Closer Monkey

Tag: Aroldis Chapman

  • Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: National League

    July 16, 2015 Special Update (Part 2 of 2 — click here for the American League) —– 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…

  • Bruce Rondon throws first major-league pitch in two years; two closers make returns

    June 26, 2015 Detroit Tigers – Bruce Rondon is back, and the timing couldn’t be any better for the Tigers. Rondon struck out the only two batters he faced to close the sixth inning. Bullpen mate Joba Chamberlain was not nearly as impressive, coughing up three runs to put the game out of reach. Chamberlain is…

  • Steve Delabar, J.J. Hoover earn saves; Enrique Burgos is back

    June 25, 2015 Toronto Blue Jays – Steve Delabar picked up his first save of the season yesterday in the 12th inning after Roberto Osuna got the final out of the 9th in a then-scoreless game. Osuna is still the leading candidate for saves going forward, but Delabar stands to play an important role in…

  • Jake McGee back in the mix for Tampa; Carson Smith worth watching

    May 15, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — Matt Andriese had a rare four-inning save Thursday night against the Yankees, before getting sent down to make room for the returning Jake McGee. Brad Boxberger (2-1, 1.29 ERA, 10 saves in 10 chances, 12.86 K/9) has been excellent in McGee’s absence, so for now, Kevin Cash will play the matchups.…

  • Yimi Garcia and A.J. Ramos excelling; complications for Bobby Parnell

    April 25, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers — With 16 strikeouts in nine appearances, rookie Yimi Garcia has been the best pitcher in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. On Friday night, he finally got a shot at closing — and he mowed down the Padres with two strikeouts and a foul pop. Don Mattingly isn’t ready to abandon the committee system, but Garcia will surely…