April 26, 2014

Chicago White Sox – Despite four straight scoreless outings, Ronald Belisario still has an ERA over 7, thanks in large part to an April 9th appearance in Colorado where he gave up 5 runs while recording only one out.  But his recent stretch — almost all of which has come pitching ahead of Matt Lindstrom — has him in a position to see save opportunities if the closer continues to struggle.  Last night, Lindstrom entered in a 4-4  game in the 9th and gave up a 2-run bomb to Evan Longoria.  (He ended up getting the win after Jose Abreu hit a walk off grand slam in the bottom half.)  Lindstrom is already on the Hot Seat, and Belisario has become a sneaky add for those looking to speculate.  Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Set-up, Daniel Webb to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
CHW		Matt Lindstrom		Ronald Belisario		Daniel Webb		Nate Jones		4/26/14
						Nate Jones (DL)

.
Oakland A’s – The A’s were tied throughout the latter half of Friday night’s game, and used Sean Doolittle in the 7th inning, followed by Luke Gregerson in the 8th.  Jim Johnson was warming up in the bullpen as they took the lead in the 9th, but the A’s proceeded to score a total of 7 runs in the top half of the inning, so Johnson sat down and Fernando Abad came in to mop up.  Bob Melvin was quick to tell anyone who would listen that Johnson has not re-claimed the job, and that Oakland is still using a committee.  But this feels like one of those spots where the manager takes a firm public stance just to take pressure off a player.  Johnson has five straight scoreless appearances covering 6.2 innings, and he was brought in on a sizable contract to close games for the A’s.  We think he’ll get the next save opportunity, and as long as he converts, the job will be his again.  No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
OAK		Luke Gregerson		Sean Doolittle		Jim Johnson		Sean Doolittle		4/26/14

.
Tampa Bay Rays – Grant Balfour gave up a walk off grand slam last night, and while that’s all well and terrible, we’re actually even more worried about his ratios so far this year — 10.1 innings with 7 Ks and 9 BBs.  There’s no shortage of arms in the Tampa bullpen: Joel Peralta has been as reliable as ever, Jake McGee has a 0.90 ERA — heck, there was even a Leo Nunez Juan Carlos Oviedo sighting this week.  With Balfour’s health in question even before the year began, we have to think he’s on a short leash.  Grant Balfour to Hot Seat.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
TB		Grant Balfour		Joel Peralta		Jake McGee		Grant Balfour		4/26/14

.
Houston Astros – Things somehow keep getting worse for the Houston bullpen, as Matt Albers hit the DL yesterday while would-be closer Josh Fields got destroyed again.  It’s still probably Fields and Chad Qualls who are the best bets for saves in Houston, though Anthony Bass or fresh face Jose Cisnero (who closed for the Astros for like 30 seconds last year) could still be in the mix.  Unless you’re in the deepest of leagues, it’s unlikely you want any of these guys.  Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Anthony Bass to 2nd in line, Matt Albers to DL.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
HOU		Josh Fields		Chad Qualls		Anthony Bass		Josh Fields		4/26/14
				Jesse Crain (DL)		Matt Albers (DL)

.
Los Angeles Angels – Prior to Friday night’s game, Mike Scioscia announced that Ernesto Frieri would get some time off from the closer role.  Joe Smith will close in his absence, though Scioscia said that he expects Frieri to win the job back eventually.  Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to Closer, Michael Kohn to Set-up, Ernesto Frieri to 2nd in line.  

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
LAA		Joe Smith		Michael Kohn		Ernesto Frieri		Ernesto Frieri		4/25/14

.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli has been placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain.  Mark Melancon will close in his place, while Tony Watson moves up to cover the 8th.  Hierarchy change: Mark Melancon to Closer, Tony Watson to Set-up, Justin Wilson to 2nd in line, Jason Grilli to DL.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
PIT		Mark Melancon		Tony Watson		Justin Wilson		Mark Melancon		4/25/14
		Jason Grilli (DL)

.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – See above.
2. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks – Addison Reed has pitched in three straight.
3. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – After a 31 pitch blown save, Grant Balfour has thrown 56 pitches over the last three games and might need a day off to recover and clear his head.
4. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass/Raul Valdez/Jose Cisnero, Houston Astros – Whatever.