Tag: Jeff Hoffman
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Monkey Bytes, April 16: Hader struggles in a non-save outing, Yates shuts the door on his first save, Game Recaps, and more
Preseason plans often go awry in the world of high leverage, but the recent reversal of fortunes for teams in Texas remains a surprise. Houston has only won six of its first 18 games and yielded one save in them. However, the usage patterns by the team’s new manager proves more confounding for those rostering…
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Monkey Bytes, April 14: Holmes records his sixth save, Phillips holds on for his fifth, Game Recaps, and more
Saturday’s 17-game slate only yielded seven saves, with two being a reliever’s first of the season. However, the high-leverage events of interest get covered in today’s Monkey Bytes, along with quick hit observations, and potential vulture options for the saves chasers in our community. American League (Game Recaps from April 13) Detroit Tigers – (Game…
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Monkey Bytes, April 11: Minnesota’s hierarchy remains fluid, Kimbrel nails down his second, Scott holds on for his first, Game Recaps, and more
Wednesday’s split slate provided some high-leverage events of interest, including a frustrating one by the Twins bullpen, but without Jhoan Durán, it’s apparent Griffin Jax will be the HLR (highest-leveraged reliever), not the primary save share, plan accordingly. Minnesota Twins – Recording his first major league save, Steven Okert navigated around a one-out pinch-hit single by…
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Monkey Bytes, April 9: Phillies “floating closer” concept resurfaces, Helsley suffers a loss, Game Recaps, Injury Notes, and more
After recording his team’s first two saves, José Alvarado appeared in the eighth, matching up with a left-handed lineup pocket, not as a traditional closer. This readjusts the leverage ladder which felt like it was stabilizing, but as this game points out, did not. There were other events of interest in the 13-game slate, covered…
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Monkey Bytes, March 30: Uribe records Milwaukee’s first save, Phillips nails down his second, Muñoz retires four four his first, Game Recaps, and more
Before delving into Friday’s high-leverage events of interest, a note about matching up with lineup pockets. Teams designated as closer-by-committees can be deceiving when focusing on a limited sample. Before a series, some managers will sit down with their relievers and provide them with which pocket they will face, not necessarily which inning they will…