Year: 2012

  • Drew Storen to close for Washington

    September 24, 2012 Washington Nationals – In today’s 10-run blowout, the Nats went to Tyler Clippard in the 8th inning and Drew Storen in the 9th.  After the game, Davey Johnson said that Storen is now the 9th inning guy, according to MASNsports.com.  Hierarchy change: Drew Storen to Closer, Tyler Clippard to Set-up. |Closer |Set-Up…

  • Jose Valdez rising as Wesley Wright returns to specialist role

    September 24, 2012 Houston Astros – Wesley Wright pitched in the 5th inning on Sunday, and isn’t likely to see any more save opps, even if Wilton Lopez is unavailable.  These chances will likely go to Jose Valdez, the team’s AAA closer who was called up in September.  Hierarchy change: Jose Valdez to Set-up, Wesley…

  • Josh Kinney, Junichi Tazawa ascending

    September 23, 2012 Boston Red Sox – Junichi Tazawa pitched the 9th inning in a tie game on Saturday.  He’s been the most reliable Boston reliever over the last few weeks, including Andrew Bailey, and has earned the trust of Bobby Valentine.  Hierarchy change: Junichi Tazawa to Set-up, Vicente Padilla to 2nd in line. |Closer…

  • Clippard and Storen to split saves, Street off DL

    September 22, 2012 Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard blew the save last night and has now allowed runs in 5 of his past 8 outings.  Manager Davey Johnson has said that he will split the closer role between Clippard and Drew Storen the rest of the season.  “I have confidence in both of them closing,”…

  • Alburquerque could be key for Tigers down the stretch

    September 21, 2012 Detroit Tigers – Al Alburquerque was extraordinary for the Tigers last season, but a stress fracture in his throwing elbow required offseason surgery, sidelining him for much of this year. In the four outings since his recall on September 2, Alburquerque has allowed only one hit against nine strikeouts; this includes a…