Closer Monkey

Year: 2016

  • Jeurys Familia blows his first (regular-season) save in a year

    July 28, 2016 New York Mets — Pour one out for Jeurys Familia’s 52-game regular-season save streak, the third-longest in MLB history (behind Tom Gordon and Eric Gagne). Familia’s streak is survived by Zach Britton’s 34-game regular-season save streak, Tony Wolters’s five-game hitting streak, and Vin Scully’s 67-year streak of being awesome. Hierarchy remains: Familia |…

  • Jonathan Papelbon’s struggles continue

    July 27, 2016 Washington Nationals – Jonathan Papelbon suffered his second loss in as many outings, blowing a three-run lead in the ninth without recording an out. He has now allowed six earned runs in his last two appearances, raising his ERA from 2.56 to 4.45. After the game, Papelbon’s confidence in himself hasn’t wavered,…

  • Aroldis Chapman on the move; two young righties are dominating

    July 26, 2016 Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias appears to have firmly established himself as the Reds’ go-to set-up man for closer Tony Cingrani. In his last two appearances, Iglesias has been perfect, taking care of the 7th and 8th innings each time. If you are in a holds league, Iglesias could be a big…

  • Aroldis Chapman traded to Cubs

    July 25, 2016 Chicago Cubs – It’s official — Aroldis Chapman is headed to the Cubs. He’ll close for them immediately, pushing Hector Rondon into a set-up role and Pedro Strop into the 7th inning. The trifecta gives the Cubs one of the strongest bullpens in the league as they head into the stretch run.…

  • Aroldis Chapman to Cubs deal appears imminent

    July 25, 2016 Chicago Cubs – It’s been widely reported that Aroldis Chapman is likely on his way to the Cubs in exchange for megaprospect Gleyber Torres, though the two clubs are still working out details and the deal hasn’t been finalized yet. Chapman is one of only a handful of relievers in the league that…