Jason Grilli best choice for saves in Atlanta

April 6, 2015

San Diego Padres — Craig Kimbrel has moved to San Diego in a blockbuster trade and will immediately step into the closer’s role. With Kevin Quackenbush possibly going to AAA, Shawn Kelley may move into his job.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley.

Atlanta Braves — With the Opening Day salary dump of All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, the Braves will turn to one of their closer retread insurance policies: Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson. Grilli has the edge, if you want any piece of this action. With Josh Outman starting the year on the DL, Luis Avilan will complete the relief dream team. Long-term, Shae Simmons could be the answer if he can return from Tommy John surgery. Braves GM John Hart also mentioned Juan Jaime as an option down the line.

Updated hierarchy: Grilli | Johnson | Avilan.

Colorado Rockies – In a surprising bit of news, Walt Weiss named Boone Logan the team’s primary 8th inning reliever. Logan is no LOOGY — he’s shown his whole career that he can get both lefties and righties out — and he had an excellent spring, posting a 1.04 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 8.2 IPs. The odd thing is that righty Adam Ottavino has been even MORE dominant (0.00 ERA, 15 Ks, 8.1 IPs), and just a few weeks ago, Weiss said that Ottavino would be the guy when closer LaTroy Hawkins is unavailable. Both things can be true, of course — this might be one of those situations where the 8th inning guy isn’t the one to get the call on nights when the closer is unavailable. But it certainly bears watching, as Hawkins, already no one’s pick to keep his job all year, had a pretty rough spring. In other Rockies bullpen news, John Axford’s son was bitten by a rattlesnake, and the righty is likely to miss a few games to start the season.

Updated hierarchy: Hawkins | Ottavino | Logan.

Texas Rangers – Tanner Scheppers will start the season on the DL, elevating Shawn Tolleson into the set-up role. Roman Mendez slides up to take the 7th inning. Scheppers should be back in a week or two.

Updated hierarchy: Feliz | Tolleson | Mendez.

Washington Nationals – With no timetable on Casey Janssen’s return, the Nationals are expected to use a trio of relievers — Aaron Barrett, Matt Thornton, and Blake Treinen — to get the big outs ahead of Drew Storen. Thornton is more of a LOOGY at this point, and while he could get matchup-based holds here and there, it’s more likely that Barrett or Treinen is elevated into a save spot on when Storen is unavailable. Matt Williams hasn’t given any indication of his favorite so far.

Updated hierarchy: Storen | Barrett | Treinen.

New York Mets – Vic Black, still fighting off a sore shoulder, will open the season on the disabled list. Black is expected to rejoin the team after the first road trip of the season, but in the meantime, Carlos Torres will pick up the slack.

Updated hierarchy: Mejia | Familia | Torres.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Grant Balfour, Tampa Bay Rays – With every bullpen well rested and ready for the season, the Vulture Save Watch opens 2015 populated with relievers who are in the mix for 9th inning chances, but not their team’s projected first option. In Tampa, that’s Grant Balfour…
2. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees – …in New York, that’s Andrew Miller…
3. Chris Hatcher/JP Howell, Los Angeles Dodgers – …and in Los Angeles, that’s Chris Hatcher and JP Howell. We think, anyway.

Doolittle bested by a Trout; seven walks for sorry Brothers

April 16, 2014

Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle blew a save late Tuesday night, courtesy of a Mike Trout home run. No instant alert for this one — they were even anyway — but we’re ready to shuffle Luke Gregerson to the top of the Oakland closer committee. Note also the resurgence of Jim Johnson, who’s pitched five scoreless innings since he was moved out of the ninth inning. Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Sean Doolittle to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKLuke GregersonSean DoolittleRyan CookRyan Cook4/16/14

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Colorado Rockies – Rex Brothers has been awful this year, and Walt Weiss has decided to give the lefty a few days off. Boone Logan, who escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh on Tuesday night, should reap some high-leverage rewards. For his part, Adam Ottavino has been practically unhittable. Hierarchy change: Adam Ottavino to Set-up, Boone Logan to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
COLLaTroy HawkinsAdam OttavinoBoone LoganRex Brothers4/16/14

