Closer Monkey

Category: Cincinnati Reds

  • Tony Cingrani and Caleb Thielbar pitching well in relief

    June 22, 2013 Cincinnati Reds — J.J. Hoover was brought on in the 5th inning on Friday and his usage has been all over the place this season.  Tony Cingrani has made three scoreless appearances since moving to the bullpen and clearly has the stuff to pitch at the back end of games if he isn’t…

  • Heath Bell hits the Hot Seat; Tom Wilhelmsen needed in Seattle

    June 18, 2013 Seattle Mariners — Carter Capps was summoned in the sixth inning with the Mariners trailing by two. By the time he and Charlie Furbush were done spinning their craft, Seattle was down by nine. Eric Wedge has consistently said that Tom Wilhelmsen’s “mental break” from closing will be short-lived; add that to Monday’s…

  • Joaquin Benoit “will be an option” in the 9th inning going forward

    June 17, 2013 Detroit Tigers – Joaquin Benoit got the last out of the 8th inning on Sunday, then stayed on for the 9th to earn his fourth save of the year.  After the game, Jim Leyland said that Benoit “will be an option,” though he stopped well short of naming Benoit the new closer,…

  • Should Jonathan Papelbon be traded, Mike Adams has the edge for saves in Philly

    June 14, 2013 Philadelphia Phillies – The Philadelphia bullpen hasn’t been a point of strength this season, and it’s been touch-and-go in terms of getting the ball to Jonathan Papelbon, who until last night didn’t have a single save in June.  After Antonio Bastardo got knocked around on Wednesday, blowing the game in the 7th…

  • Steve Cishek blows another save; Rex Brothers strengthens his hold

    June 5, 2013 Cincinnati Reds — Although Sam LeCure gave up a two-run homer that gave the Rockies the lead, the blast broke a 10-game, 9.2-inning streak in which he had allowed no runs and only one hit. LeCure is still a strong third option in the Reds bullpen. Hierarchy change: Sam LeCure to 2nd in line,…