June 9, 2012
Oakland A’s – Brian Fuentes blew another save last night and is now only 5 for 8 in save opportunities. Ryan Cook pitched the 8th last night and struck out the side while lowering his ERA to 0.69. When asked about the closer situation after the game Manager Bob Melvin simply said, “I don’t make a decision like that two minutes after a game.” It appears Melvin is certainly considering a change and Cook has pitched well enough to deserve a shot at closing. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Fuentes |Cook |Balfour |Cook |6/9/12
Chicago Cubs – While Dale Sveum declared that his 9th inning role a platoon, Friday was the first time since Rafael Dolis’s demotion that anyone other than James Russell was given a save opportunity for the Cubs. Shawn Camp came in to try and close the door on the Twins, but gave up the tying run in the 9th, and then the game-winning run in the 10th. While Camp struggled in his first effort in the role, Russell’s usage has been all over the place, as he’s been summoned before the 9th inning numerous times, including last night. James Russell to Hot Seat.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Russell |Camp |Coleman |Marmol |6/9/12
San Diego Padres – Andrew Cashner is being moved to the rotation. He will start today’s game, and if he pitches well, he’ll be sent to the minors to be stretched out. Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line, replacing Andrew Cashner.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSD |Street |Thayer |Gregerson |Street |6/9/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Juan Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Joel Hanrahan has pitched in back to back night and 3 out of the last 4. Juan Cruz would get the chance for the save if Hanrahan gets a night off.
2. Shawn Camp/Casey Coleman/Manny Corpas, Chicago Cubs – James Russell’s usage suggests that if he is needed earlier in the game manager Sveum will not be afraid to bring him in before the 9th and let someone else close out the game.
3. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has gotten 4 of the last 6 save opps, but Downs could still snag a save on any night if match-ups are right.