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Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton picked up his first save of the year on Tuesday night, cementing his hold on Cincy’s closer job until the return of Aroldis Chapman. On Monday, Chapman threw off a mound for the first time since his injury, and the Reds are cautiously optimistic. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJonathan BroxtonSam LeCureManny ParraAroldis Chapman4/16/14
Aroldis Chapman (DL)Sean Marshall (DL)

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Chicago White Sox — The Sox signed ex-closer Frank Francisco on Monday and assigned him to their AAA team in Charlotte. With the struggles in the White Sox pen so far, Francisco has a good shot at being this year’s Kevin Gregg. That might be the saddest sentence I’ve ever typed. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromDaniel WebbMaikel CletoNate Jones4/16/14
Nate Jones (DL)

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Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen pitched a scoreless inning for class-A Dunedin on Tuesday; he’s expected to make two more minor league appearances before returning in about a week. What role he’ll have upon his arrival is still unknown. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosBrett CecilSteve DelabarSergio Santos4/16/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. David Carpenter/Jordan Walden, Atlanta Braves — Craig Kimbrel is still day-to-day with a sore shoulder.
2. Kevin Jepsen, Los Angeles Angels — Ernesto Frieri has pitched in four of the last five games, as has Joe Smith, who got blasted on Tuesday.
3. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — It’s Houston, what are you gonna do?
4. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs — Rick Renteria might call on Strop after demoting Jose Veras. Heck, he might call on Kevin Gregg, or Gregg Olson.
5. Ryan Cook/Dan Otero, Oakland Athletics — Luke Gregerson is most likely to get an A’s save on Wednesday, but these two have a shot.
6. Brian Wilson/J.P. Howell, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen has thrown in three of the last four games, including a 25-pitch outing yesterday, and Brian Wilson has returned from the disabled list.

2014 NL West bullpen preview

March 7, 2014

Arizona Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks picked up Addison Reed in the offseason, but in a somewhat surprising move, have not handed him the closer gig.  GM Kevin Towers said in February that the closer role will be a competition between Reed and J.J. Putz, a statement backed up by Kirk Gibson yesterday.  As the D-Backs prep for their season opener in Australia, we’ll keep a close eye on this situation — so far, the pitchers have nearly identical spring stats, both having given up 1 run in three innings.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Addison Reed, Set-up – J.J. Putz, 2nd in line – Brad Ziegler.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
ARIAddison ReedJ.J. PutzBrad ZieglerAddison Reed3/7/14

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Colorado Rockies – Rex Brothers’s quest to become the full-time Rockies closer will have to wait for at least a little while, as the Rockies signed the 41-year-old LaTroy Hawkins in the offseason.  Walt Weiss has already named Hawkins the closer, though the aging righty will probably need to be rested from time to time, making Brothers an appealing option for vulture saves.  Returning to the Colorado bullpen behind them are Matt Belisle and Wilton Lopez, though former Yankee Boone Logan has the early edge for the 2nd in line job after a solid 2013 campaign.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – LaTroy Hawkins, Set-up – Rex Brothers, 2nd in line – Boone Logan.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
COLLaTroy HawkinsRex BrothersBoone LoganRex Brothers3/7/14

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Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers have unlimited money, which allows them to do silly things like pay Brian Wilson $10 million.  Though The Beard won’t close — Kenley Jansen finally has a firm grasp on that job — his contract means he’s almost assuredly the set-up man.  Behind Jansen and Wilson is another former closer looking to return to form, as Chris Perez is in town on a 1-year deal.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Kenley Jansen, Set-up – Brian Wilson, 2nd in line – Chris Perez. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenBrian WilsonChris PerezKenley Jansen3/7/14

