An unsettled bullpen for the Cardinals’ stretch run

September 24, 2013

St. Louis Cardinals — Over the weekend, the Cardinals demoted Edward Mujica from the closer role in favor of a committee, and on Monday night, erstwhile set-up man Trevor Rosenthal picked up its first save. Other possible committee members include Carlos Martinez, former closer John Axford, and lefty Kevin Siegrist — who got the first out of the ninth on Monday and hasn’t given up a run in nearly two months. Hierarchy change: Trevor Rosenthal to Closer, Kevin Siegrist to Set-Up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
STLTrevor RosenthalKevin SiegristCarlos MartinezJason Motte9/24/13

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Tampa Bay Rays — After nearly three months on the disabled list, All-Star set-up man Jesse Crain was finally activated on Monday. If he’s truly healthy, he should soon pass Jake McGee as Tampa’s top seventh-inning option. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney9/24/13

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Houston Astros — One week into our prediction, Josh Fields and your mother are tied in recent saves, and she has a decided advantage over his recent 2.00 WHIP. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsJosh ZeidKevin ChapmanJosh Fields9/24/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Siegrist/Carlos Martinez/John Axford, St. Louis Cardinals — As the Cardinals head into the postseason, their ninth innings will be handled by a potentially crowded committee.
2. Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has pitched in back-to-back games, including a 27-pitch outing last night.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins was used for two innings (27 pitches) on Monday night.

Vic Black continues to contribute

September 23, 2013

New York Mets – Vic Black got the call in the 8th inning for the second straight night, and though he allowed a run, he held the lead and bridged the gap to LaTroy Hawkins.  The hard-throwing righty keeps racking up stats, with as he’s now picked up four holds in the last two weeks, and he’s now certainly in the conversation for saves on nights when Hawkins is unavailable.  Hierarchy change: Vic Black to Set-up, Frank Francisco to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMLaTroy HawkinsVic BlackFrank FranciscoBobby Parnell9/23/13
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in three straight.

Jason Grilli closing again, Steve Delabar fading

September 22, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli pitched a scoreless ninth on Saturday to pick up his 31st save of the season.  The Pirates have announced that Grilli will take over as the closer again and move Mark Melancon back to his set-up role.  Hierarchy change: Jason Grilli to Closer, Mark Melancon to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconKyle FarnsworthJason Grilli9/22/13

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Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos pitched a perfect 8th inning on Saturday night with a one run lead.  Santos has not allowed a run in his last 16 appearances while Steve Delabar has given up 5 runs over his last 3 appearances.  Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line .

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenSergio SantosSteve DelabarCasey Janssen9/22/13

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Chicago Cubs – Pedro Strop struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning while picking up his first save of the season.  The Cubs want to see what they have with Strop so he should continue to see the save opportunities for the rest of the season.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHCPedro StropKevin GreggBlake ParkerPedro Strop9/22/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Dane de la Rosa, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has pitched in two straight and three of the past four.

Jason Grilli back in closer’s role

September 22, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli pitched a scoreless ninth on Saturday to pick up his 31st save of the season.  The Pirates have announced that Grilli will take over as the closer again and move Mark Melancon back to his set-up role.  Hierarchy change: Jason Grilli to Closer, Mark Melancon to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconKyle FarnsworthJason Grilli9/22/13

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Edward Mujica continues to struggle

September 21, 2013

St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica started the 9th inning last night with a 2 run lead.  He proceeded to give up 3 hits and a walk, while only recording one out.  The Cardinals brought on former Brewers closer John Axford to try and get the save, but he gave up an infield single to tie the game.  The Cardinals took the lead again in the 10th and Carlos Martinez pitched a perfect inning to pick up the save.  Mujica ended up being charged with 2 runs and now has given up 7 runs in 6.2 innings in September.   With the Cardinals battling for first place they could look to super set-up man Trevor Rosenthal or young Carlos Martinez to close out some games down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Carlos Martinez to 2nd in line, replacing Kevin Siegrist, Edward Mujica to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
STLEdward MujicaTrevor RosenthalCarlos MartinezJason Motte9/21/13

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New York Mets — The Mets used Vic Black in the 8th inning with a 2 run lead last night.  Black, who the Mets got from the Pirates in the Marlon Byrd deal, now has 2 wins and 3 holds in his last five appearances. Hierarchy change: Vic Black to 2nd in line, replacing Gonzalez Germen.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMLaTroy HawkinsFrank FranciscoVic BlackBobby Parnell9/21/13
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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Cleveland Indians — Bryan Shaw got the save in a rain shortened game last night. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez9/21/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Trevor Rosenthal/Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica is struggling and has pitched in three straight.