The Ax Man Closeth

With the Cleveland Indians' recent jettisoning of Chris Perez and signing of John Axford, some Daily Grinders have questioned whether or not The Moneygraph Saberbeanes cut bait one too many times on the Tribe's new closer.

Last year's auction saw nearly every closer fetch a full $10 and the Indians stated upon signing Axford that he will be their 9th inning man. But with 2015's rule change coming (where Saves will be replaced by Saves+Holds) and Axford's reputation as a fantasy roller coaster still hanging over his head, owners are wondering how much cash they'll really need to budget to make a run at the hard-throwing righty.

Gregg Angier, owner of Tom Emanski, was not immediately available for comment, though most who know him have assumed that Angier is willing to go to $35 for Axford or any other opening-day closers.