Closer Monkey

Tag: Jared Hughes

  • Detroit is Joba-less and John Axford returns

    July 4, 2015 Detroit Tigers – Just nine days ago, Joba Chamberlain had an ERA under 2, but after it doubled thanks to a few three-run outings, the Tigers shockingly cut the former Yankee phenom, designating him (and Tom Gorzelanny) for assignment. Bruce Rondon and Al Alburquerque will slide up a few spots in the team’s late-innings hierarchy…

  • Pat Venditte makes his major league debut; Fernando Rodney falls again

    June 6, 2015 Seattle Mariners — When Friday’s game stayed scoreless into the ninth, all-star coach Lloyd McClendon turned to the ultimate offensive catalyst — Fernando Rodney, who gave up the go-ahead home run. Apparently enamored with Rodney’s “man muscles,” the manager has steadfastly refused to consider replacing him with Carson Smith, but after this latest failure, we wouldn’t be surprised…

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: April 24, 2015

    This week, we’ll spotlight the Pirates and check in on the four committees on our depth chart. Pittsburgh Pirates We’ve already written a lot about Mark Melancon’s velocity. Now, we’ll look at the arms behind him. But before we dive in, let’s state one thing up front so the rest of this section doesn’t get…

  • Jerry Blevins injured; Neftali Feliz knocked around

    April 20, 2015 New York Mets – Jerry Blevins broke his forearm fielding a comebacker on Sunday, and will likely miss at least the next month or two. Vic Black, meanwhile, had a setback in his recovery, meaning the Mets will have to rely on Alex Torres and Buddy Carlyle in the 7th inning going forward.…

  • 2015 NL Central preview

    March 8, 2015 Chicago Cubs – The Cubs enter the season with more certainty at closer than they have had in years. Hector Rondon did not waste his opportunity last year, and enters this year with Joe Maddon already committing to him as the closer. Maddon has never been shy about using his closer in non-save…