Closer Monkey

Tag: Ryan Madson

  • Sean Doolittle ever more likely to return to closing in Oakland

    September 17, 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates — Tony Watson converted his 13th save in the tenth inning of Friday’s game, but the real stories happened in front of him. Swingman Juan Nicasio set a club record with his 28th straight relief appearance with at least one strikeout, and Antonio Bastardo picked up the win with a clean ninth inning. Neftali Feliz hasn’t…

  • Pedro Strop injures his knee; Ken Giles will go on paternity leave soon

    August 11, 2016 Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon hasn’t pitched in nine days (sore triceps), but Joe Maddon remains confident that he’ll return soon and avoid the DL. The need became more dire when Pedro Strop left Wednesday’s game with an apparent knee injury, unable to support his own weight. Filling in admirably was 24-year-old C.J. Edwards, who has a…

  • Surprise! Cleveland uses Andrew Miller in sixth inning

    August 5, 2016 Cleveland Indians – Losers of three straight games against the hapless Minnesota Twins, the first-place Indians were desperate for a win Thursday. Things were so desperate that manager Terry Francona turned to Andrew Miller with a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning — no, not the 9th… or even the 8th. Miller…

  • Jonathan Papelbon’s struggles continue

    July 27, 2016 Washington Nationals – Jonathan Papelbon suffered his second loss in as many outings, blowing a three-run lead in the ninth without recording an out. He has now allowed six earned runs in his last two appearances, raising his ERA from 2.56 to 4.45. After the game, Papelbon’s confidence in himself hasn’t wavered,…

  • Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: American League

    July 13, 2016 Special Update (Part 1 of 2 — check back tomorrow for the National League) —– Glossary: BUY+: This player has a strong chance (at least 50%) of becoming a closer by the trade deadline. BUY: This player has a small chance (at least 20%) of becoming a closer by the trade deadline.…