Closer Monkey

Category: toronto blue jays

  • Steve Delabar could be closing soon for the Blue Jays

    May 29, 2013 Toronto Blue Jays — With Darren Oliver on the disabled list with a strained shoulder, Steve Delabar has ascended to the setup role in the threadbare Jays bullpen. Right behind him is an equally overworked Brett Cecil, who has struck out eight of the last fourteen batters he’s faced. As Casey Janssen was held out of…

  • Kenley Jansen closes for the Dodgers; John Axford is still lousy

    May 15, 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers — After 132 pitches got Clayton Kershaw only 26 outs, Don Mattingly turned to Kenley Jansen, not Brandon League, to finish off the 2-0 win. Although Mattingly recently declared League his closer “for now,” that tepid reassurance apparently came with an expiration date. The Dodger relievers might swap roles over the next few…

  • Bell likely to replace Putz, while Tazawa is confirmed in Boston; Marmol back up, Axford back down

    May 8, 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks — J.J. Putz gave up a four-pitch walk to start the ninth Tuesday night, then immediately exited with elbow stiffness. Although Heath Bell is allowing 1.5 baserunners per inning, he has significant experience as a closer and has probably outpitched David Hernandez so far this year. Kirk Gibson might give lip service to a closer-by-committee system,…

  • Grab Edward Mujica while you still can

    April 16, 2013 Boston Red Sox — Andrew Bailey got a save opportunity in Joel Hanrahan’s absence, giving up a few hits to tie the game before settling down and earning the win in the comeback.  No hierarchy change. |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |Updated BOS |Hanrahan |Bailey |Uehara |Hanrahan |4/16/13   Toronto Blue…

  • Wilton Lopez’s struggles continue; Joaquin Benoit’s usage worth watching

    April 13, 2013 Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup picked up a three-inning save on Friday.  Loup has pitched well to start the season, but doesn’t factor in to the Blue Jays late inning hierarchy just yet.  No hierarchy change. |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |Updated TOR |Janssen |Santos |Oliver |Santos |4/13/13  …