Closer Monkey

Tag: JJ Putz

  • 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).…

  • J.J. Putz pulled from closer role, will attempt to regain velocity

    July 2, 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks – Kirk Gibson told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that JJ Putz would be used in lower-leverage situations for the time being.  Heath Bell will close for now, with David Hernandez behind him.  Josh Collmenter was also mentioned as a candidate for more late-inning work.  Hierarchy change: Heath Bell to Closer,…

  • Francisco Rodriguez will close… until he gets traded, anyway

    July 2, 2013 Milwaukee Brewers – We missed this one yesterday; thanks to a reader for pointing it out: Ron Roenicke said that in most situations, K-Rod will be his closer.  So we’re swapping them in our hierarchy and putting K-Rod on the Hot Seat for the time being, though Henderson should have the job back once K-Rod gets…

  • Putz back for D-Backs. Storen, Pestano, and Hunter pick up saves

    June 29, 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz will be activated from the DL on Saturday and should return to the closer role. Hierarchy change: J.J. Putz to closer, Heath Bell to Set-Up, David Hernandez to 2nd in line. . Closer . Set-Up . 2nd in line . 2014 Closer . Updated ARI J.J. Putz Heath…

  • Bell likely to replace Putz, while Tazawa is confirmed in Boston; Marmol back up, Axford back down

    May 8, 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks — J.J. Putz gave up a four-pitch walk to start the ninth Tuesday night, then immediately exited with elbow stiffness. Although Heath Bell is allowing 1.5 baserunners per inning, he has significant experience as a closer and has probably outpitched David Hernandez so far this year. Kirk Gibson might give lip service to a closer-by-committee system,…