Closer Monkey | 2026

  • John Axford out; Indians to close with Allen-led committee

    May 10, 2014 Cleveland Indians — Terry Francona announced this afternoon that John Axford will be replaced in the closer role by a committee that could include Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Scott Atchison, and even Marc “Scrabble” Rzepczynski. We’re betting that Allen will take the job and make it his own. Hierarchy change: Allen | Shaw | Atchison.

  • Cody Allen picks up save, Chapman close to returning

    May 10, 2014 Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen recorded his first save of the season last night.  The Indians brought on John Axford for the 9th with a 4-run lead.  Axford gave up 2 hits and 2 walks and Cody Allen came on with the bases loaded.  Allen got James Loney to fly out for his…

  • Andrew Miller, Jason Frasor move up to 8th inning roles

    May 9, 2014 Boston Red Sox – The Red Sox were idle on Thursday, but with set-up man Junichi Tazawa struggling, they’re talking about an increased role for hard-throwing lefty Andrew Miller. Miller, once a megaprospect with the Tigers, had a great 2013 in relief for Boston and has been even better this year, posting…

  • Jim Johnson is a closer again; “lunging” hobbles Pedro Strop

    May 8, 2014 Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson got the ball in the ninth inning with a 2-0 lead, and retired the side to record just his second save of the season. An easy final three outs hasn’t been Johnson’s strong suit, but it appears as if he’ll get Oakland’s save opportunities moving forward. Should he…

  • J.J. Putz hits the DL; Aroldis Chapman not cut out for Triple-A

    May 7, 2014 Arizona Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz has been moved to the disabled list due to the dreaded forearm tightness. Oliver Perez and Joe Thatcher should see their roles expand in his absence. Hierarchy change: Reed | Ziegler | Perez. Los Angeles Angels — Ernesto Frieri enraged the insane Twitter user contingent of the Angel fan base by giving up his sixth home run in 14 1/3 innings to lose…

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