Closer Monkey

Tag: JJ Hoover

  • LaTroy Hawkins and Josh Fields are first in line; Ernesto Frieri awful again

    August 7, 2013 Houston Astros — On Tuesday night, Jose Cisnero entered the game with two on and one out in the sixth inning, his team trailing by three — a vitally important spot in the game. Unfortunately for Cisnero and the Astros, he immediately surrendered a three-run homer, then scattered three walks and a solo…

  • J.J. Putz regaining his form; Manny Parra is on a roll

    July 26, 2013 Cincinnati Reds – On June 7, Manny Parra had a 7.71 ERA, a 2.40 WHIP, and seemed to be on the verge of losing his job.  But since then, he’s rattled off 18 straight scoreless appearances, turning himself into the go-to lefty in the Cincinnati bullpen.  It hasn’t been a fluke —…

  • Blake Parker picks up an extra inning save

    June 30, 2013 Chicago Cubs – Blake Parker earned his first career save on Saturday night.  Kevin Gregg had already blown a one run lead in the 9th and Carlos Villanueva pitched the 10th inning in a tie game.  Parker has pitched well since getting called up and could be an option to close when Gregg…

  • Tony Cingrani and Caleb Thielbar pitching well in relief

    June 22, 2013 Cincinnati Reds — J.J. Hoover was brought on in the 5th inning on Friday and his usage has been all over the place this season.  Tony Cingrani has made three scoreless appearances since moving to the bullpen and clearly has the stuff to pitch at the back end of games if he isn’t…

  • Steve Cishek blows another save; Rex Brothers strengthens his hold

    June 5, 2013 Cincinnati Reds — Although Sam LeCure gave up a two-run homer that gave the Rockies the lead, the blast broke a 10-game, 9.2-inning streak in which he had allowed no runs and only one hit. LeCure is still a strong third option in the Reds bullpen. Hierarchy change: Sam LeCure to 2nd in line,…