May 2013 – Closer Monkey

Garrett Richards becoming an important man in the Angels bullpen

May 31, 2013

New York Mets – Though he’s been sabermetrically terrifying all season, Scott Rice has been real-world effective for the Mets as their go-to late-innings lefty. Until his walk rate catches up to him, Rice would probably be the man for the save if the Mets were facing a lefty-heavy ninth inning and Bobby Parnell were unavailable. Also in Mets news, Frank Francisco was transferred to the 60-day DL and may have thrown his last pitch as a Met. Hierarchy change: Scott Rice to 2nd in line, replacing LaTroy Hawkins.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
NYM		Bobby Parnell		Brandon Lyon		Scott Rice		Bobby Parnell		5/31/13
				Frank Francisco (DL)

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Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn has seen his ERA climb by nearly a point and a half over his last two outings, including an uninspiring 0.1 innings last night. Since declaring closer-by-committee a week and a half ago, there’s been little clarity in who has the lead, given how rarely the Marlins fall into a 9th inning save chance. Steve Cishek is probably still the best guy to own, if you only own one Marlins reliever, but given the lefty’s recent struggles, Mike Dunn has likely fallen behind Chad Qualls in the runner-up position. Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Mike Dunn to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
MIA		Steve Cishek		Chad Qualls		Mike Dunn		Steve Cishek		5/31/13

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Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins had the night off on Thursday, so as predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jared Burton picked up his second save of the year. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
MIN		Glen Perkins		Jared Burton		Casey Fien		Glen Perkins		5/31/13

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Houston Astros – Also predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch was a potential opportunity for Hector Ambriz, who struck out two in a solid 9th inning for his first career save. (It was a good day for the VSW, even despite Mike Matheny’s baffling decision to go to Mitchell Boggs rather than Trevor Rosenthal in the Cardinals game.) No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
HOU		Jose Veras		Hector Ambriz		Wesley Wright		Jose Veras		5/31/13

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Los Angeles Angels – Garrett Richards has pitched the 8th inning ahead of Ernesto Frieri three times in the past week and has moved ahead of Scott Downs on the depth chart. Richards now has five holds on the season, four of which have come in the last eight days. Hierarchy change: Garrett Richards to Set-up, Scott Downs to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
LAA		Ernesto Frieri		Garrett Richards		Scott Downs		Ernesto Frieri		5/31/13
				Ryan Madson (DL)

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Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams had a rocky return from the disabled list on Monday, but was back to his old form on Wednesday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jonathan Papelbon. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
PHI		Jonathan Papelbon		Mike Adams		Antonio Bastardo		Jonathan Papelbon		5/30/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in four straight and five of six. Joel Peralta has also pitched in five of six, though his day off came more recently. If Peralta can go, he’ll get the save opportunity tonight should one arise. If not, Jake McGee will get the call.
2. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – When Andrew Bailey returned from the DL a little over a week ago, John Farrell said he wouldn’t use him on back to back nights for a while. Until he proves he can do it, Junichi Tazawa is a decent add after any Bailey appearance.

Neil Wagner with impressive debut; Kyuji Fujikawa done for the year

May 30, 2013

Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden returned from the DL to pitch a scoreless inning on Wednesday. Though Cory Gearrin and Luis Avilan have pitched well in their roles as the 8th inning triage team, Walden’s experience would have to throw him into immediate consideration for saves should anything happen to Craig Kimbrel. Hierarchy change: Jordan Walden to 2nd in line, replacing Luis Avilan.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
ATL		Craig Kimbrel		Cory Gearrin		Jordan Walden		Craig Kimbrel		5/30/13
				Eric O’Flaherty (DL)

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Chicago Cubs – Reports emerged yesterday that Kyuji Fujikawa will undergo Tommy John surgery. He can safely be dropped in any non-keeper league. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CHC		Kevin Gregg		Carlos Marmol		James Russell		Kevin Gregg		5/30/13

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Toronto Blue Jays – With many of their top relievers injured, the Blue Jays on Wednesday called up their AAA closer, Neil Wagner, and immediately thrust him in to a big spot. Wagner, 29, a hard-throwing righty, pitched the 7th and 8th innings in a 3-run game before giving way to Casey Janssen. He allowed only one hit and struck out two. Wagner’s stats in AAA are very impressive (20.1 IP, 0.89 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 13 saves, and 32 Ks/8 BBs), and the lack of (healthy) closing experience in the Toronto bullpen puts him immediately in the conversation if Janssen’s recent shoulder complaints turn into something real. Hierarchy change: Neil Wagner to 2nd in line, replacing Brett Cecil.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
TOR		Casey Janssen		Steve Delabar		Neil Wagner		Sergio Santos		5/30/13
				Sergio Santos (DL)		Darren Oliver (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica has pitched in four straight.
2. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in three straight and four of five.
3. Sean Doolittle/Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in three straight. Sean Doolittle has gotten the 8th lately, but he’s pitched 4.1 innings over the past four days, and might be rested tonight as well, meaning a possible save opp for Ryan Cook.
4. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has pitched in three straight.
5. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras has pitched in three straight.

