Casey Coleman a darkhorse for saves in Chicago

May 29, 2012

San Francisco Giants – While Javier Lopez has gotten a handful of saves this season when the Giants are facing lefty-heavy lineups, he wouldn’t likely inherit the full time job even if Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo were both hurt.  Instead, the role would likely go to Clay Hensley, who pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of Casilla on Monday.  Hierarchy change: Clay Hensley to 2nd in line, replacing Javier Lopez. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSF |Casilla |Romo |Hensley |Wilson |5/29/12 |Wilson(DL) |

 
Chicago Cubs – Casey Coleman pitched a clean 9th inning for the Cubs on Monday.  While it was not a save opportunity– the Cubs were up by 4– Coleman was briefly mentioned by Dale Sveum over the weekend as someone who could be a 9th inning option.  While Sveum strongly endorsed James Russell and Shawn Camp for the role, Coleman could be a dark horse for saves.  Hierarchy change: Casey Coleman to 2nd in line, replacing Rafael Dolis. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Russell |Camp |Coleman |Marmol |5/29/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri will get the majority of opportunities, but Mike Scioscia is still using a closer-by-committee.
2. Sean Burnett, Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard has gotten all three save opportunities since Henry Rodriguez was demoted, but Davey Johnson has said that Sean Burnett could still get opportunities based on match-ups.