Closer Monkey

Tag: Andrew Miller

  • Cody Allen going on paternity leave; look out for Phil Maton in San Diego

    June 22, 2017 Cleveland Indians — The vaunted Allen-for-Miller role swap is on hold, it seems. When Carlos Carrasco loaded the bases up three in the seventh, Terry Francona went right back to his 6’7″ security blanket, who pulled a Houdini, then pitched a scoreless eighth for good measure. After Bryan Shaw earned the eventual one-out…

  • All of a sudden, we have a committee in Cleveland

    June 19, 2017 Cleveland Indians – After Andrew Miller got the save in yesterday afternoon’s 5-2 victory, Terry Francona said that Allen and Miller would be temporarily trading roles. Apparently, this was Allen’s idea, and Francona was on board because, as the league’s thought leader in progressive bullpen usage, he’s fully aware that Miller usually…

  • Did we . . . break Andrew Miller?

    June 15, 2017 Cleveland Indians — Uh, guys, ever since we praised Andrew Miller by comparing him to peak-level Fernando Rodney, his ERA has quintupled, he’s given up two home runs, and he’s lost two straight games. WE DIDN’T MEAN IT, ANDREW!! COME BACK TO US!! Hierarchy remains: Allen | Miller | Shaw. San Diego…

  • Felipe Rivero making quick work of Pittsburgh’s alleged committee

    June 12, 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates – Sunday’s game made two four-out saves in two days for Felipe Rivero. If this is indeed a committee, Rivero is the clear leader, but let’s make him get one more before we remove his asterisk. And don’t panic if Juan Nicasio gets the save tonight (which he may, per…

  • Padres give Brad Hand a chance to close as they look to deal him

    May 25, 2017 San Diego Padres — Struggling Brandon Maurer got the eighth with a one-run lead over the Mets, leaving the ninth for lefty trade target Brad Hand. Not content with the normal degree of difficulty, Hand loaded the bases (on two weak singles and a walk) before escaping the inning unscathed through two…