Steve Delabar could be closing soon for the Blue Jays

May 29, 2013

Toronto Blue Jays — With Darren Oliver on the disabled list with a strained shoulder, Steve Delabar has ascended to the setup role in the threadbare Jays bullpen. Right behind him is an equally overworked Brett Cecil, who has struck out eight of the last fourteen batters he’s faced. As Casey Janssen was held out of Tuesday’s game with a “tender” shoulder, Delabar may see ninth-inning action very soon. Hierarchy change: Steve Delabar to Set-up, Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, Darren Oliver to DL.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
TOR		Casey Janssen		Steve Delabar		Brett Cecil		Sergio Santos		5/29/13
				Sergio Santos (DL)		Darren Oliver (DL)

Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn entered in the eighth with a one-run lead and gave up three singles to tie the game; sent back out for the bottom of the ninth, he allowed two more singles and took the loss after Chad Qualls surrendered a game-ending hit. Those looking for clarity from this bullpen should prepare to wait two more weeks for the next save situation. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
MIA		Steve Cishek		Mike Dunn		Chad Qualls		Steve Cishek		5/29/13

New York Yankees — Joba Chamberlain was reactivated from the disabled list before Tuesday’s game. Although the Yankees’ pen has grown somewhat crowded in his absence, he should get a chance to regain his seventh-inning role. Hierarchy change: Joba Chamberlain to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
NYY		Mariano Rivera		David Robertson		Joba Chamberlain		David Robertson		5/29/13

Cleveland Indians — Chris Perez had an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed tendinitis in his right rotator cuff. The injury is not expected to be serious, and Perez should return from the disabled list on or around June 11. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CLE		Vinnie Pestano		Joe Smith		Cody Allen		Chris Perez		5/29/13
		Chris Perez (DL)

Minnesota Twins — Brian Duensing got his first save of the season on Tuesday by pitching a scoreless fourteenth inning. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
MIN		Glen Perkins		Jared Burton		Casey Fien		Glen Perkins		5/29/13

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals — Edward Mujica has pitched in three straight.
2. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Fernando Rodney and Joel Peralta have each had two straight lengthy outings.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins blew a save last night in a 29-pitch outing, and Burton is slightly better rested.
4. Sean Doolittle/Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s — Grant Balfour has had two somewhat strenuous outings back-to-back.
5. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers — Jansen has at least a putative shot at a save every night under the current Dodgers bullpen setup.

Pestano the official Indians closer; Kintzler a solid #2 in Milwaukee

May 28, 2013

Cleveland Indians — As we predicted, Terry Francona has given Vinnie Pestano the closer’s mantle in Chris Perez’s absence, insisting that the righthander’s recent drop in velocity is nothing to worry about. As for the rest of the Indians’ bullpen, Bryan Shaw was used Monday night to finish off a 4-2 loss; 2011 draft pick Cody Allen has edged him out ever-so-slightly. Hierarchy change: Cody Allen to 2nd in line, replacing Bryan Shaw.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CLE		Vinnie Pestano		Joe Smith		Cody Allen		Chris Perez		5/28/13
		Chris Perez (DL)

Milwaukee Brewers — For the second straight game, Mike Gonzalez pitched in the seventh inning of a game the Brewers were trailing. If this truly is a closer-by-committee situation — and we’re not convinced it is — Brandon Kintzler has the second seat at the table. Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Set-up, Mike Gonzalez to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
MIL		Francisco Rodriguez		Brandon Kintzler		Mike Gonzalez		Jim Henderson		5/28/13
		Jim Henderson (DL)

Chicago Cubs — Kyuji Fujikawa was indeed placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injured right forearm. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CHC		Kevin Gregg		Carlos Marmol		James Russell		Kyuji Fujikawa		5/28/13
				Kyuji Fujikawa (DL)

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers — Jansen has a shot at a save every night under the current Dodgers bullpen setup.

Fujikawa injured, Perez on DL

May 27, 2013

Chicago Cubs – Kyuji Fujikawa left yesterday’s game with a right forearm strain. It sounds similar to the injury he suffered earlier this season and he is likely to return to the DL. Hierarchy change: Carlos Marmol to Set-up, James Russell to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CHC		Kevin Gregg		Carlos Marmol		James Russell		Kyuji Fujikawa		5/27/13
				Kyuji Fujikawa (INJ)

Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez has been put on the 15-day DL with right shoulder soreness. Manager Terry Francona did not say anything about a replacement for Chris Perez in the postgame yesterday, but Vinnie Pestano seems like the logical choice. He recorded a franchise record 36 holds and also a couple saves when Perez was unavailable last season. He has struggled a little bit so far this year but Francona is impressed with what Pestano has done the past couple seasons. Joe Smith got the call yesterday in the ninth, and Peter Gammons thinks it might be Bryan Shaw while acknowledging how well Cody Allen has been pitching. We will continue to monitor this situation to see who emerges as the closer while Perez is sidelined. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CLE		Vinnie Pestano		Joe Smith		Bryan Shaw		Chris Perez		5/27/13
		Chris Perez (DL)

Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson picked up the save on Saturday but blew another one on Sunday. The blown save on Sunday was his fourth of the season and he is still very much on the hot seat. No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
BAL		Jim Johnson		Darren O’Day		Tommy Hunter		Jim Johnson		5/27/13

St. Louis Cardinals – Seth Maness picked up the win yesterday, pitching part of the sixth and seventh innings ahead of Rosenthal and Mujica. Carlos Martinez was sent down to the minors and it looks like Maness will take over his late inning role. Hierarchy change: Seth Maness to 2nd in line, replacing Carlos Martinez.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
STL		Edward Mujica		Trevor Rosenthal		Seth Maness		Jason Motte		5/27/13

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson blew the save last night and threw 37 pitches. He also pitched in Saturday so he will likely get the day off today.
2. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers – Jansen is still the best pitcher in the Dodgers bullpen and could get the save if he is not needed before the 9th inning.
3. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers – Joe Nathan has pitched 3 games in a row and 4 out of the last 5.

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