Closer Monkey

Category: hierarchy change

  • 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…

  • Josh Fields no longer an option in Houston, Henderson to DL

    May 3, 2014 Houston Astros – Bo Porter said on Friday that Josh Fields would be used in lower-leverage situations.  Porter went on to say that he still does not have a set closer, but he mentioned Chad Qualls and Anthony Bass as the main guys he would use in the 9th. Hierarchy change: Qualls | Bass | Fields.  Milwaukee…

  • Zach Britton pitching his way out of long relief

    May 2, 2014 Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Perez came on in a save spot in the 8th inning, and then stayed on for the 9th after the Dodgers stretched their lead for his first save of the year.  He’s entrenched as the Los Angeles set-up man and stands to inherit the job should anything happen…

  • 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…

  • Too many walks in Boston and Toronto

    April 30, 2014 Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica has allowed at least one run each of the last five times he’s faced more than one batter, but John Farrell isn’t worried by his 10.00 ERA, or even the nearly sixfold increase in his walk rate. Farrell believes Mujica is struggling with his command due to infrequent use, suggesting that his role…