Closer Monkey

Tag: Mike Dunn

  • No trust in Hector Rondon…yet

    April 5, 2017 Chicago Cubs — The Cubs are two games into their season and Hector Rondon’s name hasn’t been called yet. The Cubs never led on Sunday, but with a one-run lead on Tuesday, it was Koji Uehara and Pedro Strop serving as the bridge to Wade Davis. Joe Maddon wasn’t ready to panic this…

  • 2017 NL West Preview

    March 1, 2017 Arizona Diamondbacks — With swole shoulders and an ever-crooked hat, the Fernando Rodney Experience moves on to its fifth team since 2015. The 40-year-old Rodney was signed to a one-year deal, suggesting that the Diamondbacks hope to deal Rodney like the Padres did last June, turning the closer’s uber-fluky .210 BABIP and 1306(!!!) ERA+ into a…

  • Hansel Robles enduring rough stretch

    August 16, 2016 New York Mets – While the Mets have had one of the most stable bullpens in the majors this year, the dog days of summer appear to be wearing out Hansel Robles. After posting a 0.00 ERA in 10 July appearances, Robles has struggled in August, giving up 8 runs and 5…

  • Jason Grilli makes his Toronto debut

    June 2, 2016 Toronto Blue Jays — Jason Grilli made his Toronto debut on Wednesday and it was in the highest-leverage situation of the game. With two outs and two runners on in the seventh and the Blue Jays ahead, 2-0, Grilli overcame a poor pick-off attempt to retire Carlos Beltran. That usage moves him into…

  • Neftali Feliz could have a bigger-than-expected role

    April 4, 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates – With a three-run lead in the seventh inning, the Pirates went to Tony Watson first, handing the 8th inning to Neftali Feliz. Matchup-wise, it made sense, as Watson faced a pinch hitter followed by two lefties, but it was still a little bit surprising to see Feliz thrust into such…