Tag: Ken Giles

  • 2016 AL West preview

    February 29, 2016 Houston Astros — Ken Giles finally became the closer in Philadelphia after the Jonathan Papelbon trade, and he excelled, collecting 15 saves and striking out 87 hitters in 70 innings. Now the 25-year-old should get the chance at his first full season as a closer — although Luke Gregerson isn’t too pleased about losing his job. Gregerson…

  • Dellin Betances and Luis Garcia head a bumper crop of save vultures

    October 2, 2015 Washington Nationals — Felipe Rivero grabbed the first save chance for the post-Papelbon Nationals, delivering two perfect innings and earning praise from Matt Williams. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer have honored Papelbon with a new handshake, and Nats fans are pledging thousands of dollars to charity if the team cuts their ex-closer and eats…

  • Drew Pomeranz records save; Jake McGee hurt

    August 20, 2015 Oakland A’s – Drew Pomeranz picked up his second save of the season last night, and when asked after the game if Pomeranz is the closer, manager Bob Melvin said “He was today.” Those three words confirm that his committee is still alive, at least for now. Sean Doolittle could rejoin the team…

  • Edward Mujica to close in Oakland; new committee in Toronto

    July 29, 2015 Oakland A’s – While still unconfirmed that he subscribes to Closer Monkey, A’s manager Bob Melvin made sure Edward Mujica will remain at the top of our hierarchy, saying before the game that Mujica will close following the Tyler Clippard trade. Mujica’s experience was the main factor in Melvin’s decision. Drew Pomeranz…

  • Ken Giles to close in Philadelphia after Papelbon trade

    July 28, 2015 Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies finally dealt away Jonathan Papelbon, clearing the 9th inning for longtime heir apparent Kenneth Giles. Giles first turned heads at the major league level in 2014, when he posted what was one of the best seasons for a reliever in the game (1.18 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 64 Ks in…