Closer Monkey

Tag: Bryan Shaw

  • It’s Vulture Save season

    September 3, 2014 St. Louis Cardinals — As we speculated on Tuesday morning, Pat Neshek picked up a vulture save with Trevor Rosenthal getting a night off. In other news, Jason Motte returned from the disabled list on Tuesday; time will tell whether a high-leverage role for him is in the cards. Hierarchy remains: Rosenthal | Neshek…

  • Jonathan Broxton acquired by Brewers, will set-up for K-Rod

    September 1, 2014 Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers acquired Jonathan Broxton from the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday and the big righty will share set-up duties with lefty Will Smith. With Francisco Rodriguez set to become a free agent next year — and Broxton under contract for $9 million — he’s among the favorites to close…

  • Matt Lindstrom returns from the DL

    August 13, 2014 Chicago White Sox — Matt Lindstrom was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday; although Jake Petricka will retain the closer role, Robin Ventura indicated that Lindstrom will be used in high-leverage spots going forward. Just to make things interesting, Petricka blew Tuesday night’s save and needed Zach Putnam’s help to escape without a loss. Updated hierarchy: Petricka |…

  • Joe Nathan to Hot Seat; Ryan Cook returns

    June 4, 2014 Detroit Tigers — Hometown hero RoboCop threw out Tuesday’s first pitch; even his bounced eephus looked good up against the offerings of closer Joe Nathan, who yielded four runs in one-third of an inning to raise his ERA to 6.86. Nathan’s reduced velocity and deteriorating command has put Brad Ausmus in a difficult position: stick with his $10 million man, who reports feeling “damn good,” or give…

  • Kevin Gregg back with the Marlins

    June 3, 2014 Miami Marlins – An old friend has returned to Miami, as the Marlins signed former closer Kevin Gregg to a minor-league contract. They plan to call him up after a couple weeks in the minors, but despite 33 saves for the Cubs last season, Gregg is not expected to factor into the…