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What a quick turnaround for Chad Qualls. He had just recorded the final out in his 24th save of the 2009 campaign -- 15 more than his previous career-high -- but, in the process, had taken a liner off his knee. Tests have shown the shot did enough damage to tear his patella femoral ligament in his left knee. In layman's terms, it's a ligament that connects the knee-cap (patella) to the thigh bone (femur) and he will need surgery to repair it. The surgery will end Qualls' season prematurely, as he'll need three to four months to get back on the hill. The good news, though, is the the Diamondbacks aren't going anywhere this year and Qualls has plenty of time to recover before 2010 spring training.
Qualls has been a productive reliever for his entire career. The worst ERA he's ever finished with in a single season is 3.76 (2006). His career ERA is 3.32 in 390 appearances. His control has always been a strength, but it was impeccable in 2009, as he walked only seven batters in 52 innings. He was serviceable in his first full season as a closer, successfully saving 24 of 29 chances.
With both Tony Pena and Jon Rauch having been dealt during August, the Diamondbacks will not name an official closer. The names provided who might get a chance in the ninth-inning by manager A.J. Hinch? Well, it's not a short list: Juan Gutierrez, Esmerling Vasquez, Clay Zavada, Daniel Schlereth and Blaine Boyer.
Considering the D'backs don't exactly win often, fantasy players looking to grab some cheap saves should probably look elsewhere. There won't be anything predictable or consistent in the way of saves from the desert.
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