Should Jonathan Papelbon be traded, Mike Adams has the edge for saves in Philly

June 14, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies – The Philadelphia bullpen hasn’t been a point of strength this season, and it’s been touch-and-go in terms of getting the ball to Jonathan Papelbon, who until last night didn’t have a single save in June.  After Antonio Bastardo got knocked around on Wednesday, blowing the game in the 7th inning and eventually taking the loss, the Phillies went to Mike Adams in the 8th inning on Thursday.  Adams hasn’t been as good since coming off the disabled list, but after last night, he’s probably moved past Bastardo again on the depth chart.  For speculators, the 8th-inning battle in Philly is worth watching, as Papelbon is a candidate to be dealt some time this summer.  Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonMike AdamsAntonio BastardoJonathan Papelbon6/14/13

.
Cincinnati Reds – Jonathan Broxton was supposed to have the night off on Thursday, but was pressed into duty when the Reds game stretched into the 14th inning.  He ultimately took the loss, allowing a run on two hits and a walk.  Broxton confirmed after the game that he was hurting a bit, and this wasn’t an issue of overuse — he’d had three days off prior to yesterday.  Broxton’s fastball velocity is down this year, and after last night, his ERA sits at 4.33.  If he’s now dealing with arm trouble, then Sam LeCure could be inheriting the 8th inning role soon.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanJonathan BroxtonSam LeCureJonathan Broxton6/14/13

.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Ryan Cook/Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in three straight.  If he can’t go tonight, Ryan Cook is the best bet for a save opp, though Sean Doolittle could also get a chance if the A’s face a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
2. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod will continue to steal opportunities from Jim Henderson until he reaches 300 saves for his career.  He’s currently at 298.

Antonio Bastardo, Ryan Cook move into set-up roles

June 3, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon missed the game on Sunday with a bad sinus infection and could be out for an additional day or two.  Antonio Bastardo picked up a shaky save in his absence and will likely share 9th inning duties with Mike Adams if Papelbon needs another day to recover.  Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Mike Adams to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoMike AdamsJonathan Papelbon6/3/13

.
Houston Astros – Jose Veras was given a day off on Sunday after pitching five of the previous six days, as mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch.  Hector Ambriz picked up his second save of the week in his place.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizWesley WrightJose Veras6/3/13

.
Oakland A’s – Ryan Cook finished off the 7th and stayed on for a spotless 8th on Sunday, marking the third straight 8th-inning appearance for Cook.  Sean Doolittle, meanwhile, has struggled in his last two outings, allowing two runs each time.  Hierarchy change: Ryan Cook to Set-up, Sean Doolittle to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
OAKGrant BalfourRyan CookSean DoolittleGrant Balfour6/3/13

.
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup picked up an 11th-inning save on Sunday night after the Jays had used most of the other relievers in their bullpen.  Brett Cecil pitched the 8th and 9th for Toronto and extended his scoreless innings streak to 11.  Though Neil Wagner had a strong debut earlier this week, he hasn’t pitched in a game in which the Blue Jays were winning or tied since.  Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, replacing Neil Wagner.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenSteve DelabarBrett CecilSergio Santos6/3/13
Sergio Santos (DL)Darren Oliver (DL)

.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Antonio Bastardo/Mike Adams, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon might need another day off to recover from a nasty sinus infection that kept him out on Sunday.
2. Joe Thatcher, San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer have both pitched in three straight.

Garrett Richards becoming an important man in the Angels bullpen

May 31, 2013

New York Mets – Though he’s been sabermetrically terrifying all season, Scott Rice has been real-world effective for the Mets as their go-to late-innings lefty.  Until his walk rate catches up to him, Rice would probably be the man for the save if the Mets were facing a lefty-heavy ninth inning and Bobby Parnell were unavailable.  Also in Mets news, Frank Francisco was transferred to the 60-day DL and may have thrown his last pitch as a Met.  Hierarchy change: Scott Rice to 2nd in line, replacing LaTroy Hawkins.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMBobby ParnellBrandon LyonScott RiceBobby Parnell5/31/13
Frank Francisco (DL)

.
Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn has seen his ERA climb by nearly a point and a half over his last two outings, including an uninspiring 0.1 innings last night.  Since declaring closer-by-committee a week and a half ago, there’s been little clarity in who has the lead, given how rarely the Marlins fall into a 9th inning save chance.  Steve Cishek is probably still the best guy to own, if you only own one Marlins reliever, but given the lefty’s recent struggles, Mike Dunn has likely fallen behind Chad Qualls in the runner-up position.  Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Mike Dunn to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MIASteve CishekChad QuallsMike DunnSteve Cishek5/31/13

.
Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins had the night off on Thursday, so as predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jared Burton picked up his second save of the year.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins5/31/13

