Closer Monkey

Tag: Kevin Jepsen

  • Joe Smith locked into the closer role; Sergio Romo bouncing back

    July 14, 2014 Los Angeles Angels – At one point, Mike Scioscia went out of his way to explain that he really wanted Joe Smith back in a middle relief role, where he could use him to get tough outs in the 7th and 8th innings. Well, those days are gone — Smith is locked…

  • Joe Smith tightening his grip on Angels’ closer gig

    June 27, 2014 Los Angeles Angels – That Joe Smith is one shrewd sidearmer. After inheriting three of Ernesto Frieri’s baserunners with two out in a 5-run 9th inning last night, Smith cleverly allowed a double to the first hitter he faced, plating all three runs and raising Frieri’s ERA to 6.39. Then he looked…

  • Kevin Jepsen gets save chance for Angels, Coke picks up save

    June 22, 2014 Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepson got the call in the 9th inning last night to protect a one-run lead, and he promptly gave up the game-tying home run to the first batter he faced.  Mike Scioscia had good things to say about Jepsen the other day after Frieri blew the save.  However,…

  • 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…

  • Jason Grilli blows another save; Kyle Farnsworth replaces Jose Valverde

    April 21, 2014 Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepsen has always been a favorite of Mike Scioscia, but Jepsen just isn’t getting it done so far this year, as he currently sports an ERA north of 7.  Michael Kohn, meanwhile, has gotten an occasional 8th inning opportunity this year, and after logging another scoreless inning…