Zach Putnam, Shae Simmons ascend to 8th inning roles

June 10, 2014

Chicago White Sox – Zach Putnam got the final two outs of the 8th inning on Monday, marking the fourth straight time that he’d bridged the gap to Ronald Belisario.  The 26-year-old righty doesn’t have the best ratios in the world (19 Ks vs 9 BBs in 24.1 innings), but he keeps the ball in the ballpark and it’s hard to find fault with his 1.48 ERA.  Though Belisario continues to make his owners a bit nervous, Putnam and Jake Petricka (1.59 ERA) have turned into a solid late-inning duo for Chicago.

Updated hierarchy: Belisario | Putnam | Petricka.

Atlanta Braves – It’s been quite an ascension for young Shae Simmons, who in two weeks has gone from AA to the 8th inning in Atlanta.  Simmons now has six big league appearances, a 0.00 ERA, four 8th-inning holds (including his most recent effort, a spotless inning in a 3-1 game on Monday), and a save on a night when Craig Kimbrel was unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Simmons | Carpenter.

Arizona Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz returned from the DL on Monday, pitching a scoreless inning in his first outing back.  The Diamondbacks, who are flush with matchup guys but have a dearth of relievers who can get both lefties and righties out, will likely ease Putz back into higher-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Reed | Ziegler | Putz.

Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays will go with a closer-by-committee for the time being, announced Joe Maddon on Sunday.  Grant Balfour will be part of that committee, but as mentioned in our Sunday morning Daily, we like Joel Peralta to get the next save chance, with Jake McGee and Juan Carlos Oviedo also involved.  Balfour will have to work his way back to the 9th inning, which seems unlikely given his terrible ratios thus far.

Updated hierarchy: Peralta | McGee | Oviedo.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has pitched in four straight.
2. Jake McGee/Juan Carlos Oviedo, Tampa Bay Rays – Welcome to the Vulture Save Watch, Tampa committee.

J.J. Putz hits the DL; Aroldis Chapman not cut out for Triple-A

May 7, 2014

Arizona Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz has been moved to the disabled list due to the dreaded forearm tightness. Oliver Perez and Joe Thatcher should see their roles expand in his absence.

Hierarchy change: Reed | Ziegler | Perez.

Los Angeles Angels — Ernesto Frieri enraged the insane Twitter user contingent of the Angel fan base by giving up his sixth home run in 14 1/3 innings to lose to the Yankees. Meanwhile, Joe Smith has been battling tightness in his right side. It’s hard out here for Mike Scioscia.

Hierarchy remains: Frieri | Smith | Kohn.

Oakland A’s — Down a run late, the Athletics went to Sean Doolittle, Luke Gregerson, and then Jim Johnson, in what appeared to be another attempt to ease Johnson back into the closer’s role. That process may have been derailed after Johnson surrendered four runs (three earned) in 2/3 of an inning. No hierarchy change.

Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Johnson | Doolittle.

Cincinnati Reds — The Norfolk Tides had Aroldis Chapman’s number on Tuesday afternoon, picking up five runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Chapman was a botched double play away from escaping the inning at 1-0, however, and he could rejoin the Reds this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Broxton | LeCure | Marshall.

Toronto Blue Jays — With Brett Cecil resting, John Gibbons used lefty Aaron Loup for a two-out save against lefties Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Matchups are likely to continue to dictate Toronto save situations until the return of Casey Janssen, possibly early next week.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Delabar | Loup.

Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica’s right oblique felt fine after a Tuesday bullpen session, and he’s likely to avoid the disabled list.

Hierarchy remains: Uehara | Tazawa | Mujica.

Cleveland Indians — After eight weeks, we finally have a reason to talk about the Indians’ bullpen: Bryan Shaw’s vulture save last night, in lieu of the tired John Axford.

Hierarchy remains: Axford | Allen | Shaw.

Chicago White Sox — Frank Francisco’s stats so far at AAA Charlotte: 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Hierarchy remains: Lindstrom | Belisario | Webb.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, San Diego Padres — Huston Street has pitched in three straight games.
2. Michael Kohn, Los Angeles Angels — Ernesto Frieri has pitched on four of the last five days, and Joe Smith is day-to-day.
3. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland’s pitch count has been low, but he has worked in three straight games.
4. Fernando Abad/Sean Doolittle, Oakland Athletics — The A’s have a doubleheader on Wednesday, and both Luke Gregerson and Jim Johnson have been worked heavily.

