Here is a look at the closer report for week 9. It contains all of the most recent closer news, plus the current closers and the current handcuffs.

John Axford has taken control of the closer spot in Milwaukee with Carlos Villanueva falling into a secondary role. Axford has converted both of his save chances this season and has 13 strikeouts in eight innings. Trevor Hoffman had been working his way back toward the role with three scoreless innings before giving up three runs and five base runners in an inning of work on Tuesday night against Florida.

Brad Lidge was activated from the disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies, but with the way that Jose Contreras is throwing, Lidge will serve in a set up role for the foreseeable future.

The Chicago Cubs recalled Andrew Cashner from Triple-A and will have him work out of the bullpen. Cashner started nine of 11 games in the minor leagues this season with a 2.05 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 57 innings. His power stuff should work well in one or two inning spurts, although he does not have much value unless Carlos Marmol would go down with an injury. Cashner is not a closer of the future, but with no one else stepping up besides Marmol, there would be a slight chance he could see some save opportunities if an injury were to strike.

Matt Thornton picked up a save last week when Bobby Jenks injured his calf in warm ups. No permanent change has been announced by Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen so I would assume Jenks will get the ball health permitting in the next save chance. Thornton still has quite a bit of value as a lefty to pick up a situational save, or even steal the job outright from Jenks based on performance. With the standings now starting to shape up and scouts looking at potential trade targets, there is a good chance that Jenks, Thornton or even both would get moved at some point this season.