" or Troy Percival; relievers capable of bringing stability to the bullpen for six seasons or more.

Jason Bulger was quite effective in 2009 but injuries have limited him to only 22 games in 2010 so it's hard to tell if he's could step into the role of primary set up man next season. Rich Thompson (also currently on the DL) is someone to keep an eye on. The native Australian put up a stellar campaign at Salt Lake City (0.61 ERA, 30 K 29 IP) and had pitched well in a few appearances with the Halos (1.86 ERA, 9 K in 9 IP). The team is also lacking a reliable second left-handed reliever to take the situational spots Darren Oliver handled so well during his time in Anaheim.

With free agent market for relief pitchers pretty thin (Rafael Soriano, Scott Downs & Frank Francisco being the top names available), it would behoove GM Tony Reagins to make a preemptive strike and lock down the services of Brian Fuentes before the season ends.

Eric Denton - LA Angels Insider.com