Closer Monkey

Tag: Chad Qualls

  • Garrett Richards becoming an important man in the Angels bullpen

    May 31, 2013 New York Mets – Though he’s been sabermetrically terrifying all season, Scott Rice has been real-world effective for the Mets as their go-to late-innings lefty.  Until his walk rate catches up to him, Rice would probably be the man for the save if the Mets were facing a lefty-heavy ninth inning and…

  • Steve Delabar could be closing soon for the Blue Jays

    May 29, 2013 Toronto Blue Jays — With Darren Oliver on the disabled list with a strained shoulder, Steve Delabar has ascended to the setup role in the threadbare Jays bullpen. Right behind him is an equally overworked Brett Cecil, who has struck out eight of the last fourteen batters he’s faced. As Casey Janssen was held out of…

  • Rafael Betancourt out with a tight groin; Brothers and Lopez await

    May 22, 2013 Colorado Rockies — Rafael Betancourt left Tuesday night’s game with what the team immediately described as a “tight right groin” — no real surprise given its recent workload. Betancourt was initially listed as day-to-day, but if Wednesday’s MRI leads to a DL stint, it’s likely that Rex Brothers will take over the closer role. Wilton Lopez is another option if…

  • Steve Cishek closing again for Miami; Juan Cruz healthy again and pitching well

    August 18, 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates – Juan Cruz, who returned from the DL a week ago, pitched in the 7th inning last night.  Cruz should return to that role on a regular basis, especially given how shaky Chad Qualls has been lately.  Hierarchy change: Juan Cruz to 2nd in line, replacing Chad Qualls. |Closer |Set-Up…

  • Heath Bell used in the 7th one day after being named closer

    August 10, 2012 Miami Marlins – Just a day after Ozzie Guillen said that Heath Bell would be moved back in to the closer role, he sent Bell out for the 7th inning with the Marlins losing by two runs.  Guillen saying one thing and then doing another is certainly nothing new, so Bell’s usage…