Closer Monkey

Tag: Drew Smyly

  • Trade deadline moves abound: Veras, Downs, and Crain on the move

    July 30, 2013 Los Angeles Angels — Scott Downs was traded to Atlanta on Monday, and Ernesto Frieri had his second terrible outing in his last three appearances, blowing the save and catching the loss. If Frieri keeps this up, Dane de la Rosa and Kevin Jepsen would be Mike Scioscia’s next options to close. Jepsen…

  • Joaquin Benoit to close after Jose Valverde is designated for assignment

    June 21, 2013 Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has been designated for assignment and Joaquin Benoit will close when he is available.  Al Alburquerque was brought back up from Triple-A Toledo and could work his way into the discussion for the 9th inning if he can keep his walks down.  Hierarchy change: Joaquin Benoit to Closer, Drew…

  • Jose Valverde reaching end of his rope; Kelvin Herrera’s struggles continue

    June 20, 2013 Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera took an ugly loss on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, he was sent out to pitch the 7th inning of a game the Royals were losing.  He didn’t have a great outing then, either, giving up a run on a hit and a walk.  Until Herrera straightens…

  • Heath Bell hits the Hot Seat; Tom Wilhelmsen needed in Seattle

    June 18, 2013 Seattle Mariners — Carter Capps was summoned in the sixth inning with the Mariners trailing by two. By the time he and Charlie Furbush were done spinning their craft, Seattle was down by nine. Eric Wedge has consistently said that Tom Wilhelmsen’s “mental break” from closing will be short-lived; add that to Monday’s…

  • Tom Wilhelmsen losing grip on his job; Jose Valverde struggling

    June 13, 2013 San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson put two runners on in the 9th inning last night before being lifted for Tommy Layne.  Nick Vincent eventually got the save.  We’d normally put Gregerson on the Hot Seat after something like this — it certainly doesn’t show a lot of confidence when you pull…