I wrote somewhere in the Barometer that I couldn't remember a season where in general the closer role for most teams was up in the air. It seems to be who, not when the next closer will emerge from almost any team. Tonight I was sitting here writing my last column for hoops while attempting to watch both the Sabres and Rays' games at the same time. Therefore don't be surprised if you see me call Thomas Vanek a good three-point sleeper or predict that B.J. Upton wins the rebounding crown next season when Under the Radar comes out tomorrow.

Besides covering the Rays, I was interested in seeing what would happen if Jordan Walden got a save opportunity after it was announced earlier in the day that Fernando Rodney was no longer the ninth inning option. Little did Mike Scioscia know that a friend and I discussed and almost wagered on who was going to lose their closer job first – Rodney or Kevin Gregg (he owes Nick Markakis a beer or 20). Sure enough, Walden got the call and set the Rays down in order, even hitting 98 mph on the gun. Not too bad.

What I found most interesting, though, was what the Rays did. For the second time Joel Peralta made an appearance in the top of the ninth inning with the Rays down two runs. Kyle Farnsworth pitched a clean eighth and Jacob McGee was not used. A similar situation happened on Saturday. With James Shields appearing to tire, Joe Maddon called on McGee to get Brian Roberts out in the seventh inning. Roberts on cue hit it out of the park giving the Orioles, like tonight (Tuesday), a two-run lead. Kyle Farnsworth pitched the eighth while Peralta pitched a scoreless ninth. Maybe I'm reading too far in between the lines but I'd guess Peralta is at the top of the list as far as the BBC goes. If you missed out on the Jordan Walden pickup frenzy today and need saves, consider picking up Peralta immediately.

Talking to another friend at a draft on Sunday he suggested that if/when Brandon Lyon loses the closer role, does Bud Norris have as equal of a shot as Wilton Lopez or Mark Melancon to take over the role? Not saying I buy that but it's an interesting thought nonetheless.