Lindstrom, K-Rod take over closing roles; Johnson struggles while Wilhelmsen shines

April 1, 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. Also keep an eye on Ronald Belisario, who made his White Sox debut in the eighth inning yesterday. 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

 
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

 
Baltimore Orioles — Evan Meek entered the eighth inning of Monday’s opener and recorded the first two outs before giving way to Brian Matusz for a lefty-lefty matchup to close the inning. Meek was the last player to make the opening-day roster, but the 2010 All-Star was immediately thrown into a high-leverage situation and escaped without much trouble. Hierarchy change: Evan Meek to 2nd in line, replacing Ryan Webb.

Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BALTommy HunterDarren O’DayEvan MeekTommy Hunter4/1/14

 
Seattle Mariners — Tom Wilhelmsen retired all four batters he faced, including Albert Pujols with two on, two out in the seventh inning, in a solid performance. Fernando Rodney was warming for the ninth before the Mariners scored six in their half of the eighth, which meant Danny Farquhar got the call for the final three outs. Wilhelmsen has closing experience – albeit rocky – but if he can continue to get outs in high-leverage spots he’ll be contending with a shaky Rodney for save opportunities. Hierarchy change: Tom Wilhelmsen to Set-up, Danny Farquhar to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
SEAFernando RodneyTom WilhelmsenDanny FarquharDanny Farquhar4/1/14

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Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson made his A’s debut in the ninth inning of a scoreless game and allowed the first three batters to reach before giving up a sac fly and a single. He was taken out to a chorus of boos, though there’s no sign of the reigning saves leader in the AL losing his new job. No Hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKJim JohnsonSean DoolittleLuke GregersonRyan Cook3/23/14
Ryan Cook(INJ)

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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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