Closer Monkey

Tag: jake mcgee

  • Jake McGee on the road to recovery

    April 17, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — Injured closer Jake McGee, working his way back after arthroscopic elbow surgery in December, tossed an inning in an extended spring training game on Thursday. The Rays will decide the next step in McGee’s recovery process on Friday; he may return to the big club within two weeks. Hierarchy remains:…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Drew Storen now The Man in Washington

    September 15, 2014 Washington Nationals – Sunday’s scoreless ninth marked four straight saves (and 16 straight scoreless appearances) for Drew Storen, which is enough for him to shake his asterisk for the time being. Given the righty’s recent dominance, it’s unlikely that Rafael Soriano reclaims his job. Hierarchy remains: Storen | Clippard | Soriano. Tampa…