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San Diego Padres – The Padres brought in veteran Joaquin Benoit to bolster their bullpen after losing Luke Gregerson to the A’s, but Huston Street is still the closer for the foreseeable future.  Benoit will set-up, while Dale Thayer is a good bet for 7th inning work.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Huston Street, Set-up – Joaquin Benoit, 2nd in line – Dale Thayer.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
SDHuston StreetJoaquin BenoitDale ThayerHuston Street3/7/14

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San Francisco Giants – The Giants bullpen looks very similar to last year’s edition, with Sergio Romo closing and Santiago Casilla right behind him.  Javier Lopez and Jean Machi will handle the 7th inning, though future closer Heath Hembree is worth watching.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Sergio Romo, Set-up – Santiago Casilla, 2nd in line – Javier Lopez. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
SFSergio RomoSantiago CasillaJavier LopezSergio Romo3/7/14

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More injuries in the Bronx

September 11, 2013

New York Yankees — David Robertson could return from his right shoulder tendinitis within the next few days, but it might be a few days longer for Boone Logan, who needed a cortisone shot in his left elbow over the weekend. Without their top set-up guys, New York is relying on Shawn Kelley and Adam Warren, and summoning Mariano Rivera for multi-inning save chances whenever necessary. Hierarchy change: Shawn Kelley to Set-up, Adam Warren to 2nd in line, David Robertson and Boone Logan injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYMariano RiveraShawn KelleyAdam WarrenDavid Robertson9/11/13
David Robertson (INJ)Boone Logan (INJ)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo took the loss last night and has pitched in three straight games.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has pitched in three straight games.
3. Jason Grilli/Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon had an unusual two-run outing on Tuesday: two strikeouts, then four straight singles before a final strikeout. Because he needed 30 pitches on his second straight day of work, he might get Wednesday off.

Pedro Strop and Mitchell Boggs are relevant again

July 22, 2013

Chicago Cubs – For a “good time on the mound,” Dale Sveum plans to call on Pedro Strop to be the Cubs’ new closer if Kevin Gregg heads elsewhere this month, as expected. Hierarchy change: Pedro Strop to Set-up, Blake Parker to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHCKevin GreggPedro StropBlake ParkerPedro Strop7/22/13

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Colorado Rockies — The Rockies responded to Rafael Betancourt’s incapacitation by summoning a blast from the National League past: Mitchell Boggs. Reports suggest that Colorado will use him in front of Matt Belisle, and Boggs insists that his time in double-A exile has helped him return to last season’s impressive form. Hierarchy change: Mitchell Boggs to 2nd in line, replacing Wilton Lopez.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersMatt BelisleMitchell BoggsRafael Betancourt7/22/13
Rafael Betancourt (DL)

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New York Yankees — Joba Chamberlain’s continued struggles have once again dropped him below Boone Logan on the Yankees’ depth chart; Logan struck out the side in a tied seventh inning on Sunday at Fenway. Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to 2nd in line, replacing Joba Chamberlain.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYMariano RiveraDavid RobertsonBoone LoganDavid Robertson7/22/13

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Arizona Diamondbacks – After Brad Ziegler picked up his fourth save in as many opportunities, Kirk Gibson gave him a half-vote of confidence, saying that he will handle the closer role “for now . . . but that could change.” Gibson also admitted that Ziegler’s propensity to induce groundouts makes him a valuable arm at other points, which does nothing to dispel the long-term uncertainty in this bullpen. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIBrad ZieglerDavid HernandezJ.J. PutzJ.J. Putz7/22/13

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Detroit Tigers — Jim Leyland might be bluffing, but he sounds like a man who’s satisfied with his bullpen. Joaquin Benoit has converted all nine of his save opportunities, and Bruce Rondon is on a hot streak as well, retiring 11 straight batters over three scoreless outings. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
DETJoaquin BenoitDrew Smyly Bruce RondonBruce Rondon7/22/13

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Baltimore Orioles — After Jim Johnson was used in two straight games, Darren O’Day picked up the save on Sunday night. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BALJim JohnsonTommy HunterDarren O’DayJim Johnson7/22/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays — Rodney threw 35 pitches last night in his second straight day of work.