September 9, 2013
New York Mets – Frank Francisco, written off by the Mets earlier this year, actually got healthy enough to make a return to the bigs, just in time to try and prove to everyone that he can still get a few outs so he can get a new contract somewhere this offseason. The Mets are likely determined to get at least a few innings out of the expensive, chair-throwing, would-be closer, and they actually sent him out in his first outing to get the last 2 outs of the 8th inning in a one run game. With Gonzalez Germen struggling in recent weeks, Francisco might actually be the best bet for saves on nights when LaTroy Hawkins is unavailable. Hierarchy change: Frank Francisco to Set-up, Gonzalez Germen to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| NYM | LaTroy Hawkins | Frank Francisco | Gonzalez Germen | Bobby Parnell | 9/9/13 | |||||
| Bobby Parnell (DL) |
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Oakland A’s – The fantasy managers out there that picked up Brett Anderson two weeks ago (no one) have now gotten three saves out of the converted perfect gamer. At this point, it doesn’t seem that outlandish to suggest that Anderson might get another long-relief save or two before the season ends, as the A’s might continue to use him in this fashion going forward. In the deepest of leagues, he might be worth an add if you’re in a very tight race for saves. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Grant Balfour | Ryan Cook | Sean Doolittle | Ryan Cook | 9/9/13 |
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Philadelphia Phillies – Despite his relative inexperience, we boldly decided to list B.J. Rosenberg as the Philadelphia set-up man last week, but then got timid after he was given five straight days off, promoting Jacob Diekman after Rosenberg was absent on several nights where an 8th-inning hold was available. So, of course, with Jonathan Papelbon unavailable yesterday, it was Rosenberg who got the 9th inning vulture save chance. He converted for his first major league save. Stick to your guns next time, Monkey! Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, Jacob Diekman to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PHI | Jonathan Papelbon | B.J. Rosenberg | Jacob Diekman | Jonathan Papelbon | 9/9/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Shawn Kelley, New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera threw two innings last night, while David Robertson and Boone Logan are dealing with lingering injuries. Shawn Kelley got the 8th on Sunday and pitched well, and could get the call tonight.
2. Luke Hochevar/Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland has pitched in two straight, three of four, and six of eight. The overworked closer might get Monday off.
3. J.J. Hoover, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in five of the last six.
