Closer Monkey

Tag: fernando rodney

  • 2015 Tiered Closer Rankings

    The Closer Monkey contributors pooled our collective personal closer rankings together and averaged the results; below is our composite list, sorted into tiers for your drafting convenience. Enjoy! Tier 1 – The Elite 1. Aroldis Chapman 2. Craig Kimbrel 3. Greg Holland Analysis: Not a lot needs to be said about this trio, but we’ll…

  • 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…

  • David Carpenter has only just begun

    August 14, 2014 Atlanta Braves — David Carpenter picked up his second high-leverage hold in four days; although Shae Simmons is nearing a return from the disabled list, memories of Carpenter’s astounding 2013 performance (and the fact that his K/9 and FIP have actually improved this year) should keep him in the top three regardless. Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Walden |…

  • Uehara and Kimbrel to return; Strop gets an edge

    April 17, 2014 Oakland A’s — It was Luke Gregerson’s turn to blow a save on Wednesday. Bob Melvin has said that he’ll consider making some changes in the bullpen on tomorrow’s off day; don’t be surprised if Jim Johnson gets back into it. Hierarchy change: Jim Johnson to 2nd in line, replacing Ryan Cook. . Closer . Set-Up . 2nd…

  • 2014 AL West bullpen preview

    March 7, 2014 Houston Astros – The Astros enter 2014 with one of the most wide open bullpens in all of baseball.  After stumbling to the finish line in 2013 with one of the worst cadre of relievers in recent memory, Houston picked up Chad Qualls, Matt Albers, and Jesse Crain to bolster the back…