John Axford struggling since being mentioned for closer role

July 29, 2013

Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford merely had to hear his name mentioned in the same sentence as “closer,” and he’s turned back in to his old erratic self.  Since Ron Roenicke’s declaration that he’d go back and forth between Axford and Jim Henderson, Axford has given up 3 runs in 2.1 innings (and a loss last night), despite not actually getting a 9th inning save chance yet.  The value of Henderson, who has gotten two saves since the K-Rod trade, continues to grow with each Axford stumble.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILJim HendersonJohn AxfordBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson7/29/13

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Seattle Mariners – The Seattle bullpen is one of the hardest in the league to make sense of, as seemingly every reliever down there has gotten an 8th inning hold over the past month.  Yesterday, it was Danny Farquhar’s turn, as the young righty turned in an exceptional performance, striking out 5 hitters over 2 innings of work before giving way to Tom Wilhelmsen.  Farquhar’s numbers are ugly; he’s got a 6.00 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP.  However, in just 30 innings of work since being called up in mid-May, he’s also got 46(!) strikeouts, which is almost identical to the K/9 rate that Craig Kimbrel is rocking this year.  Farquhar obviously has a live arm, and when he’s on, like last night, he’s virtually unhittable.  If he can string together a few more good outings, he’ll become an intriguing late-inning option in Seattle.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SEATom WilhelmsenOliver PerezCharlie FurbushTom Wilhelmsen7/29/13
Stephen Pryor (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jordan Walden, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in three straight.
2. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Kevin Gregg has pitched in three straight.

Joe Nathan on the trade block?

July 28, 2013

Texas Rangers – The Rangers are discussing trading Joe Nathan.  While it seems unlikely that the Rangers would deal Nathan, sources say that Joakim Soria could be an option to close.   There is no mention of Tanner Scheppers so it sounds like the Rangers would rather go with the experienced former closer.   Hierarchy change: Joakim Soria to Set-up, Tanner Scheppers to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TEXJoe NathanJoakim SoriaTanner ScheppersJoe Nathan7/28/13

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Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson got the save on Saturday while John Axford gave up a run in the 8th inning.  Ron Roenicke said he was going to use both Henderson and Axford to close out games but Henderson has received both save opportunities since the K-Rod trade.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILJim HendersonJohn AxfordBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson7/28/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Kevin Gregg has pitched in two straight and three of the past four.
2. Paco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight and four of the past five.
3. Craig Stammen, Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano has pitched in three straight and will likely get the day off Sunday. Tyler Clippard has also pitched in three straight and four of the last 5.

Drew Storen sent down; Update for Jason Grilli

July 27, 2013

Washington Nationals – The Nationals sent Drew Storen down to Triple-A after he allowed a three run homerun in the first game of the doubleheader last night.  Craig Stammen should see more time in the late innings with Storen gone. Hierarchy change: Craig Stammen to 2nd in line, replacing Drew Storen.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
WASRafael SorianoTyler ClippardCraig StammenRafael Soriano7/27/13

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Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli will not need surgery on his injured right forearm but is expected to miss 4-8 weeks. Mark Melancon will continue to close while Grilli is out. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITMark MelanconJustin WilsonTony WatsonJason Grilli7/27/13
Jason Grilli (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano has pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 49 pitches.
2. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers – Even though Henderson got the first save after the K-Rod trade, Axford could also be used on any night.

J.J. Putz regaining his form; Manny Parra is on a roll

July 26, 2013

Cincinnati Reds – On June 7, Manny Parra had a 7.71 ERA, a 2.40 WHIP, and seemed to be on the verge of losing his job.  But since then, he’s rattled off 18 straight scoreless appearances, turning himself into the go-to lefty in the Cincinnati bullpen.  It hasn’t been a fluke — during his dominant stretch, he’s struck out 17 hitters while walking only three — and last night, he was summoned to finish off the 8th inning, earning his sixth hold of the season.  Hierarchy change: Manny Parra to 2nd in line, replacing J.J. Hoover.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanSam LeCureManny ParraJonathan Broxton7/26/13
Jonathan Broxton (DL)

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Arizona Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz was summoned in the 8th with the tying run at the plate, and successfully got the last out of the inning.  Though Brad Ziegler is seeming more solid in the closer role with every appearance, Putz is probably the guy with the best chance to challenge him at the moment, as David Hernandez has given up runs in 6 of his last 11 appearances.  Hierarchy change: J.J. Putz to Set-up, David Hernandez to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIBrad ZieglerJ.J. PutzDavid HernandezJ.J. Putz7/26/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. LaTroy Hawkins, New York Mets – Bobby Parnell has pitched in four of the last six, throwing 72 pitches in that span.
2. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers – If the Brewers are alternating save opps, then Axford could get the call on any given night.