Tag: james russell
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Jim Johnson is a closer again; “lunging” hobbles Pedro Strop
May 8, 2014 Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson got the ball in the ninth inning with a 2-0 lead, and retired the side to record just his second save of the season. An easy final three outs hasn’t been Johnson’s strong suit, but it appears as if he’ll get Oakland’s save opportunities moving forward. Should he…
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Tom Wilhelmsen on verge of winning job back; Blake Parker worth stashing
July 3, 2013 Seattle Mariners – Eric Wedge said prior to Tuesday’s game that Tom Wilhelmsen was close to regaining his closer status, and that the righty would be given another outing or two in a set-up role, and if those go well, he’d return to his old job (Mariners closer, that is, not bartender).…
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Someone needs to stop Brandon League; Marmol and Herrera disappear
June 26, 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted, the Dodgers gave Kenley Jansen the night off and went to Brandon League with a three-run lead in the ninth — but League gave up three straight hits to quickly make it a one-run game. Paco Rodriguez took over and allowed another single before retiring the next…
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Joaquin Benoit “will be an option” in the 9th inning going forward
June 17, 2013 Detroit Tigers – Joaquin Benoit got the last out of the 8th inning on Sunday, then stayed on for the 9th to earn his fourth save of the year. After the game, Jim Leyland said that Benoit “will be an option,” though he stopped well short of naming Benoit the new closer,…
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Rafael Betancourt out with a tight groin; Brothers and Lopez await
May 22, 2013 Colorado Rockies — Rafael Betancourt left Tuesday night’s game with what the team immediately described as a “tight right groin” — no real surprise given its recent workload. Betancourt was initially listed as day-to-day, but if Wednesday’s MRI leads to a DL stint, it’s likely that Rex Brothers will take over the closer role. Wilton Lopez is another option if…