Closer Monkey

Year: 2015

  • Travis Wood picks up save for Cubs

    May 17, 2015 Chicago Cubs – Travis Wood recorded his first career save on Saturday.  With the Cubs bullpen struggling, they announced that Wood will move to the bullpen.  With Wood recording a save in his first appearance, he will likely factor into the Cubs’ late inning bullpen plans. Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Wood. St.…

  • Brad Ziegler at the head of a crowded Arizona committee picture

    May 16, 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks — We warned you in Thursday night’s Hot Seat column that Addison Reed was in grave danger of losing his job; not 15 hours later, he was relegated to the fabled “low-pressure role,” to deal with his (mechanical) issues and get more “regular work.” Skipper Chip Hale mentioned Brad Ziegler by name as a potential…

  • Addison Reed out as Diamondbacks closer

    May 15, 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks — Manager Chip Hale announced today that Addison Reed will no longer be used in the ninth inning. Hale also said he will mix and match situationally late in games, but we expect Brad Ziegler to have the inside track on save opportunities while Reed works out his problems in earlier…

  • Jake McGee back in the mix for Tampa; Carson Smith worth watching

    May 15, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — Matt Andriese had a rare four-inning save Thursday night against the Yankees, before getting sent down to make room for the returning Jake McGee. Brad Boxberger (2-1, 1.29 ERA, 10 saves in 10 chances, 12.86 K/9) has been excellent in McGee’s absence, so for now, Kevin Cash will play the matchups.…

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 15, 2015

    Hot Seat quick hits: Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates Most disturbing stats? — 41% decrease in K/9 from 2014; 69% increase in BB/9 from 2014; 2015 FIP and ERA each higher than his 2013 and 2014 versions combined. Harbinger of doom? — Melancon has made 16 appearances in 32 games, including the first two back-to-back-to-back save chances of his career. How’s his velocity? — Down 3.3 MPH on…