Closer Monkey

Category: Tampa Bay Rays

  • 2017 AL East Preview

    February 27, 2017 Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles once again project to have one of the best bullpens in baseball thanks to dominant closer Zach Britton, who dealt with oblique soreness last week. You may see the O’s practice a little caution with Darren O’Day, who spent time on the DL last season, but he will once…

  • Jeanmar Gomez likely to lose closer’s role Friday

    September 23, 2016 Philadelphia Phillies — While the Phillies are out of it and there’s not much time left in the season, manager Pete Mackanin is about to make a change that will impact the fantasy baseball playoffs. Mackanin is expected to announce Friday that he’s removing Jeanmar Gomez from the closer’s role, handing the job over…

  • Thanks, Chip Hale, for reading Closer Monkey

    August 26, 2016 Arizona Diamondbacks — Arizona is home to the worst bullpen in the major leagues (5.19 ERA) without anyone good enough to be considered a closer. Manager Chip Hale is searching for answers. Clearly, he must be a Closer Monkey subscriber as we pointed out yesterday that Daniel Hudson — he of 11 straight scoreless…

  • Closer changes aplenty highlight tumultuous Tuesday

    August 10, 2016 Miami Marlins – A.J. Ramos was placed on the disabled list Tuesday, and later that night Fernando Rodney picked up the save. One name to keep an eye on is Brian Ellington, who picked up his first hold of the season and lowered his ERA to 0.61. He may see more high-leverage…

  • Pirates, Nationals, and Braves deep in trade deadline drama

    July 30, 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates are fielding offers from the Nationals, Indians, and Giants for closer Mark Melancon. Although Pittsburgh is in the playoff hunt and Melancon has been one of the most effective closers in the game, the team may be looking to improve other areas of its roster while trusting some combination of…