.
Houston Astros – Also predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch was a potential opportunity for Hector Ambriz, who struck out two in a solid 9th inning for his first career save.  (It was a good day for the VSW, even despite Mike Matheny’s baffling decision to go to Mitchell Boggs rather than Trevor Rosenthal in the Cardinals game.)  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizWesley WrightJose Veras5/31/13

.
Los Angeles Angels – Garrett Richards has pitched the 8th inning ahead of Ernesto Frieri three times in the past week and has moved ahead of Scott Downs on the depth chart.  Richards now has five holds on the season, four of which have come in the last eight days.  Hierarchy change: Garrett Richards to Set-up, Scott Downs to 2nd in line. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriGarrett RichardsScott DownsErnesto Frieri5/31/13
Ryan Madson (DL)

.
Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams had a rocky return from the disabled list on Monday, but was back to his old form on Wednesday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jonathan Papelbon.  Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.  

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonMike AdamsAntonio BastardoJonathan Papelbon5/30/13

.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in four straight and five of six.  Joel Peralta has also pitched in five of six, though his day off came more recently.  If Peralta can go, he’ll get the save opportunity tonight should one arise.  If not, Jake McGee will get the call.
2. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – When Andrew Bailey returned from the DL a little over a week ago, John Farrell said he wouldn’t use him on back to back nights for a while.  Until he proves he can do it, Junichi Tazawa is a decent add after any Bailey appearance.

Andrew Bailey back with Boston, while the heat goes up on Jim Johnson

May 21, 2013

Boston Red Sox — Andrew Bailey was reactivated in time for Monday’s loss to the White Sox. Although he will return to the closer’s seat immediately, John Farrell is likely to limit his workload, at least initially. Hierarchy change: Andrew Bailey to Closer, Junichi Tazawa to Set-up, Koji Uehara to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BOSAndrew BaileyJunichi TazawaKoji UeharaAndrew Bailey5/21/13

.

Baltimore Orioles — In under a week, a Jim Johnson blown save has gone from historical oddity to disturbing three-time trend. It’s likely that Johnson, never conventionally dominant, is simply reverting to the mean via a run of particularly bad luck. On the heels of a six-game losing streak in the competitive AL East, however, Buck Showalter may not long have the luxury of keeping faith in his large righthander. Jim Johnson to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BALJim JohnsonDarren O’DayTommy HunterJim Johnson5/21/13

.

Philadelphia Phillies — Mike Adams was placed on the disabled list with a strained back, retroactive to May 11. He hopes to return by the 27th, but in the meantime, Charlie Manuel has indicated that Justin De Fratus will see more action. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to DL, Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Justin De Fratus to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoJustin De FratusJonathan Papelbon5/21/13
 Mike Adams (DL)

.

Kansas City Royals — After Kelvin Herrera surrendered his eighth home run in his last 14 innings on Sunday, Ned Yost announced Herrera’s demotion from the setup role. Hierarchy change: Aaron Crow to Set-up, Kelvin Herrera to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandAaron CrowKelvin HerreraGreg Holland5/21/13

.

Houston Astros — Hector Ambriz is again the first choice for Houston in the eighth innings of close games, while lefty Wesley Wright has been used in earlier matchup situations. Hierarchy change: Hector Ambriz to Set-up, Wesley Wright to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizWesley WrightJose Veras5/21/13

.

Atlanta Braves — As predicted in Monday morning’s Vulture Save Watch, Cory Gearrin grabbed a weird one-out save on Monday after entering with two on and a four-run lead. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelCory GearrinLuis AvilanCraig Kimbrel5/21/13
 Eric O’Flaherty (DL)Jordan Walden (DL)

.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians — Chris Perez struggled Monday in a 28-pitch outing and was lucky to avoid the loss. Although Pestano also pitched in that game, he might get the call if Perez is fatigued.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.

Marmol bumbles through another save opportunity; Valverde a Tiger again

April 5, 2013

Chicago Cubs — Dale Sveum stuck by Carlos Marmol after the embattled closer barely escaped a ninth inning that featured three singles wrapped around a walk. “He was OK. It didn’t seem that way, but it wasn’t too bad . . .  We know things can get interesting with him.” When Sveum tires of “interesting” approaches to protecting late leads, Kyuji Fujikawa and his 200+ saves await.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Marmol |Fujikawa |Camp |Marmol |4/5/13

 
Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman picked up his first save of the year, and Sean Marshall, who has been kept out this season due to shoulder soreness, announced that he expected to be back for Friday night’s game against the Nationals.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedCIN |Chapman |Broxton |Marshall |Broxton |4/5/13

 
Detroit Tigers — In another threat to the Tigers’ fragile bullpen-by-committee setup, the team signed freshly shaven free agent Jose Valverde to a minor-league contract on Thursday. He’ll start out in extended spring training, then travel to Triple-A Toledo, and can opt out of the deal if he’s not in the majors by May 5. No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedDET |Coke |Benoit |Alburquerque|Rondon |4/5/13

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen has pitched in two consecutive games.
2. Mike Adams, Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon has thrown on two straight days.