Category: hierarchy change

  • Astros likely to go with committees to start season

    March 23, 2014 Houston Astros — Manager Bo Porter has said that he will go with the dreaded closer by committee to start the season.  Chad Qualls has the experience, so we still expect him to see the most save chances, at least at the beginning of the season.  Josh Fields, Matt Albers, and lefty Kevin…

  • Joakim Soria to close in Texas

    March 22, 2014 Texas Rangers — Ron Washington has chosen 29-year-old Joakim Soria to close for the Rangers, citing Soria’s consistency and experience. His #1 ranking on our middle reliever list probably didn’t hurt either. With Tanner Scheppers moving into the rotation, Alexi Ogando will return to his old set-up role. Neftali Feliz’s spot on the…

  • Jonathan Broxton starting the season on the DL

    March 21, 2014 Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton will pitch again today, but manager Bryan Price announced this morning that Broxton will also start the season on the disabled list, removing all obstacles between J.J. Hoover and the ninth inning — although Price won’t anoint a specific closer. The manager’s comments suggest that Broxton will have the inside track…

  • Joe Smith, Justin Masterson leading Indians committee into postseason

    September 27, 2013 Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez is officially out as closer, and will be replaced by a committee of relievers that includes most of the bullpen.  Former No. 1 starter Justin Masterson, recovering from an oblique injury, is among the best bets for the 9th inning, as mentioned this morning.  Joe Smith is…

  • An unsettled bullpen for the Cardinals’ stretch run

    September 24, 2013 St. Louis Cardinals — Over the weekend, the Cardinals demoted Edward Mujica from the closer role in favor of a committee, and on Monday night, erstwhile set-up man Trevor Rosenthal picked up its first save. Other possible committee members include Carlos Martinez, former closer John Axford, and lefty Kevin Siegrist — who got the…