Drew Storen back from the DL

July 20, 2012

Washington Nationals – Drew Storen returned from the disabled list on Thursday, pitching a clean 9th inning in a game the Nationals were losing.  He immediately factors back in to the Nats’ late-inning plans, though he’s a longshot to win his closer job back this season.  Hierarchy change: Drew Storen to 2nd in line, replacing Henry Rodriguez.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Clippard |Burnett |Storen |Storen |7/20/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. John Axford/Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – Prior to the Brewers’ day off yesterday, Francisco Rodriguez had pitched in four straight games, throwing 73 pitches in the process.  He may need a second day off to recover.
2. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – The Marlins are employing a closer-by-committee and thus far, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn have each picked up one save.  Cishek is still the best bet for a save on any given night, but Dunn could get the call if the Marlins are facing a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.

Francisco Rodriguez to close in Milwaukee; Glen Perkins and Jared Burton to split chances in Minnesota

July 18, 2012

Texas Rangers – Alexi Ogando returned from the DL and was placed back in to the bullpen, where he will remain for the foreseeable future.  He pitched 0.2 innings yesterday and will be used in a late-innings role, as he was before.  Hierarchy change: Alexi Ogando to 2nd in line, replacing Tanner Scheppers. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTEX |Nathan |Adams |Ogando |Nathan |7/18/12

 
Minnesota Twins – Before Tuesday’s game, the Twins said Matt Capps would be unavailable due to a strained shoulder; then, in the wee hours this morning, they put him back on the DL.  Glen Perkins and Jared Burton will resume their closer-by-committee in the mean time.  Burton got the save last night.  Hierarchy change: Glen Perkins to Closer, Jared Burton to Set-up, Tyler Robertson to 2nd in line, Matt Capps to DL.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Robertson |Perkins |7/18/12 |Capps(DL) |

 
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said before Tuesday’s game that John Axford would be relieved of his closing duties for the time being.  Francisco Rodriguez will inherit the 9th inning role, effective immediately.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, John Axford to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Rodriguez |Axford |Veras |Axford |7/17/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. John Axford/Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in three straight games.
2. Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman got the save last night, and has pitched in four of the last five games.
3. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Rafael Soriano has pitched on back to back days, and in four of the last five.
4. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – Through Monday, Jose Valverde pitched in four straight and could conceivably be given a second day off today.
5. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – The Marlins are employing a closer-by-committee and thus far, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn have each picked up one save.  Cishek is still the best bet for a save on any given night, but Dunn could get the call if the Marlins are facing a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
6. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.

Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: National League Closers

July 12, 2012

SPECIAL UPDATE: TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL (PART 1 OF 2)

Glossary
BUY+: This player has a large chance of becoming a closer by the trade deadline.
BUY: This player has a small chance of becoming a closer by the trade deadline.
SELL: This player has a small chance of losing his closer job by the trade deadline.
SELL+: This player has a large chance of  losing his closer job by the trade deadline.

TLDR Version
BUY+: Brandon Lyon, Francisco Rodriguez, Luke Gregerson.
BUY: Jose Veras, David Hernandez, Dale Thayer.
SELL: Frank Francisco, John Axford, Jason Motte, J.J. Putz, Huston Street.
SELL+: Brett Myers.

Atlanta Braves – Atlanta is still in the playoff hunt and could look to add an arm down the stretch.  This is unlikely to mean much to their bullpen hierarchy, however, as no one they could possibly acquire could threaten Craig Kimbrel.  BUY/SELL: None. 
Miami Marlins – The Marlins need bullpen help, but are several games under .500 and are unlikely to make any moves either way.  They have former closer Juan Oviedo (Leo Nunez) returning from suspension soon, and will hope to rally with the staff they have.  BUY/SELL: None. 
New York Mets – The Mets may look to add an arm in the bullpen– Grant Balfour’s name has been bandied about– and that’s actually bad news for their current crop of relievers.  Frank Francisco, due to return from the DL after the All Star Break, has been far from solid, and any new acquisition could push him for the closer’s job.  BUY: None.  SELL: Frank Francisco. 
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite the Phillies’ struggles, they’re unlikely to sell off any valuable bullpen assets.  Jonathan Papelbon has a long term contract, and they value Antonio Bastardo too highly to move him.  BUY/SELL: None.
Washington Nationals – Even without Drew Storen– who is expected back in a few weeks– the first place Nats have one of the strongest bullpens in the NL.  They’re unlikely to make any moves that would affect their hierarchy.  BUY/SELL: None.

