Closer Monkey

Tag: Jose Veras

  • Craig Kimbrel: human after all

    September 18, 2013 Atlanta Braves — A blown save on Tuesday and three earned runs in his last two appearances should eliminate Craig Kimbrel from any misguided Cy Young consideration. No hierarchy change. . Closer . Set-Up . 2nd in line . 2014 Closer . Updated ATL Craig Kimbrel David Carpenter Jordan Walden Craig Kimbrel 9/18/13 . San Diego…

  • Melancon could remain Pirates closer even after Grilli’s return

    September 3, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon’s outstanding performance as the Bucs’ interim closer could give Clint Hurdle the luxury of easing Jason Grilli back into high-leverage use. Grilli struck out the side in his Monday rehab appearance with the Altoona Curve; he’s expected to make one last rehab appearance on Wednesday for AAA playoff team Indianapolis, unless the…

  • Aaron Crow falling out of favor in Kansas City; Tom Wilhelmsen called up

    September 2, 2013 Kansas City Royals – Aaron Crow, who spent the better part of two months as a rock-solid 8th inning man, has fallen out of favor over the last few weeks in Kansas City.  He hasn’t been particularly awful — despite a few recent hiccups, he still sports a 3.09 ERA for the…

  • Rafael Betancourt could be on a short leash; Tommy Hunter picks up save

    August 22, 2013 Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt’s third outing since returning from the DL ended in a blown save.  Betancourt has been reliable all year, and had posted two scoreless appearances since his return.  But he’s also 38 years old, and the Rockies are well out of the playoff race.  With Rex Brothers flourishing…

  • Trade deadline moves abound: Veras, Downs, and Crain on the move

    July 30, 2013 Los Angeles Angels — Scott Downs was traded to Atlanta on Monday, and Ernesto Frieri had his second terrible outing in his last three appearances, blowing the save and catching the loss. If Frieri keeps this up, Dane de la Rosa and Kevin Jepsen would be Mike Scioscia’s next options to close. Jepsen…