Closer Monkey | 2026

  • Joakim Soria to close in Texas

    March 22, 2014 Texas Rangers — Ron Washington has chosen 29-year-old Joakim Soria to close for the Rangers, citing Soria’s consistency and experience. His #1 ranking on our middle reliever list probably didn’t hurt either. With Tanner Scheppers moving into the rotation, Alexi Ogando will return to his old set-up role. Neftali Feliz’s spot on the…

  • Jonathan Broxton starting the season on the DL

    March 21, 2014 Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton will pitch again today, but manager Bryan Price announced this morning that Broxton will also start the season on the disabled list, removing all obstacles between J.J. Hoover and the ninth inning — although Price won’t anoint a specific closer. The manager’s comments suggest that Broxton will have the inside track…

  • Aroldis Chapman update

    March 20, 2014 Cincinnati Reds — UPDATE (12:38 PM): MLB.com, NBC Sports, and the Cincinnati Enquirer are reporting that Aroldis Chapman suffered a “mild concussion,” will have surgery for his facial fractures today (including the insertion of a plate), and is expected to return in six to eight weeks. No hierarchy change. . Closer . Set-Up . 2nd in line .…

  • Aroldis Chapman hit in face with line drive

    March 20, 2014 Cincinnati Reds — Wednesday’s game between the Reds and Royals was called off after Aroldis Chapman was hit in the face (WARNING: video may be disturbing) with a line drive. X-rays indicated fractures above his left eye and nose. Chapman will undergo further testing, and is a sure bet to begin the 2014 season on the disabled…

  • The top 15 middle relievers in fantasy baseball

    March 15, 2014 Our top 15 middle relievers are listed below.  These players are ranked on the likelihood that they will get saves this season, not necessarily on their efficacy.  To cite an extreme example, Craig Breslow is a great reliever who is extremely unlikely to get any save chances since he’s stuck behind Koji…

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