Closer Monkey

Tag: Jonathan Papelbon

  • Jake McGee back in the mix for Tampa; Carson Smith worth watching

    May 15, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays — Matt Andriese had a rare four-inning save Thursday night against the Yankees, before getting sent down to make room for the returning Jake McGee. Brad Boxberger (2-1, 1.29 ERA, 10 saves in 10 chances, 12.86 K/9) has been excellent in McGee’s absence, so for now, Kevin Cash will play the matchups.…

  • Yimi Garcia and A.J. Ramos excelling; complications for Bobby Parnell

    April 25, 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers — With 16 strikeouts in nine appearances, rookie Yimi Garcia has been the best pitcher in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. On Friday night, he finally got a shot at closing — and he mowed down the Padres with two strikeouts and a foul pop. Don Mattingly isn’t ready to abandon the committee system, but Garcia will surely…

  • 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…

  • 2015 Tiered Closer Rankings

    The Closer Monkey contributors pooled our collective personal closer rankings together and averaged the results; below is our composite list, sorted into tiers for your drafting convenience. Enjoy! Tier 1 – The Elite 1. Aroldis Chapman 2. Craig Kimbrel 3. Greg Holland Analysis: Not a lot needs to be said about this trio, but we’ll…

  • 2015 NL East Preview

    March 9, 2015 Atlanta Braves – In 2012, Craig Kimbrel reached a milestone that no pitcher had ever reached before, striking out more than 50 percent (116 out of 231) of the batters that he faced. Kid K hasn’t managed that feat in the two years since; he’s merely settled for being arguably the best…