Closer Monkey

Tag: Eric O’Flaherty

  • Carson Smith struggling, Tommy Hunter records save for Cubs

    August 2, 2015 Seattle Mariners — Carson Smith had another rough outing on Saturday night, as he blew a one run save opportunity and took the loss.  Despite Smith’s recent troubles, manager Lloyd McClendon said he would be out there again if there was a save on Sunday.  Former closer Fernando Rodney struck out the side in the…

  • Mujica, Pomeranz could close in Oakland; Hawkins traded to Toronto

    July 28, 2015 Toronto Blue Jays – The Rockies completed a mega-trade in the wee hours this morning that sent All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and veteran set-up man LaTroy Hawkins to the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Jose Reyes, reliever Miguel Castro, minor leaguers, and cash. While the shortstops will get the headlines this morning,…

  • 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…

  • 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 AL West preview

    March 6, 2015 Houston Astros — Houston bolstered its bullpen again this offseason, bringing in ex-A Luke Gregerson (3 years, $18.5 million) and dubious All-Star Pat Neshek (2 years, $12.5 million) to challenge incumbent Chad Qualls, the oldest player in Astros camp, for the closer role. We think Gregerson has the edge over Qualls, Neshek, and Josh…