Too many walks in Boston and Toronto

April 30, 2014

Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica has allowed at least one run each of the last five times he’s faced more than one batter, but John Farrell isn’t worried by his 10.00 ERA, or even the nearly sixfold increase in his walk rate. Farrell believes Mujica is struggling with his command due to infrequent use, suggesting that his role won’t be reduced — but we can’t imagine that he’d retain the advantage over Junichi Tazawa if Koji Uehara goes down with another injury. Hierarchy change: Junichi Tazawa to Set-Up, Edward Mujica to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BOSKoji UeharaJunichi TazawaEdward MujicaKoji Uehara4/30/14

.

Los Angeles Angels — For the second straight game, Fernando Salas pitched a high-leverage eighth inning in front of new closer Joe Smith. Michael Kohn had already been used in a tight spot in the sixth. No matter which of those two is higher in the pecking order, we think Ernesto Frieri — who pitched two perfect innings against the Yankees over the weekend — is more likely to pick up a save going forward. Hierarchy change: Ernesto Frieri to Set-Up, Michael Kohn to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
LAAJoe SmithErnesto FrieriMichael KohnErnesto Frieri4/30/14

.

Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays are missing Casey Janssen, who remains at least two weeks away from a return. On Tuesday, Sergio Santos entered with two on and one out in a high-leverage eighth, and proceeded to give up two inherited runs, plus three of his own. Last year, Santos threw three times as many innings, and walked half as many men. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosBrett CecilSteve DelabarSergio Santos4/30/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

.

Colorado Rockies – The oldest player in the National League just keeps on rolling, racking up his ninth save in as many attempts. BMWs for everyone! No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
COLLaTroy HawkinsAdam OttavinoRex BrothersRex Brothers4/30/14

.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon Kintzler, Milwaukee Brewers — The indefatigable K-Rod, new co-holder of the April save record, has pitched on four of the last five day. Jim Henderson has gone two in a row himself, but Kintzler had Tuesday off.
2. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s — We believe Jim Johnson will see the next save opportunity in Oakland and reclaim the job. Expect an alert if that happens.
3. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — You can’t possibly need saves this badly.

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

.

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

.

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)

.

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)

.

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)

.

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.

Broxton back with the Reds; Santos doing well for Toronto

April 9, 2014

Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, and though manager Bryan Price says he would like to let him “get his feet wet” before returning him to the ninth, it’s clear that he will be the Reds’ closer going forward. Meanwhile, J.J. Hoover entered in the seventh inning with Cincinnati trailing, and appears to have fallen behind the other members of the team’s short-lived closer committee. Hierarchy change: Jonathan Broxton to Closer, replacing J.J. Hoover.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJonathan BroxtonSam LeCureManny ParraAroldis Chapman4/9/14
Aroldis Chapman (DL)Sean Marshall (DL)

.

Toronto Blue Jays — Brett Cecil pitched the eighth last night after Steve Delabar was used to finish the sixth. Keep an eye on Sergio Santos too — he struck out the side in the ninth, and could have a shot at keeping the closer job even after Casey Janssen returns. Janssen will throw a side session on Wednesday before starting a few rehab outings. Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosBrett CecilSteve DelabarCasey Janssen4/9/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

.

Texas Rangers — Joakim Soria entered in the ninth inning of a 10-4 game and scattered four hits among three strikeouts, surrendering three runs. With Neftali Feliz impressing in the minors, another outing like that one could send Soria to the Hot Seat. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TEXJoakim SoriaAlexi OgandoNeal CottsJoakim Soria4/9/14

.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera/Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has had two long outings in a row, and set-up man Wade Davis threw 27 pitches on Tuesday.
2. Chad Qualls/Matt Albers, Houston Astros – Josh Fields remains the best bet for Astros save chances, but with a committee in place, anything could happen.
3. Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal has pitched on two straight days, including throwing 27 pitches on Monday.

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)

.

2014 AL East bullpen preview

March 11, 2014

Baltimore Orioles – Tommy Hunter has the inside track to the closer role to begin the season after the Orioles traded away Jim Johnson during the offseason. Darren O’Day will be right on his heels however, as will former Marlin Ryan Webb. Webb didn’t wow anyone last year, but he does have a good sinker and can also baffle hitters with a slider and change-up. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Tommy Hunter, Set-up – Darren O’Day, 2nd in line – Ryan Webb.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BALTommy HunterDarren O’DayRyan WebbTommy Hunter3/11/14

.

Boston Red Sox – The World Series champs appeared destined for another mess in the bullpen last year until Koji Uehara came in and righted the ship en route to a spectacular season. He’ll start 2014 as the Sox closer, but time will tell if he can maintain the numbers he boasted last year. Waiting in the wings will be former Cardinals closer Edward Mujica, whom the Sox signed in December. He’ll likely begin the year as the primary eighth-inning guy, with reliable lefty Craig Breslow and Junichi Tazawa as seventh-inning options. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Koji Uehara, Set-up – Edward Mujica, 2nd in line – Craig Breslow.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BOSKoji UeharaEdward MujicaCraig BreslowKoji Uehara3/11/14

.

New York Yankees – The ninth inning for the Yankees will look decidedly different in 2014 with the retirement of the legendary Mariano Rivera, and David Robertson will have some giant shoes to fill as the team’s new closer. The rest of the bullpen is full of question marks, with Shawn Kelley seemingly favored by manager Joe Girardi as the eight-inning option. Matt Thornton will be the team’s lefty specialist and will see time in the seventh. Dellin Betances has impressed this spring and Preston Claiborne will also be someone to watch. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – David Robertson, Set-up – Shawn Kelley, 2nd in line – Matt Thornton.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYDavid RobertsonShawn KelleyMatt ThorntonDavid Robertson3/11/14

.

Tampa Bay Rays –Almost an Oriole, Grant Balfour returns to the Rays this season as the team’s closer. He was 38-of-41 in save opportunities last season in Oakland and will replace Fernando Rodney, who departed for Seattle. The Rays feel they have the best bullpen in baseball, and they have plenty of options behind Balfour. Juan Carlos Oviedo, Heath Bell, Joel Peralta and Jake McGee all figure to factor in Joe Maddon’s late-inning plans. Bell struggled last season, but if Peralta struggles Bell may see his more high-leverage time. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Grant Balfour, Set-up – Joel Peralta, 2nd in line – Heath Bell.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TBGrant BalfourJoel PeraltaHeath BellGrant Balfour3/11/14

.

Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen finds himself entrenched as the Blue Jays’ closer, and he’ll have a familiar cast of characters behind him. Sergio Santos will begin the season in the set-up role, while righty Steve Delabar should be called upon again in the seventh. Expect the Jays to use Brett Cecil again as a left-handed option out of the pen along with Delabar. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Casey Janssen, Set-up – Sergio Santos, 2nd in line – Casey Janssen.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenSergio SantosSteve DelabarCasey Janssen3/11/14

.