Another adventurous Astros 9th inning, the beard struggling

April 27, 2014

Houston Astros — The Astros entered the 9th inning with a 4-run lead but they had to make it interesting.  Most of the usual suspects in Houston’s bullpen had thrown a lot of pitches on Friday, so manager Bo Porter went to lefty Raul Valdes after the lead was cut to one.  Valdes struck out both batters he faced for the save.  Nobody is pitching well in the Astros bullpen, but Valdes could see more save opportunities if he can continue to get lefties out.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChad QuallsAnthony BassJosh Fields4/27/14
Jesse Crain (DL)Matt Albers (DL)

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Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson struggled for the second straight outing last night.  After giving up 4 runs on Thursday, Wilson was pulled last night after walking the first two batters he faced.  Chris Perez has pitched very well so far this season, as he has given up only 5 hits in 11.2 innings.   Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brian Wilson to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenChris PerezBrian WilsonKenley Jansen4/27/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – Johnson was going to be the closer if there was a save opportunity on Friday and the A’s could be moving towards making Johnson their primary closer again.
2. Jordan Walden, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the last 4.
3. Jim Henderson, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the past 4.
4. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass/Raul Valdez/Jose Cisnero, Houston Astros – Take your pick.

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.

Jose Valverde takes over in New York and Brian Wilson hits the DL

April 2, 2014

New York Mets — Bobby Parnell’s diminished velocity led to a blown save on Opening Day. After he complained of forearm tightness, an examination revealed a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his throwing arm. Parnell, who received a platelet-rich plasma injection, will rest for at least two weeks, then begin a throwing program to determine if surgery will be necessary. Hierarchy change: Jose Valverde to Closer, Jeurys Familia to Set-Up, Scott Rice to 2nd in line, Bobby Parnell to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
NYMJose ValverdeJeurys FamiliaScott RiceBobby Parnell4/2/14
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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Houston Astros — In the first sign that Houston’s closer-by-committee system will be as unpleasant for fantasy owners as it is for the players involved, putative “closer” Chad Qualls was summoned Tuesday in the eighth inning, up six. We still think he has the inside track at the most save opportunities with Jesse Crain out, but it’s best to think of anything you get from any Astros pitcher as gravy. Specifically, the gravy that dog food makes. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUChad QuallsJosh FieldsMatt AlbersJosh Fields4/2/14
 Jesse Crain (DL)

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Los Angeles Dodgers — How about this? We let you know that Brian Wilson is headed to the disabled list with nerve irritation, and you just go ahead and make up your own punchline. Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brandon League to 2nd in line, Brian Wilson to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenChris PerezBrandon LeagueKenley Jansen4/2/14
Brian Wilson (DL)

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Kansas City Royals — Ned Yost has picked $4.8 million man Wade Davis as the team’s official set-up guy with Luke Hochevar out for the year. Davis and Aaron Crow had a rough time on Monday, however, and what seemed like a strength for Kansas City now appears very shaky indeed. Hierarchy change: Wade Davis to Set-up, Kelvin Herrera to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandWade DavisKelvin HerreraGreg Holland4/2/14

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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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David Robertson and Sergio Santos pick up saves

September 28, 2013

New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera got the night off after his emotional final outing in Yankee Stadium.  David Robertson retired the Astros in order (which isn’t hard to do) for his 3rd save of the season.  There are rumors that Mariano could play center field this weekend so Robertson could see more saves.  No hierarchy change.

 .Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYY Mariano Rivera David Robertson Shawn Kelley David Robertson 9/28/13
      Boone Logan (INJ)    

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Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos came on in the 8th inning with the bases loaded and one out and the Blue Jays up 4.  He got a double play to get out of the inning and then stayed on for the 9th to pick up his first save of the season. No hierarchy change.

 .Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TOR Casey Janssen Sergio Santos Steve Delabar Casey Janssen 9/28/13

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Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez is officially out as closer, and will be replaced by a committee of relievers that includes most of the bullpen.  Former No. 1 starter Justin Masterson, recovering from an oblique injury, is among the best bets for the 9th inning, as mentioned this morning.  Joe Smith is neck-and-neck with Masterson, with Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw close behind.  Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to Closer, Justin Masterson to Set-up.

 .Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLE Joe Smith Justin Masterson Cody Allen Chris Perez 9/27/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Gregg, Chicago Cubs – The Cubs could go with Gregg or Strop if they have a save opportunity tonight.
2. David Robertson, New York Yankees – The Yankees may play Mariano Rivera in center field so Robertson could be the closer the rest of this weekend.