Closer Monkey

Tag: John Axford

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: April 10, 2015

    April 10, 2015 After elbow injuries to Joe Nathan and Jenrry Mejia and the recent demotion of Brett Cecil, three of the shakiest closers in the game have already been replaced. Who starts the season on the hot seat? And who stands to benefit if they falter? 5. Miguel Castro Koji Uehara‘s impending return means…

  • Nathan to DL; Vulture Saves highlight busy night

    April 9, 2015 Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan is heading to the DL with an elbow flexor strain. Joakim Soria will close in his absence, though Nathan will get the job back when he returns, said Brad Ausmus. Ausmus mentioned Joba Chamberlain and Ian Krol as 8th-inning candidates. Updated hierarchy: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol. New…

  • Jason Grilli best choice for saves in Atlanta

    April 6, 2015 San Diego Padres — Craig Kimbrel has moved to San Diego in a blockbuster trade and will immediately step into the closer’s role. With Kevin Quackenbush possibly going to AAA, Shawn Kelley may move into his job. Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley. Atlanta Braves — With the Opening Day salary dump of…

  • 2015 Top 15 Middle Relievers

    Our top 15 middle relievers are listed below.  These players are ranked on the likelihood that they will get saves this season, not necessarily on how good they are.  To cite an example, Kelvin Herrera is a great reliever who is unlikely to get any save chances since he’s stuck behind studs Greg Holland and…

  • 2015 NL West preview

    March 8, 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks – It’s safe to say that the closer spot was not a pillar of strength for 64-98, last-place Arizona Diamondbacks last season. The young and talented Addison Reed got worse in his switch from the American League to the National League, netting 32 saves but finishing an up-and-down season with…