Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey | 2026

  • With the Nats still shopping, Ryan Madson isn’t closing just yet

    July 18, 2017 Washington Nationals – In case you didn’t see our updated post from yesterday, we jumped the gun a bit on Ryan Madson, though we still think he’s the most likely candidate to grab hold of the 9th inning. However, the Nationals are still apparently looking for additional bullpen help, so Madson’s spot…

  • Nationals leaning toward Ryan Madson as their new closer

    July 17, 2017 Washington Nationals – It’s been nearly a full day since the Nationals traded for Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle, and finally this morning, we got some insight into how they’ll be used: GM Mike Rizzo told MLB Radio in an interview that the team initially targeted Madson and would not use a closer-by-committee.…

  • Alex Claudio moves to the top of the committee in Texas

    July 16, 2017 Texas Rangers — Alex Claudio notched his second consecutive save for the Rangers.  Jose Leclerc got the last out of the eighth and came back out to start the ninth.  However, after Leclerc walked the leadoff man, Claudio came on to face the lefty Hosmer.  Claudio struck Hosmer out and then got Salvatore…

  • The Nationals are ever more desperate for a closer

    July 15, 2017 Washington Nationals — When Matt Albers loaded the bases in the ninth inning with a five-run lead, it gave Matt Grace a chance to earn his first career save. Albers’s struggles highlight Washington’s continuing weakness in the bullpen, which we expect to be addressed through trade in the next two weeks. K-Rod,…

  • Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: National League

    July 13, 2017 Special Update (Part 2 of 2 — read Part 1 here) —– 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 player…

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