Closer Monkey

Tag: Matt Albers

  • Who could replace Jim Johnson as Oakland closer?

    April 10, 2014 Oakland A’s — It’s hard to raise a 15.00 ERA, but Jim Johnson pulled it off today. When asked to comment on potential replacements, Bob Melvin helpfully offered, “I’m just saying that I’m not saying anything.” Aha. We see Sean Doolittle as the best alternative, with Luke Gregerson behind him in a virtual tie…

  • Broxton back with the Reds; Santos doing well for Toronto

    April 9, 2014 Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, and though manager Bryan Price says he would like to let him “get his feet wet” before returning him to the ninth, it’s clear that he will be the Reds’ closer going forward. Meanwhile, J.J. Hoover entered in the seventh inning…

  • Houston’s committee is a real thing; Jose Veras struggles

    April 7, 2014 Chicago Cubs – Rick Renteria might be saying he’s not worried about Jose Veras, but we’re just not sure that we believe him.  Yesterday, Veras was summoned in a non-save situation and could only get two outs before being bailed out by Pedro Strop.  So far on the year, the Cubs’ closer…

  • Jim Johnson hits the Hot Seat while Josh Fields picks up the first Houston save

    April 3, 2014 Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden might have the closing experience, but through two games of the 2014 season, David Carpenter is the one racking up the 8th inning holds — Carpenter has pitched the 8th in each of the Braves’ first two wins ahead of Craig Kimbrel.  Hierarchy change: David Carpenter to…

  • Josh Fields picks up save and jumps into lead in Houston’s committee

    April 2, 2014 Houston Astros – Josh Fields picked up the save for the Astros tonight, pitching a clean inning after Matt Albers threw a strong 1.1 innings ahead of him.  Chad Qualls was nowhere to be found.  Fields said for much of the spring that he wanted the job, and Bo Porter has already talked…