Closer Monkey

Tag: Junichi Tazawa

  • 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,…

  • A new closer every day in Boston

    May 7, 2013 Boston Red Sox — Joel Hanrahan’s ignoble return to the Boston bullpen lasted for precisely four batters, one of whom tapped him for a game-tying home run. To add injury to insult (and injury), Hanrahan left shortly thereafter with “right forearm tightness.” We believe Junichi Tazawa has a slight edge over Koji Uehara, but either…

  • Another game, another Red Sox closer down

    May 7, 2013 Boston Red Sox — Joel Hanrahan’s ignoble return to the Boston bullpen lasted for precisely four batters, one of whom tapped him for a game-tying home run. To add injury to insult (and injury), Hanrahan left shortly thereafter with “right forearm tightness.” We believe Junichi Tazawa has a slight edge over Koji…

  • Andrew Bailey hits DL, Joel Hanrahan to close for Red Sox

    May 6, 2013 Boston Red Sox – After undergoing an MRI today, Andrew Bailey has been placed on the disabled list with a sore biceps.  Joel Hanrahan will close in his stead.  Hierarchy change: Joel Hanrahan to Closer, Koji Uehara to Set-up, Junichi Tazawa to 2nd in line. |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer…

  • Junichi Tazawa off to sparkling start; Joaquin Benoit finally notches a save

    April 18, 2013 Boston Red Sox – Junichi Tazawa pitched two sterling innings last night, striking out 4 in the process, as he bridged the gap between starter and 8th inning man Koji Uehara.  Tazawa has allowed only 1 run in 8 innings this season, and has a K/BB ratio of 8/0 thus far.  Hierarchy…