Jim Johnson on the verge of winning job back; Mark Melancon, Joe Smith to close

April 26, 2014

Chicago White Sox – Despite four straight scoreless outings, Ronald Belisario still has an ERA over 7, thanks in large part to an April 9th appearance in Colorado where he gave up 5 runs while recording only one out.  But his recent stretch — almost all of which has come pitching ahead of Matt Lindstrom — has him in a position to see save opportunities if the closer continues to struggle.  Last night, Lindstrom entered in a 4-4  game in the 9th and gave up a 2-run bomb to Evan Longoria.  (He ended up getting the win after Jose Abreu hit a walk off grand slam in the bottom half.)  Lindstrom is already on the Hot Seat, and Belisario has become a sneaky add for those looking to speculate.  Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Set-up, Daniel Webb to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromRonald BelisarioDaniel WebbNate Jones4/26/14
Nate Jones (DL)

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Oakland A’s – The A’s were tied throughout the latter half of Friday night’s game, and used Sean Doolittle in the 7th inning, followed by Luke Gregerson in the 8th.  Jim Johnson was warming up in the bullpen as they took the lead in the 9th, but the A’s proceeded to score a total of 7 runs in the top half of the inning, so Johnson sat down and Fernando Abad came in to mop up.  Bob Melvin was quick to tell anyone who would listen that Johnson has not re-claimed the job, and that Oakland is still using a committee.  But this feels like one of those spots where the manager takes a firm public stance just to take pressure off a player.  Johnson has five straight scoreless appearances covering 6.2 innings, and he was brought in on a sizable contract to close games for the A’s.  We think he’ll get the next save opportunity, and as long as he converts, the job will be his again.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKLuke GregersonSean DoolittleJim JohnsonSean Doolittle4/26/14

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Tampa Bay Rays – Grant Balfour gave up a walk off grand slam last night, and while that’s all well and terrible, we’re actually even more worried about his ratios so far this year — 10.1 innings with 7 Ks and 9 BBs.  There’s no shortage of arms in the Tampa bullpen: Joel Peralta has been as reliable as ever, Jake McGee has a 0.90 ERA — heck, there was even a Leo Nunez Juan Carlos Oviedo sighting this week.  With Balfour’s health in question even before the year began, we have to think he’s on a short leash.  Grant Balfour to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TBGrant BalfourJoel PeraltaJake McGeeGrant Balfour4/26/14

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Houston Astros – Things somehow keep getting worse for the Houston bullpen, as Matt Albers hit the DL yesterday while would-be closer Josh Fields got destroyed again.  It’s still probably Fields and Chad Qualls who are the best bets for saves in Houston, though Anthony Bass or fresh face Jose Cisnero (who closed for the Astros for like 30 seconds last year) could still be in the mix.  Unless you’re in the deepest of leagues, it’s unlikely you want any of these guys.  Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Anthony Bass to 2nd in line, Matt Albers to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChad QuallsAnthony BassJosh Fields4/26/14
Jesse Crain (DL)Matt Albers (DL)

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Los Angeles Angels – Prior to Friday night’s game, Mike Scioscia announced that Ernesto Frieri would get some time off from the closer role.  Joe Smith will close in his absence, though Scioscia said that he expects Frieri to win the job back eventually.  Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to Closer, Michael Kohn to Set-up, Ernesto Frieri to 2nd in line.  

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
LAAJoe SmithMichael KohnErnesto FrieriErnesto Frieri4/25/14

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Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli has been placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain.  Mark Melancon will close in his place, while Tony Watson moves up to cover the 8th.  Hierarchy change: Mark Melancon to Closer, Tony Watson to Set-up, Justin Wilson to 2nd in line, Jason Grilli to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
PITMark MelanconTony WatsonJustin WilsonMark Melancon4/25/14
Jason Grilli (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – See above.
2. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks – Addison Reed has pitched in three straight.
3. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – After a 31 pitch blown save, Grant Balfour has thrown 56 pitches over the last three games and might need a day off to recover and clear his head.
4. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass/Raul Valdez/Jose Cisnero, Houston Astros – Whatever.

Astros likely to go with committees to start season

March 23, 2014

Houston Astros — Manager Bo Porter has said that he will go with the dreaded closer by committee to start the season.  Chad Qualls has the experience, so we still expect him to see the most save chances, at least at the beginning of the season.  Josh Fields, Matt Albers, and lefty Kevin Chapman should be in the mix, and Porter also recently said that Anthony Bass has emerged as an option. Hierarchy remains: Fields | Qualls | Albers.

New York Mets — Kyle Farnsworth is not expected to make the Mets roster.  Jose Valverde has closer experience, and manager Terry Collins has been impressed with him so far, so he could handle the set-up role.  Vic Black pitched well for the Mets at the end of last season and should also see time in the later innings.  Another guy to keep an eye on is Jeurys Familia.  Familia is a young flame-thrower who recently broke catcher Taylor Teagarden’s glove with a fastball in spring training.  Hierarchy change: Parnell | Valverde | Black.

Detroit Tigers — Bruce Rondon will have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2014 season.  Al Alburquerque and Joba Chamberlain should see time in the 7th and 8th innings ahead of closer Joe Nathan.  Hierarchy change: Nathan | Alburquerque | Chamberlain.

