Joe Smith, Justin Masterson leading Indians committee into postseason

September 27, 2013

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
CLEJoe SmithJustin MastersonCody AllenChris Perez9/27/13

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Chris Perez has another terrible outing

September 27, 2013

Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez got the dreaded “vote of confidence” from Terry Francona after a blown save on Tuesday, and followed it up on Thursday by getting shelled in a non-save opp.  Joe Smith is the best bet for saves if yesterday’s outing costs Perez his job for the remainder of the season.  Recently converted starter Justin Masterson is also an option. Chris Perez to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez9/27/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Gregg, Chicago Cubs – Pedro Strop got the opp earlier this week, but Gregg picked up another save on Wednesday.  Either one could get the call next time the Cubs have a save chance.
2. Jose Veras, Detroit Tigers – Prior to the Tigers’ offday yesterday, Joaquin Benoit had pitched in three straight.  They might give him another day off to make sure he’s totally fresh for the postseason.
3. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Some are clamoring for Mariano Rivera’s Thursday night appearance in Yankee Stadium to be his last outing ever, saying he should sit out the Houston series.  If he listens, David Robertson will start his career as the new Yankee closer a few days early.

Jim Johnson is back on the Hot Seat

August 15, 2013

Baltimore Orioles — Jim Johnson blew his third straight save and ninth of the year on Wednesday. Even before the game, the Baltimore Sun was asking its readers whether Johnson should be demoted, with 92% saying yes at the time of this report. Although Buck Showalter insists that he “can’t live in that world,” won’t “shoot the wounded,” and has no intention to give any save opportunities to K-Rod, we’ve heard that tune before. Johnson can’t afford another mistake. Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Tommy Hunter to 2nd in line, Jim Johnson to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BALJim JohnsonFrancisco RodriguezTommy HunterJim Johnson8/15/13

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New York Mets — We’re not even going to make a joke about poor LaTroy Hawkins, who took a comebacker to the groin, gave up a game-tying home run, and was feeling the effects well after the game. Ouch. Wear your cup, kids. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMLaTroy HawkinsDavid AardsmaScott RiceBobby Parnell8/15/13
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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Toronto Blue Jays — As we expected, Brett Cecil got a shot at a save on Wednesday night; unfortunately for anyone who listened to us, he surrendered a two-run homer to tie the game, then loaded the bases. Never trust a man with two first names. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenBrett CecilSergio SantosSergio Santos8/15/13
Steve Delabar (DL)

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Seattle Mariners — Danny Farquhar had a nightmare ninth inning on Wednesday, falling a home run short of yielding the cycle, all without retiring a single batter. It was his first blown save as Seattle’s closer, though, and he should have some more leeway before he approaches the Hot Seat. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SEADanny FarquharOliver PerezYoervis MedinaDanny Farquhar8/15/13

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Cleveland Indians — Joe Smith picked up a save in the twelfth inning on Wednesday after Chris Perez gave up a game-tying home run in the tenth. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez8/15/13

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Houston Astros — The latest reliever to leave the Houston organization? Aussie former set-up man Travis Blackley. Meanwhile, Philip Humber, who hadn’t been seen since he gave up 5 runs in less than an inning three months ago, coughed up a one-run lead in the seventh. Did we mention you’re pitching the sixth for the Astros tomorrow? Get to Oakland by 8:30 am; they’ll cover your cab fare from the airport, but no tip. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChia-Jen LoJosh ZeidJosh Fields8/15/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. David Aardsma, New York Mets — LaTroy Hawkins deserves a little rest, don’t you think?

David Hernandez and Cody Allen record saves

July 13, 2013

Arizona Diamondbacks – As expected, Brad Ziegler was given the night off on Friday.  However, it was David Hernandez, and not J.J. Putz, who got the save.  J.J. Putz and Heath Bell were used to get through the 8th inning.  Manager Kirk Gibson told Hernandez before the game that he was going to get the call in the 9th so it appears he is ahead of Putz and Bell for saves.   Hierarchy change: David Hernandez to Set-up, J.J. Putz to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIBrad ZieglerDavid HernandezJ.J. PutzJ.J. Putz7/12/13

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Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen picked up his second save of the season last night as Chris Perez was given the night off after pitching in 5 of the past 6 games.  Cody Allen has 52 ks in 39.2 innings this season and should continue to see save opportunities if Perez is unavailable.  Hierarchy change: Cody Allen to Set-up, Joe Smith to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezCody AllenJoe SmithChris Perez7/12/13

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Chicago White Sox – Matt Thornton has been traded to the Boston Red Sox.  Matt Lindstrom and Nate Jones should see time in the set-up role with Thornton gone.  Hierarchy change: Matt Lindstrom to Set-up, Nate Jones to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHWAddison ReedMatt LindstromNate JonesAddison Reed7/12/13
Jesse Crain (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara has pitched in two straight and three of the past four games.

 

Grab Bastardo while you can; Casilla struggles in high-A rehab

July 10, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Antonio Bastardo earned his second save of the year on Tuesday, allowing Jonathan Papelbon some much-needed rest. With Mike Adams now on the long-term disabled list and Papelbon possibly moving to Detroit or Boston, Bastardo’s value could soon increase dramatically. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoJustin De FratusJonathan Papelbon7/10/13
Mike Adams (DL)

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San Francisco Giants — Jeremy Affeldt pitched very poorly in Tuesday’s eighth inning, breaking the game open for an eventual Mets victory. Meanwhile, Santiago Casilla’s fourth minor league rehab appearance consisted of three walks in four batters faced. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SFSergio RomoJeremy AffeldtGeorge KontosSergio Romo7/10/13
Santiago Casilla (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cody Allen/Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians — Chris Perez has pitched on four straight days and Joe Smith and Cody Allen have each appeared in three straight games. Allen has thrown the fewest pitches, but if the Tribe have a two- or three-run lead going into the ninth on Wednesday, Terry Francona might take a chance on rehabilitating Vinnie Pestano.