May 5, 2014
Seattle Mariners – Fernando Rodney was unavailable after a 4-out save on Saturday, so Danny Farquhar got the final outs in his place. The Mariners have mixed and matched in the 8th inning all year, but this leaves no doubt that Farquhar will be the man to inherit the job if Rodney needs to be replaced.
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Farquhar | Wilhelmsen.
Minnesota Twins – On Saturday, Casey Fien got the 8th and Jared Burton pitched the 9th, which is about how you’d expect a team to use its top middle relievers when up by 5 runs. But on Sunday, with an 8th inning hold up for grabs, it was Fien who was summoned ahead of Glen Perkins. It wasn’t a usage issue, as over the prior three nights, Fien had actually thrown 10 more pitches. More likely, it looks like Ron Gardenhire has finally realized that he has better 8th inning options than the veteran righty, who is sporting an ERA just a shade below 8 thus far.
Hierarchy change: Perkins | Fien | Burton.
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla picked up his first save of the season on Sunday. As mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, Sergio Romo was given the day off after heavy usage in the days prior.
Hierarchy remains: Romo | Casilla | Lopez.
Chicago Cubs – Regular readers know that we at Closer Monkey adore Hector Rondon, and we were dismayed earlier this week when Rick Renteria described his 9th inning plans as “fluid.” (He also called his plans “organic” which was just confusing.) Despite Renteria’s odd vocabulary and refusal to verbally commit to Rondon as his guy, the skipper has used the young righty exactly how you’d deploy a closer. Unfortunately, last night, Rondon came on in a tie game in the top of the 9th and surrendered the lead. It was only the second time Rondon has allowed a run this year, but given Renteria’s love of no-pesticide produce (???), we’re worried that he might go into committee mode and start giving Pedro Strop more chances.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Strop | Grimm.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – In addition to the above, Hector Rondon has also pitched in three straight and four of five.
2. Ernesto Frieri, Los Angeles Angels – Prior to Sunday’s game against the Rangers, Mike Scioscia suggested that Ernesto Frieri could be used in the 9th inning now that he’s strung together a few good outings. Joe Smith has been great in his stead, but the sidearming righty seems destined for middle relief as long as Frieri doesn’t lose it again.
3. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – Jim Johnson’s reclamation of the closer job is all but assumed at this point; he just needs to convert a save chance and we will move him back to the top of our chart.
4. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – John Axford has pitched in back to back games, including a 28-pitch blown save last night. He might get a breather tonight.
