Too many walks in Boston and Toronto

April 30, 2014

Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica has allowed at least one run each of the last five times he’s faced more than one batter, but John Farrell isn’t worried by his 10.00 ERA, or even the nearly sixfold increase in his walk rate. Farrell believes Mujica is struggling with his command due to infrequent use, suggesting that his role won’t be reduced — but we can’t imagine that he’d retain the advantage over Junichi Tazawa if Koji Uehara goes down with another injury. Hierarchy change: Junichi Tazawa to Set-Up, Edward Mujica to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BOSKoji UeharaJunichi TazawaEdward MujicaKoji Uehara4/30/14

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Los Angeles Angels — For the second straight game, Fernando Salas pitched a high-leverage eighth inning in front of new closer Joe Smith. Michael Kohn had already been used in a tight spot in the sixth. No matter which of those two is higher in the pecking order, we think Ernesto Frieri — who pitched two perfect innings against the Yankees over the weekend — is more likely to pick up a save going forward. Hierarchy change: Ernesto Frieri to Set-Up, Michael Kohn to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
LAAJoe SmithErnesto FrieriMichael KohnErnesto Frieri4/30/14

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Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays are missing Casey Janssen, who remains at least two weeks away from a return. On Tuesday, Sergio Santos entered with two on and one out in a high-leverage eighth, and proceeded to give up two inherited runs, plus three of his own. Last year, Santos threw three times as many innings, and walked half as many men. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosBrett CecilSteve DelabarSergio Santos4/30/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

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Colorado Rockies – The oldest player in the National League just keeps on rolling, racking up his ninth save in as many attempts. BMWs for everyone! No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
COLLaTroy HawkinsAdam OttavinoRex BrothersRex Brothers4/30/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon Kintzler, Milwaukee Brewers — The indefatigable K-Rod, new co-holder of the April save record, has pitched on four of the last five day. Jim Henderson has gone two in a row himself, but Kintzler had Tuesday off.
2. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s — We believe Jim Johnson will see the next save opportunity in Oakland and reclaim the job. Expect an alert if that happens.
3. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — You can’t possibly need saves this badly.

Smith sharp in first save opportunity for Angels

April 29, 2014

Los Angeles Angels – Joe Smith came on in the ninth inning with a three-run lead and allowed just one hit to pick up his first save of the season against his former team. No hierarchy change.  

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
LAAJoe SmithMichael KohnErnesto FrieriErnesto Frieri4/29/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – The A’s bullpen got a night off after Sonny Gray threw a complete-game shutout, but Jim Johnson will likely see the next save opportunity in Oakland. If he converts it, we think he’ll reclaim the job.  Expect an alert if that happens.
2. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal threw 31 pitches in two innings of work last night during a tie game while Carlos Martinez has pitched on back-to-back nights.
3. Dale Thayer, San Diego Padres – Both Huston Street and Joaquin Benoit have pitched in two straight tilts.
4. Chad Qualls/Raul Valdes, Houston Astros – It’s anyone’s guess on a given night.

Hector Rondon has dazzling 9th inning; Raul Valdes in the mix in Houston

April 28, 2014

Baltimore Orioles – Just five days removed from giving up four earned runs to the Blue Jays, Evan Meek got knocked around again on Sunday, and has now given up 8 ERs in his last 1.1 innings pitched.  It’s unlikely he’ll be trusted with any more important innings until he gets things turned around.  Hierarchy change: Brian Matusz to 2nd in line, replacing Evan Meek.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BALTommy HunterDarren O’DayBrian MatuszTommy Hunter4/28/14

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Houston Astros – Raul Valdes got his first save of the season on Saturday, and on Sunday, he was summoned to get the final out of the game. It wasn’t a save this time around, but Valdes has as good of a chance as anyone to get a few more 9th inning looks in Houston. Hierarchy change: Raul Valdes to 2nd in line, replacing Anthony Bass.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChad QuallsRaul ValdesJosh Fields4/28/14
Jesse Crain (DL)Matt Albers (DL)

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Seattle Mariners – Danny Farquhar has had a very different season from a year ago. In 2013, despite posting a spectacular strikeouts per inning ratio, he was often the victim of hard luck, finishing the season with an ERA over 4. This year, he’s not striking out as many people and his walks are up, yet his ERA is 1.50. He got the 8th inning last night (after Tom Wilhelmsen pitched the 7th) and earned the win after the Mariners broke the tie. Fernando Rodney is 5/6 in save chances, but he hasn’t exactly been reliable and currently has a WHIP higher than Farquhar’s ERA. If Rodney falters, Farquhar could pick up where he left off last year. Hierarchy change: Danny Farquhar to Set-up, Tom Wilhelmsen to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
SEAFernando RodneyDanny FarquharTom WilhelmsenDanny Farquhar4/28/14

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Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon struck out all three hitters he faced in a perfect ninth inning on Sunday afternoon, featuring mostly an array of 98 mph fastballs.  It wasn’t a save since the Cubs were up 4-0, but Pedro Strop had already been used in the 8th, so this looks like a changing of the guard in Chicago.  We’ll try not to say “I told you so” too loud.  Hierarchy change: Hector Rondon to Closer, Pedro Strop to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHCHector RondonPedro StropJustin GrimmHector Rondon4/27/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – Jim Johnson, who has opposing scouts raving, will likely see the next save opportunity in Oakland, and if he converts it, we think he’ll reclaim the job.  Expect an alert if that happens.
2. Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo has pitched in back to back games.

Hector Rondon looks like the new Cubs closer

April 27, 2014

Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon struck out all three hitters he faced in a perfect ninth inning on Sunday afternoon, featuring mostly an array of 98 mph fastballs.  It wasn’t a save since the Cubs were up 4-0, but Pedro Strop had already been used in the 8th, so this looks like a changing of the guard in Chicago.  We’ll try not to say “I told you so” too loud.  Hierarchy change: Hector Rondon to Closer, Pedro Strop to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHCHector RondonPedro StropJustin GrimmHector Rondon4/27/14

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Another adventurous Astros 9th inning, the beard struggling

April 27, 2014

Houston Astros — The Astros entered the 9th inning with a 4-run lead but they had to make it interesting.  Most of the usual suspects in Houston’s bullpen had thrown a lot of pitches on Friday, so manager Bo Porter went to lefty Raul Valdes after the lead was cut to one.  Valdes struck out both batters he faced for the save.  Nobody is pitching well in the Astros bullpen, but Valdes could see more save opportunities if he can continue to get lefties out.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChad QuallsAnthony BassJosh Fields4/27/14
Jesse Crain (DL)Matt Albers (DL)

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Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson struggled for the second straight outing last night.  After giving up 4 runs on Thursday, Wilson was pulled last night after walking the first two batters he faced.  Chris Perez has pitched very well so far this season, as he has given up only 5 hits in 11.2 innings.   Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brian Wilson to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenChris PerezBrian WilsonKenley Jansen4/27/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – Johnson was going to be the closer if there was a save opportunity on Friday and the A’s could be moving towards making Johnson their primary closer again.
2. Jordan Walden, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the last 4.
3. Jim Henderson, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the past 4.
4. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass/Raul Valdez/Jose Cisnero, Houston Astros – Take your pick.