Joe Nathan to Hot Seat; Ryan Cook returns

June 4, 2014

Detroit Tigers — Hometown hero RoboCop threw out Tuesday’s first pitch; even his bounced eephus looked good up against the offerings of closer Joe Nathan, who yielded four runs in one-third of an inning to raise his ERA to 6.86. Nathan’s reduced velocity and deteriorating command has put Brad Ausmus in a difficult position: stick with his $10 million man, who reports feeling “damn good,” or give Joba Chamberlain and his 10-game scoreless streak a shot. After last night’s game, Ausmus made no promises, saying only that he wouldn’t discuss the issue publicly without talking to Nathan first. Joba is the heir apparent, but if RoboCop is still available in your league, do yourself a favor and buy that for a dollar.

Joe Nathan to Hot Seat.

Los Angeles Angels — Michael Kohn was sent to the minor leagues on Tuesday after battling some control problems recently. Promoted to replace him was former first-round pick Cam Bedrosian, who boasts 45 strikeouts in 24 low-minor innings, and could ascend quickly. For now, Kohn’s spot in the hierarchy should be filled by Fernando Salas or, better yet, impressive 23-year-old rookie Mike Morin — but this being Mike Scioscia’s team, our money is on the pedestrian Kevin Jepsen, who pitched after both of those guys on Tuesday. In his defense, Jepsen hasn’t allowed a run in his last 10 outings, and has shown an improved strikeout rate.

Updated hierarchy: Frieri | Smith | Jepsen.

Oakland A’s — Ryan Cook was reactivated from the disabled list on Tuesday and, although he didn’t make it into the game, Bob Melvin had him warming along with lefty Fernando Abad in a tied seventh inning. If Cook can return to form, he should move into a seventh-inning role right away.

Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Gregerson | Cook.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks — Addison Reed has pitched on three of the last four days.
2. John Axford/Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen has pitched in two straight, four of five, and six of eight. Shaw pitched in three straight before Tuesday’s day off. Meanwhile, Axford hasn’t pitched in a week, but is aching to get back to his old role.

Cody Allen records impressive save, Chamberlain gets call with Nathan unavailable

May 31, 2014

Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen picked up his 2nd save of the season last night.  After pitching in the 8th inning on Wednesday, the Indians saved Allen for the 9th on Friday.  He faced the heart of the Rockies lineup, pitching a perfect inning while striking out Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.  It was an impressive outing and Allen definitely looks like the guy to own in the Cleveland bullpen.

Hierarchy remains: Allen | Shaw | Axford.

Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan got the night off Friday and the Tigers went to Joba Chamberlain, who converted the save.  Manager Brad Ausmus confirmed before the game that Chamberlain would be the closer on nights when Nathan is unavailable.  Nathan has struggled recently and is probably one more bad outing from the Hot Seat.  Chamberlain showed last night he might be able to handle the job.

Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.

Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli recorded his second save in two days on Friday night and is ready to return to the closer’s role full time.  Clint Hurdle said he will monitor Grilli’s health the rest of the season, so Melancon will still see some save opportunities when Grilli is given a night off, but Grilli is definitely the guy when he is available.

Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Melancon | Watson.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Neil Ramirez, Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon will miss a couple games after being placed on the paternity list Friday
2. Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
3. Andrew Miller/Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara has appeared in four of the last 5.
4. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has pitched in three of the last four.

Who could replace Jim Johnson as Oakland closer?

April 10, 2014

Oakland A’s — It’s hard to raise a 15.00 ERA, but Jim Johnson pulled it off today. When asked to comment on potential replacements, Bob Melvin helpfully offered, “I’m just saying that I’m not saying anything.” Aha. We see Sean Doolittle as the best alternative, with Luke Gregerson behind him in a virtual tie with Ryan Cook, who’s still recovering from shoulder issues. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKJim JohnsonSean DoolittleRyan CookRyan Cook4/10/14

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Philadelphia Phillies — In a tie game on Wednesday, the Phils called on Jake Diekman in the seventh, and he struck out the side. After Antonio Bastardo came out for the eighth, the Brewers pulled away with three runs, including a two-run triple from even bigger cheater Ryan Braun. Ryne Sandberg has been somewhat inconsistent handing out high-leverage work, but Bastardo would certainly be in the mix if Jonathan Papelbon goes down, or just keeps getting worse. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line, replacing Jacob Diekman.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonB.J. RosenbergAntonio BastardoJonathan Papelbon4/10/14
Mike Adams (DL)

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Chicago White Sox — Ronald Belisario entered a tie game with one on; he gave up five singles and wound up tagged for five runs. This probably wouldn’t be news if he hadn’t also left the game with tightness in his lower back. Maikel Cleto continues to pitch well and would probably slide into a set-up role if the injury is at all serious. Hierarchy change: Maikel Cleto to 2nd in line, replacing Daniel Webb.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromRonald BelisarioMaikel CletoNate Jones4/10/14
Nate Jones (DL)

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Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan blamed his early-season struggles on a “dead arm,” then downplayed its significance, comparing it to “knowing there’s second base on the field.” Somebody tell Fred Merkle. Nathan followed up the controversy by blowing a three-run lead for his second blown save in three chances, but he told reporters that the ball felt better coming out of his hand. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
DETJoe NathanAl Alburquerque Joba ChamberlainJoe Nathan4/10/14

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Arizona Diamondbacks – Josh Collmenter pitched well in earning a four-inning save on his way to the rotation. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
ARIAddison ReedJ.J. PutzBrad ZieglerAddison Reed4/10/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. 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.
2. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – John Axford has pitched on three of the last four days.
3. Matt Thornton/Dellin Betances, New York Yankees — Shawn Kelley had a difficult 30-pitch outing on Wednesday, and has pitched on three of four days. Adam Warren has also pitched three of the last four days.

