Closer Monkey

Tag: Grant Balfour

  • Miguel Castro blows save, Wade Davis replaces Holland as closer

    April 19, 2015 Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro blew his first save of the season yesterday.  This was the first earned run given up by Castro, who has gotten off to a good start to the season much to the delight of the scout who signed him.   Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless 10th and picked…

  • Brad Boxberger tightens his hold in Tampa; Andrew Miller on the rise for the Yankees

    April 11, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour entered in the fifth inning of Friday’s game with the Rays down seven, a solid indication that he’s not the first choice for high-leverage setup work in Tampa. Kevin Cash has also shown no indication that he’s using a closer committee, with Brad Boxberger getting enough endgame opportunities to shed his asterisk. Boxberger should…

  • Jason Grilli best choice for saves in Atlanta

    April 6, 2015 San Diego Padres — Craig Kimbrel has moved to San Diego in a blockbuster trade and will immediately step into the closer’s role. With Kevin Quackenbush possibly going to AAA, Shawn Kelley may move into his job. Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley. Atlanta Braves — With the Opening Day salary dump of…

  • Boxberger and Mujica expected to see save chances to start season

    March 30, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays have several options to close while Jake McGee is out.  Grant Balfour should be ready for the start of the season after missing a couple weeks due to the passing away of his father.  However, it looks like Brad Boxberger will see the most save chances.  Boxberger had over 100 strikeouts last…

  • Joel Peralta nudges his way to the front in Los Angeles

    March 26, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher and his Wilsonesque beard have endured some rough outings lately, pushing his spring ERA over 10. Although Hatcher is a virtual lock to make the team because he’s out of minor league options, Joel Peralta may have edged in front of him in the race to lead what appears to be a…