May 27, 2012
Miami Marlins – For the second straight game, Heath Bell was yanked after allowing two baserunners to reach in the 9th inning, and for the second time, the Marlins held on to win. This time, Randy Choate bailed Bell out for his first save of the season. After the game, Ozzie Guillen sounded generally supportive of Bell, but also told the Miami Herald that “Right now, it’s not working. I’m going to sleep on it and see if we come up with some ideas.” Bell remains on the Hot Seat, though due to his contract, it’s likely he’ll continue to hang on to the job despite an 8.47 ERA. But if he’s removed, Edward Mujica and Steve Cishek are most likely to benefit. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIA |Bell |Mujica |Cishek |Bell |5/27/12
Chicago Cubs – Saturday was another rough day for Cubs closer Rafael Dolis, who couldn’t find the strike zone and ended up hitting the game’s final batter to force in the game-winning run. Afterward, Dale Sveum said his closer’s inability to find the strike zone was “not acceptable,” though he didn’t say he would remove the young righty from the role. Dolis remains on a blazing Hot Seat and James Russell (1.74 ERA) would be the most likely candidate to replace him. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Dolis |Russell |Camp |Marmol |5/27/12 |Marmol(DL) |
Seattle Mariners – Brandon League has been removed as closer, in a move manager Eric Wedge described as “very similar to what we did last year.” In 2011, League was demoted after becoming the first reliever in Mariners history to lose in four straight appearances, but regained his job only five days later, and wound up in the All-Star Game. Wedge refused to commit to anyone as League’s replacement; Tom Wilhelmsen seems to be the most obvious candidate, but lefties Lucas Luetge and Charlie Furbush could be in the mix as well. Hierarchy change: Tom Wilhelmsen to Closer, Brandon League to Set-Up.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSEA |Wilhelmsen |League |Furbush |League |5/26/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in two straight games, and four of the last five. When Rodney gets a day off, Joel Peralta has been used in his place most often this season. Peralta has also been used heavily in recent days, however, so the save chance could go to J.P. Howell.
2. Edward Mujica, Miami Marlins – Heath Bell has pitched in two straight and five of the last seven. Steve Cishek has also pitched a lot lately, so if Bell is given a day off, Edward Mujica would close in his place.
3. Sean Burnett, Washington Nationals – Davey Johnson clarified his closer role on Saturday, saying Tyler Clippard and Sean Burnett would share opportunities based on match-ups. Clippard has gotten the first three saves, and as a righty, stands to get the majority of chances, but Burnett could snag a save against a lefty-heavy lineup on some nights.
4. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri will get the majority of opportunities, but Mike Scioscia is still using a closer-by-committee.
