Closer Monkey

Category: Philadelphia Phillies

  • Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: National League

    July 16, 2015 Special Update (Part 2 of 2 — click here for the American League) —– Glossary: BUY+: This player has a strong chance (at least 50%) of becoming a closer by the trade deadline. BUY: This player has a small chance (at least 20%) of becoming a closer by the trade deadline. SELL: This…

  • Bobby Parnell returns; Jonathan Papelbon trade rumors heat up

    June 12, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — It was a bad seventh inning for the Rays bullpen Thursday night. Up 2-1, manager Kevin Cash went with Kevin Jepsen, who allowed the tying run before getting yanked. Brad Boxberger came into the game with men on first and third with one out and the 1-2-3 hitters…

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 29, 2015

    With all the closer changes so far this season, it’s easy to see the value in owning guys who are first in line.  But while it’s always nice to have a new closer, wouldn’t it be even better to get the next dominant one?  Back in 2012, Greg Holland was first in line to saves for the Royals,…

  • Brad Ziegler at the head of a crowded Arizona committee picture

    May 16, 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks — We warned you in Thursday night’s Hot Seat column that Addison Reed was in grave danger of losing his job; not 15 hours later, he was relegated to the fabled “low-pressure role,” to deal with his (mechanical) issues and get more “regular work.” Skipper Chip Hale mentioned Brad Ziegler by name as a potential…

  • Mark Melancon’s woes continue; Joe Nathan nears return

    April 22, 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon had another rough outing on Tuesday in what has been a less than stellar year for the Pirates closer. His velocity has been down all season and his ERA moved to 8.53 after he allowed three runs on Tuesday. Melancon doesn’t “pay attention” to the drop in his fastball and…