Closer Monkey

Category: Los Angeles Angels

  • Joe Nathan to Hot Seat; Ryan Cook returns

    June 4, 2014 Detroit Tigers — Hometown hero RoboCop threw out Tuesday’s first pitch; even his bounced eephus looked good up against the offerings of closer Joe Nathan, who yielded four runs in one-third of an inning to raise his ERA to 6.86. Nathan’s reduced velocity and deteriorating command has put Brad Ausmus in a difficult position: stick with his $10 million man, who reports feeling “damn good,” or give…

  • Jeurys Familia ascending; Frieri and Smith swap save opps

    May 15, 2014 New York Mets — As we reported late Wednesday night, Kyle Farnsworth was released by the Mets in a bizarre, cost-cutting move, two days after he picked up a save against the Yankees. Collins promised a closer committee, and we think Jeurys Familia is the best-positioned of that bunch, followed by Jose Valverde. We’ll leave Jenrry Mejia ahead…

  • Tommy Hunter could lose his job; Mets and A’s closing by committee

    May 14, 2014 Baltimore Orioles — After an overturned call on a Rajai Davis steal, Tommy Hunter blew his second straight save and boasts a 21.60 ERA over his last four appearances. Hunter has allowed 29 baserunners in his 15 IP so far this year, and the cries to replace him are getting louder. Buck Showalter is speaking in generalities thus…

  • Chapman back as closer, Joe Smith picks up save

    May 11, 2014 Cincinnati Reds — The Reds officially activated Aroldis Chapman from the disabled list before yesterday’s game, and manager Bryan Price has said that he won’t hesitate to go to Chapman in a save opportunity. Hierarchy change: Chapman | Broxton | LeCure. Los Angeles Angels — Joe Smith picked up the save yesterday, but he made it interesting.  Smith came…

  • Cody Allen picks up save, Chapman close to returning

    May 10, 2014 Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen recorded his first save of the season last night.  The Indians brought on John Axford for the 9th with a 4-run lead.  Axford gave up 2 hits and 2 walks and Cody Allen came on with the bases loaded.  Allen got James Loney to fly out for his…