Closer Monkey

Tag: mark melancon

  • Pat Venditte makes his major league debut; Fernando Rodney falls again

    June 6, 2015 Seattle Mariners — When Friday’s game stayed scoreless into the ninth, all-star coach Lloyd McClendon turned to the ultimate offensive catalyst — Fernando Rodney, who gave up the go-ahead home run. Apparently enamored with Rodney’s “man muscles,” the manager has steadfastly refused to consider replacing him with Carson Smith, but after this latest failure, we wouldn’t be surprised…

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 22, 2015

    With Addison Reed and Neftali Feliz now stuck in committees behind more effective pitchers, who’s left to discuss on the Hot Seat? You (and your leaguemates) already know Sean Doolittle is on a rehab assignment, giving up hard singles to Josh Hamilton, and planning to return as soon as this weekend. It’s no secret that Brett Cecil and Jason Grilli can’t be trusted, or that A.J.…

  • Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 15, 2015

    Hot Seat quick hits: Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates Most disturbing stats? — 41% decrease in K/9 from 2014; 69% increase in BB/9 from 2014; 2015 FIP and ERA each higher than his 2013 and 2014 versions combined. Harbinger of doom? — Melancon has made 16 appearances in 32 games, including the first two back-to-back-to-back save chances of his career. How’s his velocity? — Down 3.3 MPH on…

  • Weekly Hot Seat update: May 1, 2015

    Hot Seat spotlight: This week, the spotlight shines on Steve Cishek, who has struggled with both command and velocity in the early going. To the naked eye, Cishek hasn’t been quite as bad as his 9.82 ERA suggests. Take away his two worst outings, and he’s only allowed one run and three baserunners in six appearances.…

  • 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…