Closer Monkey

Tag: Brett Cecil

  • Joel Peralta nudges his way to the front in Los Angeles

    March 26, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher and his Wilsonesque beard have endured some rough outings lately, pushing his spring ERA over 10. Although Hatcher is a virtual lock to make the team because he’s out of minor league options, Joel Peralta may have edged in front of him in the race to lead what appears to be a…

  • Chris Hatcher emerging as frontrunner for Dodgers’ closer gig

    March 19, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers – A new name has emerged in the most unsettled bullpen in the big leagues. Chris Hatcher, a former catcher (just like Kenley Jansen!) has been turning heads in camp, and some members of the media have anointed him the frontrunner for the closer job. Don Mattingly has remained…

  • 2015 Tiered Closer Rankings

    The Closer Monkey contributors pooled our collective personal closer rankings together and averaged the results; below is our composite list, sorted into tiers for your drafting convenience. Enjoy! Tier 1 – The Elite 1. Aroldis Chapman 2. Craig Kimbrel 3. Greg Holland Analysis: Not a lot needs to be said about this trio, but we’ll…

  • 2015 AL East preview

    March 6, 2015 Baltimore Orioles — It’s a bullpen bonanza in Baltimore, as the Orioles return seven pitchers from last year, a group that combined to throw 80% of the innings out of the ‘pen last year. Zach Britton saved 37 games last season after winning the job and will be back as the closer again in 2015.…

  • White Sox may be returning to closer committee

    August 28, 2014 Chicago White Sox — One day after Jake Petricka’s second straight blown save sent him to the Hot Seat, Robin Ventura tried to squeeze a two-inning save out of Javy Guerra. When Guerra hit a batter with his 33rd pitch, putting two men on with two out, it was Zach Putnam summoned for…