Closer Monkey

Category: Chicago Cubs

  • Is Jose Leclerc leading the committee in Texas?

    August 2, 2017 [EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re running our Donation Drive this week. As always, we are extremely grateful for your support!] Texas Rangers – If the last two games are any indication, Alex Claudio is perhaps not the preferred arm in the ninth inning for the Rangers. With Texas trailing by a run, Claudio pitched…

  • Shane Greene closing after Justin Wilson trade; Jim Johnson moved to committee

    July 31, 2017 Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson has lost his position at the top of the Atlanta bullpen, and will now share duties with a handful of other relievers. Arodys Vizcaino is the best reliever to own right now, as he would’ve gotten the save chance last night, had the Braves taken the lead.…

  • Shane Greene likely to close in Detroit after Justin Wilson traded to Cubs

    July 31, 2017 Detroit Tigers — The Tigers shipped Justin Wilson to the Cubs on Sunday night, pending a medical review. Shane Greene should be the first choice for saves now in Detroit, with Bruce Rondon and Alex Wilson behind him. Updated hierarchy: Greene | Rondon | A. Wilson. Chicago Cubs — The Cubs bolstered their…

  • Juan Nicasio well-positioned in Pittsburgh; Adam Ottavino returns for the Rockies

    June 10, 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates — Hours after officially losing his job, Tony Watson was back in the ninth inning for the Pirates. Granted, they were down five at the time, but he did pitch a clean inning. Clint Hurdle said that he’ll use a committee for saves going forward, but we give Juan Nicasio…

  • Tony Watson’s days as Pirates closer may be numbered

    June 7, 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Watson gave up a two-run homer in Tuesday’s ninth inning to send the game to extra innings, a game the Pirates eventually lost. His fourth blown save of the year came after Felipe Rivero struck out two and lowered his ERA to 0.60. Clint Hurdle was noncommittal after the game but did note…