Chicago Cubs – The Cubs are selling anything and everything, but they may not have many takers for the top arms in their bullpen.  Carlos Marmol has a big contract and is far too volatile to generate any interest.  Meanwhile, Shawn Camp, James Russell and Rafael Dolis are unlikely to affect the 9th inning role if they do end up landing anywhere else.  BUY/SELL: None.
Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman, despite some recent road bumps, is locked in to the closer role for the remainder of the year.  Sean Marshall has also been rock solid in the 8th inning role.  If the Reds look to make a trade, it won’t affect the bullpen.  BUY/SELL: None.
Houston Astros – The Astros are looking to move Brett Myers, whose has a $10 million option that will kick in if he finishes 45 games.  This makes him an interesting trade acquisition, as cash-strapped teams may be reluctant to move him into the closer role if they acquire him.  Unfortunately, this also hurts his value, as it further decreases the chance that he’ll close wherever he lands.  Brandon Lyon would inherit the job if Myers is dealt, which seems likely at this point.  BUY+: Brandon Lyon.  SELL+: Brett Myers.
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he would like to see how the team performs in the weeks after the break before deciding to sell.  But if they do, they have several players in the bullpen that could interest contenders.  John Axford has blown a handful of saves this year, and like most closers on bottom feeders, could see his value drop if he is dealt and moved into a set-up role.  Francisco Rodriguez and Jose Veras have also been mentioned in trade talks, though their values are likely to rise if they (or Axford) is moved.  BUY+: Francisco Rodriguez.  BUY: Jose Veras.  SELL: John Axford.
Pittsburgh Pirates – The first-place Pirates are buyers, but most media reports have them seeking a bat, not an arm.  Even if they were to tack on in the bullpen, an acquisition would probably inherit the 7th or 8th inning role, as Joel Hanrahan has been solid all year.  BUY/SELL: None.
St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals need some bullpen help, as Jason Motte has been shaky for much of the season.  The St. Louis Dispatch reported on Tuesday that Huston Street could be an option, and Street expressed the desire to close if he moves elsewhere.  Such a deal could hurt Motte’s value.  BUY: None.  SELL: Jason Motte.

Arizona Diamondbacks – They haven’t performed as well as expected, but the Diamondbacks are only four games out of first.  But as of right now, they’re sellers, reportedly listening to offers to Justin Upton.  J.J. Putz is an interesting trade target, and though his name hasn’t surfaced in trade talks yet, but he’s in the last year of his contract (the D’Backs have a club option) and could generate interest from contenders.  However, this might be more likely to hurt his value than help it, as he could land with a team that puts him in a set-up role.  David Hernandez would inherit the role if he gets traded.  BUY: David Hernandez.  SELL: J.J. Putz.
Colorado Rockies – ESPN’s Buster Olney has reported that the Rockies would have to be overwhelmed in a deal for either Rafael Betancourt or Matt Belisle, so there isn’t much chance that either will move before the trade deadline.  At 32-51, the Rockies are obviously not buyers, either.  BUY/SELL: None.
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ bullpen is solid, with Kenley Jansen still racking up strikeouts at an absurd rate.  They’re unlikely to be factors in the bullpen market at the deadline.  BUY/SELL: None.
San Diego Padres – Huston Street is a great bet to move somewhere else before the All Star Break, and a trade would either cause his value to rise slightly (if he goes to a contender and continues to close out games) or plummet (if he becomes a set-up man).  But a definite beneficiary is Luke Gregerson– or possibly Dale Thayer– who could see saves once Street lands elsewhere.  BUY+: Luke Gregerson.  BUY: Dale Thayer.  SELL: Huston Street. 
San Francisco Giants – The Giants proved last year that they’re willing to make a splash at the deadline, but they’re unlikely to make any moves, bullpen-wise, as they have two solid top-tier relievers in Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo.  BUY/SELL: None.

