Closer Monkey

Tag: John Axford

  • Neshek picks up save, Chapman’s historic streak ends

    August 16, 2014 St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal was given the night off yesterday after throwing 24 pitches in an adventurous save on Thursday.  Pat Neshek recorded his 4th save of the season and should continue to see any save chances when Rosenthal is unavailable. Hierarchy Remains: Rosenthal | Neshek | Siegrist. Cincinnati Reds –…

  • John Axford claimed by Pirates; Brian Wilson gets knocked around

    August 15, 2014 Cleveland Indians – The Indians placed John Axford on waivers earlier this month, and yesterday, he was claimed by the Pirates, who will pick up the remaining $1.1 million of his salary. We’ll leave him off the Pirates hierarchy until we see how they’re going to use him, but in Cleveland, look for…

  • Papelbon placed on waivers; Axford earns a save

    August 5, 2014 Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon was placed on waivers Monday and is expected to clear on Wednesday. That will free him up for a trade, though he will only waive his no-trade clause if he can close elsewhere. Those options are few and far between, but if a trade is worked out, Ken…

  • Nathan continues to struggle, Hunter working his way back

    June 8, 2014 Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan continues to struggle as he gave up two runs last night in a non-save opportunity.  After the game manager Brad Ausmus reiterated that they need Nathan to be their closer.  However, Joba Chamberlain has not given up a run in his past 12 appearances and it’s possible that the…

  • Joe Nathan to Hot Seat; Ryan Cook returns

    June 4, 2014 Detroit Tigers — Hometown hero RoboCop threw out Tuesday’s first pitch; even his bounced eephus looked good up against the offerings of closer Joe Nathan, who yielded four runs in one-third of an inning to raise his ERA to 6.86. Nathan’s reduced velocity and deteriorating command has put Brad Ausmus in a difficult position: stick with his $10 million man, who reports feeling “damn good,” or give…