April 2, 2013
Chicago Cubs – It took all of one game for reporters to start questioning Carlos Marmol’s role as the Cubs’ stopper. After taking over in the 9th inning, Marmol allowed three baserunners while only retiring one hitter before he was yanked for James Russell. Kyuji Fujikawa eventually got the one-out save. After the game, Dale Sveum said that Marmol was still his closer, though the quick hook shows just how little confidence the Cubs’ skipper has in the erratic righty. Fujikawa, a closer in Japan, is the best option to replace Marmol if the struggles continue. Hierarchy change: Kyuji Fujikawa to Set-up, Shawn Camp to 2nd in line. Carlos Marmol to Hot Seat.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Marmol |Fujikawa |Camp |Marmol |4/2/13
Detroit Tigers – The first save of the Detroit season went to Phil Coke, who retired the final two batters of the game. Joaquin Benoit had started the 8th and 9th innings, both of which were led off by righties, and Coke came on to face a lefty in the 9th. Al Alburquerque pitched the 7th. After the game, Jim Leyland said: “Today, it was Alburquerque, Benoit and Coke, and the next game, it might be Darin Downs, Villarreal and Dotel. That’s just the way it’s going to be. It’s nothing different from what we’ve been talking about all along.” Though Leyland’s comment suggests there is still no single reliever who will be getting the bulk of the saves in Detroit, the three relievers who pitched on Opening Day are still the three we like best. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedDET |Benoit |Coke |Alburquerque|Rondon |4/2/13
Atlanta Braves – Jonny Venters was placed on the disabled list to start the season, and reports emerged over the weekend that he was heading to visit Dr. James Andrews, which is never a good sign. Eric O’Flaherty pitched the 7th inning in the Braves’ opening day win. Hierarchy change: Eric O’Flaherty to 2nd in line, replacing Jonny Venters.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedATL |Kimbrel |Walden |O'Flaherty |Kimbrel |4/2/13
