Closer Monkey

Category: Tampa Bay Rays

  • Joel Peralta nudges his way to the front in Los Angeles

    March 26, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher and his Wilsonesque beard have endured some rough outings lately, pushing his spring ERA over 10. Although Hatcher is a virtual lock to make the team because he’s out of minor league options, Joel Peralta may have edged in front of him in the race to lead what appears to be a…

  • Chris Hatcher emerging as frontrunner for Dodgers’ closer gig

    March 19, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers – A new name has emerged in the most unsettled bullpen in the big leagues. Chris Hatcher, a former catcher (just like Kenley Jansen!) has been turning heads in camp, and some members of the media have anointed him the frontrunner for the closer job. Don Mattingly has remained…

  • 2015 AL East preview

    March 6, 2015 Baltimore Orioles — It’s a bullpen bonanza in Baltimore, as the Orioles return seven pitchers from last year, a group that combined to throw 80% of the innings out of the ‘pen last year. Zach Britton saved 37 games last season after winning the job and will be back as the closer again in 2015.…

  • Drew Storen now The Man in Washington

    September 15, 2014 Washington Nationals – Sunday’s scoreless ninth marked four straight saves (and 16 straight scoreless appearances) for Drew Storen, which is enough for him to shake his asterisk for the time being. Given the righty’s recent dominance, it’s unlikely that Rafael Soriano reclaims his job. Hierarchy remains: Storen | Clippard | Soriano. Tampa…

  • Sean Doolittle off DL, Uehara and Holland return

    September 13, 2014 Oakland A’s – Closer Sean Doolittle returned from the DL yesterday.  Manager Bob Melvin said that everyone will return to their normal roles so it sounds like Doolittle will resume closing games immediately. Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | O’Flaherty | Cook. Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica recorded another save on Friday night.  Meanwhile, Koji Uehara returned…