Phil Coke picks up first save after Jose Valverde injury

June 20, 2012

Detroit Tigers – While warming up in the bullpen on Tuesday, Jose Valverde hurt his wrist and was held out of the game; Phil Coke entered in his place and picked up his first save of the season.  An initial exam by the Tigers medical staff suggested that the injury was minor, but Valverde still went for an MRI after the game.  The Tigers will likely announce the results before today’s game.  Valverde himself said he didn’t think that the injury was serious, but if he does need a DL stint, Joaquin Benoit will see the bulk of the save opportunities.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedDET |Valverde |Benoit |Coke |Valverde |6/20/12

 
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford gave up back-to-back home runs last night, and has now given up 9 ERs in his last 5 innings pitched, a span that includes three blown saves, and a fourth outing where he needed to be bailed out by Jose Veras.  While Ron Roenicke said he’s ready to make a change just yet, Axford remains on the Hot Seat, with Francisco Rodriguez and his 292 saves waiting in the wings.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |6/20/12

 
Toronto Blue Jays – Jason Frasor gave up 2 runs on Tuesday, pushing his ERA to 4.26.  Meanwhile, veteran lefty Darren Oliver pitched yet another scoreless inning, eventually earning the win after John Axford blew the save.  He’s been used against both righties and lefties this season, and now has a sparkling 1.48 ERA.  Hierarchy change: Darren Oliver to 2nd in line, replacing Jason Frasor. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTOR |Janssen |Cordero |Oliver |Santos |6/20/12 |Santos (DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – The results of Jose Valverde’s MRI have not been revealed, and if he can’t pitch today, Benoit will get the save opp.
2. Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – While John Axford remains the closer in Milwaukee, he could get the night off to clear his head. Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in three consecutive games, making Jose Veras the best candidate for a save if Axford stays on the bench.

John Axford struggling; David Robertson returns

June 15, 2012

St. Louis Cardinals – Victor Marte pitched parts of the 7th and 8th innings on Thursday, earning his 9th hold of the season.  While Mark Rzepczynski generally pitches later in games than Marte, he’s struggled as of late and would likely remain in a specialist role even if Jason Motte and Mitchell Boggs both suffer injuries.  Hierarchy change: Victor Marte to 2nd in line, replacing Mark Rzepczynski. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSTL |Motte |Boggs |Marte |Motte |6/15/12

 
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford blew his second save in two days on Thursday, and has seen his ERA jump to 5.55 after giving up 7 runs in his last three outings.  He would be in more danger if the Brewers had any lights-out middle relievers, but Francisco Rodriguez- the only real threat to Axford’s job- is also having a mediocre season.  Still, if Axford continues to pitch poorly, the Brewers might have to look elsewhere.  John Axford to Hot Seat. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |6/15/12

 
New York Yankees – The Yankees activated David Robertson from the DL on Thursday.  Robertson is expected to return to a set-up role, but could challenge for the closer job if Rafael Soriano struggles.  Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Set-up, Boone Logan to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYY |Soriano |Robertson |Logan |Robertson |6/15/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Shawn Camp, Chicago Cubs – James Russell has registered 2 saves for the Cubs since the demotion of Rafael Dolis; Camp has gotten the other.  Matchups will likely determine who is used in the 9th today.
2. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has gotten 5 of the last 8 save opps, but Downs could still snag a save on any night if match-ups are right.
3. Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford has blown saves on back to back days, throwing 47 pitches in the process, and might be given a day off.  Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in three in a row, and five of the last six, making Jose Veras the most likely candidate for a save opp.