K-Rod makes a surprise return

March 31, 2014

Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers fans and Jim Henderson owners were shocked to see Francisco Rodriguez pick up the save on Opening Day; after the game, manager Ron Roenicke apparently said that K-Rod would close and Henderson would move to middle relief until he “feels better.” Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, Jim Henderson to Set-Up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
MILFrancisco RodriguezJim HendersonBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson3/31/14

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Matt Lindstrom to close for the White Sox

March 31, 2014

Chicago White Sox – Crazy old Robin Ventura is going with Matt Lindstrom as his closer to start the year.  Nate Jones is still worth hanging on to for a while, in case Lindstrom has a tough start out of the gate.  Hierarchy change: Matt Lindstrom to Closer, Nate Jones to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromNate JonesDaniel WebbNate Jones3/31/14

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Carlos Martinez to pitch the 8th for Cardinals; Casey Janssen injured

March 31, 2014

Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson pitched a scoreless inning in Australia, but his first 2014 appearance in the states wasn’t a memorable one, as he gave up three runs and took the loss against the Padres.  Wilson’s 8th inning gig isn’t in danger yet, but there are lots of former closers hanging out in the Los Angeles bullpen, so Don Mattingly has other options if Wilson’s hiccup turns into something worse.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenBrian WilsonChris PerezKenley Jansen3/31/14

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Chicago White Sox – The White Sox apparently know who their closer is.  They just aren’t revealing it publicly yet.  The names that have been mentioned over the last several weeks are Nate Jones, Matt Lindstrom, and Daniel Webb, with Jones being considered the heavy favorite by most beat writers.  We’d like to say for certain that it’s one of those three, but two years ago, Robin Ventura started the season off by surprising everyone and using Hector Santiago as his closer.  We’ll monitor this situation throughout the day and will send an alert if anyone other than Jones is revealed to be the stopper.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWNate JonesMatt LindstromDaniel WebbNate Jones3/30/14

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St. Louis Cardinals – Carlos Martinez had a solid spring and was considered by some to be a favorite to win the 5th starter position in St. Louis, but the club recently announced that they were going to be giving that job to Joe Kelly.  Martinez will be bounced back to the bullpen, where he’ll set up for Trevor Rosenthal.  Hierarchy change: Carlos Martinez to Set-up, Kevin Siegrist to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
STLTrevor RosenthalCarlos MartinezKevin SiegristTrevor Rosenthal3/30/14

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Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen has been placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain.  Sergio Santos will close in his place, while Steve Delabar moves up to 8th inning duties.  Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Closer, Steve Delabar to Set-up, Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, Casey Janssen injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosSteve DelabarBrett CecilCasey Janssen3/30/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

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Sergio Santos to close as Casey Janssen starts season on DL

March 30, 2014

Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen has been placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain.  Sergio Santos will close in his place, while Steve Delabar moves up to 8th inning duties.  Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Closer, Steve Delabar to Set-up, Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, Casey Janssen injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosSteve DelabarBrett CecilCasey Janssen3/30/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

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Astros likely to go with committees to start season

March 23, 2014

Houston Astros — Manager Bo Porter has said that he will go with the dreaded closer by committee to start the season.  Chad Qualls has the experience, so we still expect him to see the most save chances, at least at the beginning of the season.  Josh Fields, Matt Albers, and lefty Kevin Chapman should be in the mix, and Porter also recently said that Anthony Bass has emerged as an option. Hierarchy remains: Fields | Qualls | Albers.

New York Mets — Kyle Farnsworth is not expected to make the Mets roster.  Jose Valverde has closer experience, and manager Terry Collins has been impressed with him so far, so he could handle the set-up role.  Vic Black pitched well for the Mets at the end of last season and should also see time in the later innings.  Another guy to keep an eye on is Jeurys Familia.  Familia is a young flame-thrower who recently broke catcher Taylor Teagarden’s glove with a fastball in spring training.  Hierarchy change: Parnell | Valverde | Black.

Detroit Tigers — Bruce Rondon will have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2014 season.  Al Alburquerque and Joba Chamberlain should see time in the 7th and 8th innings ahead of closer Joe Nathan.  Hierarchy change: Nathan | Alburquerque | Chamberlain.

Chicago White Sox — The White Sox are not ready to name their closer yet.  Nate Jones has thrown five scoreless innings in spring training and still looks like the best bet to get the job.  However, Matt Lindstrom finally appears to be healthy, and if youngster Daniel Webb is able to make the roster out of spring training, they could both challenge Jones.  Ronald Belisario could also factor into the late innings. Hierarchy remains: Lindstrom | Jones | Webb.

Oakland A’s — Ryan Cook is expected to start the season on the DL.  Veteran Luke Gregerson should take over for Cook while he is out.   Hierarchy change: Johnson | Doolittle | Gregerson.