2014 AL Central bullpen preview

March 9, 2014

Chicago White Sox – The White Sox traded their closer Addison Reed in the off-season and Robin Ventura has not announced who will take over his job for 2014.  Nate Jones and Matt Lindstrom seem to be the favorites for the job but both are battling injuries so far.  Jones should be the leading candidate, as he is 6 years younger, has a fastball in the upper 90s, and was 8th among relievers with 89 strikeouts last year.  However, Robin Ventura proved that he is unpredictable when he let Hector Santiago start out closing 2 years ago.  Rookie Daniel Webb could also be an option.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Nate Jones, Set-up – Matt Lindstrom, 2nd in line – Daniel Webb.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHWNate JonesMatt LindstromDaniel WebbNate Jones3/9/14

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Cleveland Indians  –The Indians removed Chris Perez as closer at the end of last season and then cut him in the off-season.  They brought in John Axford to close and they are hoping he is as successful at finishing games as he is at picking the Oscars.  Cody Allen should serve as the primary set up man as he struck out 88 batters in 70 innings and finished with an ERA under 2.50 last season.  Bryan Shaw and Vinnie Pestano could also be in the mix for saves if Axford struggles.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – John Axford, Set-up – Cody Allen, 2nd in line – Bryan Shaw.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEJohn AxfordCody AllenBryan ShawCody Allen3/9/14

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Detroit Tigers – Joaquin Benoit, who led the Tigers in saves in 2014, is gone but they brought in a pretty good replacement: Joe Nathan.  Nathan is coming off an incredible year in Texas and will take over as closer for the Tigers.  If anything happens to the 39 year-old Nathan, young flamethrowers Bruce Rondon and Al Alburquerque could step in.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Joe Nathan, Set-up – Bruce Rondon, 2nd in line – Al Alburquerque.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
DETJoe NathanBruce RondonAl AlburquerqueJoe Nathan3/9/14

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Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland solidified himself as an elite closer last year, finishing the season with over 100 Ks and a WHIP under 1.  Luke Hochevar was a solid set up man last year but he will have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season.  Kelvin Herrera should step in as the primary set up man, with Aaron Crow also seeing some time in the later innings.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Greg Holland, Set-up – Kelvin Herrera, 2nd in line – Aaron Crow.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandKelvin HerreraAaron CrowGreg Holland3/9/14

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Minnesota Twins  – The Twins will return most of their key bullpen arms from last year and didn’t make any big adds to their relief corps.  Glen Perkins will be the closer again, with Jared Burton and Casey Fien setting him up.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Glen Perkins, Set-up – Jared Burton, 2nd in line – Casey Fien.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins3/9/14

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Saves for Black and Rosenthal

September 25, 2013

New York Mets — With LaTroy Hawkins tired and unavailable, Vic Black got the call for his first major league save on Tuesday night. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMLaTroy HawkinsVic BlackFrank FranciscoBobby Parnell9/25/13
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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Texas Rangers — Thanks to a reader for pointing this out: Joe Nathan triggered his free agent clause by closing his 55th game last week, allowing him to void his $9 million team option for 2014 and seek a longer deal.  Our gut feeling is that he stays in Arlington to close next year, but if he ends up somewhere else, we see Tanner Scheppers as the Rangers’ 2014 closer — if you’re playing the long game. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TEXJoe NathanJoakim SoriaTanner ScheppersJoe Nathan9/25/13

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St. Louis Cardinals — Two games, two post-Mujica save chances, two saves for Trevor Rosenthal — and on a combined 13 pitches. The young righty continues to impress. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
STLTrevor RosenthalKevin SiegristCarlos MartinezJason Motte9/25/13

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Tampa Bay Rays — Jake Odorizzi picked up a three-inning save on Tuesday as the Rays shut out the Yankees. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney9/25/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Matt Lindstrom, Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed has pitched on three of the last four days, and he hasn’t been too sharp either. Nate Jones was called upon for five outs on Tuesday, so Lindstrom could get a chance at his first save of the year.
2. Yoervis Medina, Seattle Mariners — Danny Farquhar has pitched in three straight games.
3. Jose Veras, Detroit Tigers – Joaquin Benoit has also pitched in three of the last four, with 41 pitches in the last two nights.
4. Vic Black, New York Mets — You know the saying: once you go Black, you find it hard to return to a fatigued 40-year-old journeyman with a .266 batting average against. If LaTroy Hawkins is still tired, Black could get his second career save on Wednesday.
5. Kevin Siegrist/Carlos Martinez/John Axford, St. Louis Cardinals – If this is really a closer committee, one of the other members could get the next save.