Closer Monkey

Year: 2015

  • Arodys Vizcaino, Hector Rondon ascend to closer roles

    July 30, 2015 Atlanta Braves — Although it hasn’t been finalized, there are multiple independent reports that Jim Johnson has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The void he leaves should be filled by Arodys Vizcaino. The 24-year-old has the power arm managers value in a closer, and has been named as a potential…

  • Arodys Vizcaino should close for Braves after Jim Johnson moves to Dodgers

    July 29, 2015 Atlanta Braves — ESPN is reporting that Jim Johnson (and Luis Avilan) will be traded to Los Angeles as part of a three-team deal. With Johnson headed west, the Braves will likely turn first to Arodys Vizcaino, with Jason Frasor and David Aardsma also in the mix. Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Frasor |…

  • Hector Rondon now closing in Chicago

    July 29, 2015 Chicago Cubs – Joe Maddon said last night that he anticipated Hector Rondon winning the closer’s role back, and that happened today after he struck out two of the three Rockies he faced to preserve a 3-2 win. Maddon also praised Pedro Strop last night, and with former closer Jason Motte pitching in a…

  • Edward Mujica to close in Oakland; new committee in Toronto

    July 29, 2015 Oakland A’s – While still unconfirmed that he subscribes to Closer Monkey, A’s manager Bob Melvin made sure Edward Mujica will remain at the top of our hierarchy, saying before the game that Mujica will close following the Tyler Clippard trade. Mujica’s experience was the main factor in Melvin’s decision. Drew Pomeranz…

  • Ken Giles to close in Philadelphia after Papelbon trade

    July 28, 2015 Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies finally dealt away Jonathan Papelbon, clearing the 9th inning for longtime heir apparent Kenneth Giles. Giles first turned heads at the major league level in 2014, when he posted what was one of the best seasons for a reliever in the game (1.18 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 64 Ks in…