Closer Monkey

Tag: Bryan Shaw

  • Detroit is Joba-less and John Axford returns

    July 4, 2015 Detroit Tigers – Just nine days ago, Joba Chamberlain had an ERA under 2, but after it doubled thanks to a few three-run outings, the Tigers shockingly cut the former Yankee phenom, designating him (and Tom Gorzelanny) for assignment. Bruce Rondon and Al Alburquerque will slide up a few spots in the team’s late-innings hierarchy…

  • Trevor Rosenthal ready to close again; Fernando Rodney on the ascent

    June 19, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — The committee chugs along in Tampa, where Brad Boxberger earned the save on Thursday night. Boxberger allowed a hit and struck out two in a complete ninth for the save, preceded by Jake McGee in a scoreless eighth, and Kevin Jepsen pitching around two hits and a walk in the seventh. We expect…

  • A farewell to (both) arms: Pat Venditte hits the DL

    June 13, 2015 Oakland Athletics — Nothing (green and) gold can stay. Switch-pitching Pat Venditte, who started his career with 5.2 scoreless innings, became the latest Oakland player to hit the disabled list, with a frayed right labrum. And no, everyone, he can’t just pitch with his left arm, not if he wants his shoulder…

  • Ross Ohlendorf is on the trolley!

    May 23, 2015 Texas Rangers — We expected that Shawn Tolleson and Keone Kela would get Friday off after some heavy usage. What we didn’t figure was that Jeff Bannister would call on Ross Ohlendorf and his Jazz Age delivery to pick up the save. Ohlendorf, who was in the minors all last year and got called up…

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 15, 2015

    Hot Seat quick hits: Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates Most disturbing stats? — 41% decrease in K/9 from 2014; 69% increase in BB/9 from 2014; 2015 FIP and ERA each higher than his 2013 and 2014 versions combined. Harbinger of doom? — Melancon has made 16 appearances in 32 games, including the first two back-to-back-to-back save chances of his career. How’s his velocity? — Down 3.3 MPH on…