Tyler Clippard struggling; 10-player trade ups Francisco Cordero’s value

July 21, 2012

Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays picked up three pitchers from the Houston Astros in a 10-player trade on Thursday including Brandon Lyon, who will likely serve as a 7th inning guy ahead of Darren Oliver and Casey Janssen.  Hierarchy change: Brandon Lyon to 2nd in line, replacing Jason Frasor. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTOR |Janssen |Oliver |Lyon |Santos |7/21/12

 
Houston Astros – The Astros acquired Francisco Cordero from the Toronto Blue Jays in a 10-player trade on Thursday.  Cordero becomes an interesting player to watch, as he’ll likely assume the set-up role immediately, and could ascend to the closer spot if Brett Myers is dealt.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Cordero to Set-up, Wilton Lopez to 2nd in line. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Myers |Cordero |Lopez |Myers |7/21/12

 
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra finished off the 7th inning, and has worked his way back in to a late-innings role for the Dodgers.  Josh Lindblom has struggled as of late, including on Friday, when he allowed three baserunners while only recording one out in the 6th inning.  Hierarchy change: Javy Guerra to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Lindblom.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAD |Jansen |Belisario |Guerra |Jansen |7/21/12

 
Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard blew the save last night, and has now allowed 7 ERs in his last 3 outings, a span that includes two blown saves.  Sean Burnett and Drew Storen also had rough nights, but Clippard’s recent stretch is worrying, and the Nats have plenty of live arms in their bullpen who could be inserted into the closer role if he continues to struggle.  Tyler Clippard to Hot Seat.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Clippard |Burnett |Storen |Storen |7/21/12

 
Atlanta Braves – Chad Durbin picked up an 11th inning save on Friday after the Braves had exhausted much of the rest of their bullpen.  Durbin does not figure in to their usual late inning plans.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedATL |Kimbrel |O'Flaherty |Medlen |Kimbrel |7/21/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Grant Balfour, Oakland A’s – Ryan Cook has pitched in three straight games.
2. Kris Medlen, Atlanta Braves – Both Craig Kimbrel and Eric O’Flaherty have pitched in three straight.
3. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – The Marlins are employing a closer-by-committee and thus far, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn have each picked up one save.  Cishek is still the best bet for a save on any given night, but Dunn could get the call if the Marlins are facing a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
4. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.