Chicago White Sox — The White Sox are not ready to name their closer yet.  Nate Jones has thrown five scoreless innings in spring training and still looks like the best bet to get the job.  However, Matt Lindstrom finally appears to be healthy, and if youngster Daniel Webb is able to make the roster out of spring training, they could both challenge Jones.  Ronald Belisario could also factor into the late innings. Hierarchy remains: Lindstrom | Jones | Webb.

Oakland A’s — Ryan Cook is expected to start the season on the DL.  Veteran Luke Gregerson should take over for Cook while he is out.   Hierarchy change: Johnson | Doolittle | Gregerson.

The top 15 middle relievers in fantasy baseball

March 15, 2014

Our top 15 middle relievers are listed below.  These players are ranked on the likelihood that they will get saves this season, not necessarily on their efficacy.  To cite an extreme example, Craig Breslow is a great reliever who is extremely unlikely to get any save chances since he’s stuck behind Koji Uehara and Edward Mujica.  So even though Breslow is objectively a much better pitcher than someone like Matt Lindstrom, Lindstrom is on our rankings, whereas Breslow is not.

(Holds are not a consideration.  If you would benefit from a post that covers holds, please contact us.)

1. Joakim Soria, Texas Rangers – Now seemingly fully recovered from the Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2012 season, Joakim Soria is making a run at the Texas closer gig.  Neftali Feliz continues to struggle to find his velocity, and Soria could wind up as the closer on a Rangers team that could threaten 90 wins if everything falls into place.

2. Rex Brothers, Colorado Rockies – Even if LaTroy Hawkins has a great year, Rex Brothers could still wind up with five to eight saves, as Hawkins will have trouble going three in a row and Walt Weiss has said he might use Brothers in any lefty-heavy ninth inning.  And we don’t think Hawkins will have a great year.

3. Matt Lindstrom, Chicago White Sox – While sabermetricians are gaga for Nate Jones, there’s no word out of White Sox camp about the closer role, and Matt Lindstrom, whose rehab is going well, keeps saying that he wants the job.  Things Lindstrom has going for him include the fact that he has the most closer experience of anyone on the team, and Robin Ventura’s always-unorthodox treatment of the 9th inning.

4. Danny Farquhar, Seattle Mariners – He’s quite good and Fernando Rodney is not.

5. Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays – As previously mentioned, Casey Janssen isn’t 100 percent, and Sergio Santos had a lights-out end of 2013, posting a 1.75 ERA and 0.58 WHIP after returning from injury.

6. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – If John Axford struggles with the long ball (Axford had the 6th-highest HR/FB ratio in 2012 and 11th-highest in 2013), Cody Allen could take over as closer and run away with it.  Allen is only 24 and his K/9 of 11.3 ranked 13th among relievers last year.

7. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks – Addison Reed is pitching much better this spring than veteran J.J. Putz.  This competition isn’t over yet, but Putz will need to rally to give himself a chance for saves in Arizona.

8. Jesse Crain, Houston Astros – Jesse Crain has been hurt his whole career, and 2014 is already no different.  The righty would be the odds-on favorite to win the closer gig in Houston, but his health is once again holding him back.

9. Joaquin Benoit, San Diego Padres – Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Huston Street is a little bit nicked up.  While Street should be fine for the start of the season, it was 2009 when he last topped 60 innings in a season.

10. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals – Unlike several other relievers on this list, Tyler Clippard’s inclusion isn’t a knock on the guy ahead of him, as Rafael Soriano has strung together several perfectly decent seasons.  Clippard is on here because he’s been one of the steadiest middle relievers in baseball the last three years, stepping in to the closer role in 2012 and picking up 32 saves.  If Soriano gets hurt, Clippard will do it again.

11. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – The Cubs signed Jose Veras to a one year deal to be their closer, which looks like the classic “sign a veteran stop gap closer and deal him at the deadline when the team is not contending” move.  Those in deep leagues might want to stash Strop, who would likely take over the job if Veras is moved — or ineffective.

12. Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli is great, but he’s 37 and coming off Tommy John surgery.

13. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Grant Balfour is going through a dead arm period and has struggled so far this spring, and he already had a deal with the Orioles that fell through due to injury concerns.  If Balfour misses time, Joel Peralta would be a solid fill in.

14. Josh Fields, Houston Astros – Probably the best healthy non-Qualls option in the Houston bullpen right now, Fields has said that he wants the closer job.  He’s allowed 1 run in 4 innings this spring so far.

15. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Tommy Hunter hasn’t actually been named closer yet, and though he throws hard, he’s never had the highest strikeout rate, which can be a problem for a stopper.  Darren O’Day struggles against lefties, but has added a change-up as a potential equalizer this year.