Frank Francisco returns, disappoints fans by not throwing any chairs

September 9, 2013

New York Mets – Frank Francisco, written off by the Mets earlier this year, actually got healthy enough to make a return to the bigs, just in time to try and prove to everyone that he can still get a few outs so he can get a new contract somewhere this offseason.  The Mets are likely determined to get at least a few innings out of the expensive, chair-throwing, would-be closer, and they actually sent him out in his first outing to get the last 2 outs of the 8th inning in a one run game.  With Gonzalez Germen struggling in recent weeks, Francisco might actually be the best bet for saves on nights when LaTroy Hawkins is unavailable.  Hierarchy change: Frank Francisco to Set-up, Gonzalez Germen to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMLaTroy HawkinsFrank FranciscoGonzalez GermenBobby Parnell9/9/13
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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Oakland A’s – The fantasy managers out there that picked up Brett Anderson two weeks ago (no one) have now gotten three saves out of the converted perfect gamer.  At this point, it doesn’t seem that outlandish to suggest that Anderson might get another long-relief save or two before the season ends, as the A’s might continue to use him in this fashion going forward.  In the deepest of leagues, he might be worth an add if you’re in a very tight race for saves.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
OAKGrant BalfourRyan CookSean DoolittleRyan Cook9/9/13

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Philadelphia Phillies – Despite his relative inexperience, we boldly decided to list B.J. Rosenberg as the Philadelphia set-up man last week, but then got timid after he was given five straight days off, promoting Jacob Diekman after Rosenberg was absent on several nights where an 8th-inning hold was available.  So, of course, with Jonathan Papelbon unavailable yesterday, it was Rosenberg who got the 9th inning vulture save chance.  He converted for his first major league save.  Stick to your guns next time, Monkey!  Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, Jacob Diekman to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonB.J. RosenbergJacob DiekmanJonathan Papelbon9/9/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Shawn Kelley, New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera threw two innings last night, while David Robertson and Boone Logan are dealing with lingering injuries. Shawn Kelley got the 8th on Sunday and pitched well, and could get the call tonight.
2. Luke Hochevar/Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland has pitched in two straight, three of four, and six of eight. The overworked closer might get Monday off.
3. J.J. Hoover, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in five of the last six.

Luke Hochevar: Crummy starter, ace reliever

September 8, 2013

Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour threw 37 pitches in his Friday outing, so the A’s went to Sean Doolittle in the 9th on Saturday, and the lefty picked up his first save.  Doolittle continues to share the 8th inning role with Ryan Cook.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
OAKGrant BalfourRyan CookSean DoolittleRyan Cook9/8/13

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Philadelphia Phillies – Jacob Diekman finished the 8th inning ahead of Jonathan Papelbon on Saturday.  After a tough stretch in late July and early August, the lefty has only allowed one run in his last 11.2 innings.  Hierarchy change: Jacob Diekman to Set-up, B.J. Rosenberg to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonJacob DiekmanB.J. RosenbergJonathan Papelbon9/4/13

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Kansas City Royals – Luke Hochevar got the call in the 7th inning yesterday, and stayed on to finish off the 8th.  In recent weeks, the converted starter has seized control of the 8th-inning job in Kansas City, as he’s been more consistent than Kelvin Herrera.  Also seeing late-game innings lately for the Royals is Will Smith, who picked up his 4th hold yesterday, but the lefty hasn’t cracked our hierarchy yet.  Hierarchy change: Luke Hochevar to Set-up, Kelvin Herrera to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandLuke HochevarKelvin HerreraGreg Holland9/8/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. J.J. Hoover, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman pitched in four straight games from Tuesday to Friday, and might need a second day off today to recover.
2. Jacob Diekman, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in back to back games and three of four, and blew a save yesterday afternoon.  He might get the day off today.

Jason Grilli back with Pittsburgh; Jordan Walden out another week

September 4, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates — Nearly eight years ago, Jason Grilli pitched 7.2 solid innings to lead the Toledo Mud Hens to their first AAA championship in 38 years. But his dream of recapturing Governors’ Cup glory was put on hold today when Pittsburgh summoned him to the big leagues for some boring old regular season action. Clint Hurdle confirmed that he will use Grilli in some non-save situations before transitioning him back into the closer role. Hierarchy change: Jason Grilli to Set-up, Tony Watson to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITMark MelanconJason GrilliTony WatsonJason Grilli9/4/13

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Atlanta Braves — Jordan Walden hasn’t pitched in two weeks, and after a five-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, word is he’ll be out at least another week. Luis Ayala and Scott Downs are each getting a lot of late-inning work, but we think Ayala, as a righty, will be slightly more likely to grab any super-vulture saves down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Luis Ayala to 2nd in line, Jordan Walden to Set-up (INJ).

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelLuis AvilanLuis AyalaCraig Kimbrel9/4/13
Jordan Walden (INJ)

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Philadelphia Phillies — After two straight poor outings, Justin De Fratus came on in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s loss to Washington. B.J. Rosenberg, who finished Tuesday’s game, has 10 straight scoreless appearances since coming up in mid-August, and several have come in close eighth innings. Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, replacing Justin De Fratus.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonB.J. RosenbergJacob DiekmanJonathan Papelbon9/4/13

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Cleveland Indians — On a night where Chris Perez gave up a three-run homer and barely held on for the victory, it was Cody Allen, not Bryan Shaw, who pitched the seventh in front of Joe Smith. Shaw has been pitching as early as the fifth inning in recent days. In other news, Vinnie Pestano was recalled from Columbus on Tuesday and could also get a shot at some high-leverage innings down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Cody Allen to 2nd in line, replacing Bryan Shaw.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez9/4/13

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Houston Astros — The one positive story in Houston’s bullpen — Kevin Chapman beginning his career with a streak of no earned runs in 13 appearances — came to its eventual end on Tuesday night. As a competent lefty, Chapman likely has several good seasons ahead of him. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChia-Jen LoKevin ChapmanJosh Fields9/4/13

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Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins got within one out of collecting his 33rd save, but then put two men on and gave up a game-tying home run. Josh Roenicke eventually picked up the twelfth-inning save. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins9/4/13

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Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen indeed unavailable on Tuesday, Don Mattingly used Paco Rodriguez up two in the eighth, presumably holding Ronald Belisario or Brian Wilson back for a save situation. When Rodriguez gave up a homer and a walk, Belisario entered and escaped further trouble — then stayed on for the ninth after LA’s lead grew to four. But Belisario gave up a run and put another guy on, so it was young Chris Withrow who got the call for his first major league save. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenPaco RodriguezBrian WilsonKenley Jansen9/4/13

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Tampa Bay Rays — Starter Roberto Hernandez picked up the first save of his eight-year major league career with 3.2 scoreless innings in a 7-1 win. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney9/4/13
Jesse Crain (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has three saves in the last three days.
2. Matt Belisle, Colorado Rockies — Rex Brothers needed 30 pitches to get through the ninth on Tuesday, after throwing 21 on Sunday.