Closer Monkey

Category: Boston Red Sox

  • Derek Law goes to the DL and Clay Buchholz could be a key reliever

    August 29, 2016 San Francisco Giants — More bad news for the woebegone Giants over the weekend, as Derek Law, the team’s most effective reliever since the All-Star break, went on the disabled list with a right elbow strain. Law had Tommy John surgery in 2014, but says that an MRI showed only inflammation from scar tissue.…

  • Thanks, Chip Hale, for reading Closer Monkey

    August 26, 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks — Arizona is home to the worst bullpen in the major leagues (5.19 ERA) without anyone good enough to be considered a closer. Manager Chip Hale is searching for answers. Clearly, he must be a Closer Monkey subscriber as we pointed out yesterday that Daniel Hudson — he of 11 straight scoreless…

  • Fernando Rodney is still shooting arrows for Miami

    August 25, 2016 Miami Marlins — It wasn’t a huge surprise when Don Mattingly called on Fernando Rodney in a save situation on Wednesday, and it certainly didn’t shock anyone when Rodney loaded the bases, then managed to escape. But it was unusual when the manager suggested he might leave Rodney in the closer role down…

  • Papelbon Watch reaches Day Six

    August 19, 2016 Free Agency — There’s still no news on Jonathan Papelbon. The longtime closer has been tied to at least the Red Sox and Cubs, which makes sense given the pitcher’s connection to both clubs. It’s now been more than 24 hours since we were expected to learn his decision, so who knows what’s…

  • Jonathan Papelbon could return to the Red Sox Thursday

    August 18, 2016 Exile — Just when you thought you were safe from the DL DC Strangler, the Red Sox look like they’re ready to bring him home. John Farrell evidently called him. David Ortiz wants to give him a hug. GM Mike Hazen was good for a backhanded compliment on the radio (“a little crazy goes a long way”). Although…