Category: Chicago Cubs
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Zach Britton, Jenrry Mejia climb to the top of their committees
May 16, 2014 Baltimore Orioles – Two days after Tommy Hunter blew his second straight save chance, Buck Showalter summoned lefty Zach Britton to get the final three outs of a 2-1 game. Britton needed only 12 pitches to convert, registering his first career save. After the game, Showalter was noncommittal about the closer role going…
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Jim Johnson is a closer again; “lunging” hobbles Pedro Strop
May 8, 2014 Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson got the ball in the ninth inning with a 2-0 lead, and retired the side to record just his second save of the season. An easy final three outs hasn’t been Johnson’s strong suit, but it appears as if he’ll get Oakland’s save opportunities moving forward. Should he…
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Rondon’s shaky outing puts Chicago closer role in doubt; Frieri close to getting job back
May 5, 2014 Seattle Mariners – Fernando Rodney was unavailable after a 4-out save on Saturday, so Danny Farquhar got the final outs in his place. The Mariners have mixed and matched in the 8th inning all year, but this leaves no doubt that Farquhar will be the man to inherit the job if Rodney…
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Jim Johnson still on the cusp of closing; Hector Rondon nearly official
May 1, 2014 Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson remains undefeated — for his career! — when protecting an 11-run lead. Luke Gregerson, who hadn’t pitched since Saturday, got the eighth inning in this laugher, and it seems all but official that JJ will claim the next high-leverage ninth. We’ll slide him up one slot, for now. Hierarchy change: Jim Johnson to Set-Up, Sean…
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Hector Rondon has dazzling 9th inning; Raul Valdes in the mix in Houston
April 28, 2014 Baltimore Orioles – Just five days removed from giving up four earned runs to the Blue Jays, Evan Meek got knocked around again on Sunday, and has now given up 8 ERs in his last 1.1 innings pitched. It’s unlikely he’ll be trusted with any more important innings until he gets things turned…