Jim Henderson may win closer job soon; Heath Bell back to closing

August 9, 2012

Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson picked up his second save in as many days on Wednesday, leading many to anoint him the new Milwaukee closer.  But there’s been no word on the 9th inning role from Ron Roenicke since before the game on Wednesday, when he told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that “We can work them both in,” referring to Henderson and John Axford.  For his part, Axford has been much better of late– he earned the win by pitching a scoreless 8th inning last night– so the next save chance will be key.  If Henderson gets the call, he becomes the favorite as the reliever most likely to earn saves the rest of the year; anyone else, and Axford is still the best bet.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Henderson |Rodriguez |Axford |8/9/12

 
Boston Red Sox – Vicente Padilla hit the DL this week, making hard-throwing lefty Andrew Miller the best option for saves on nights when Alfredo Aceves is unavailable.  Mark Melancon, who has a 4.09 ERA since returning the majors in June, is the only active Red Sox reliever to have earned a hold this week, and he moves up as well.  Hierarchy change: Andrew Miller to Set-up, Mark Melancon to 2nd in line, Vicente Padilla to DL.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Aceves |Miller |Melancon |Bailey |8/9/12 |Bailey(DL) |Padilla(DL) |

 
Miami Marlins – Ozzie Guillen said before Wednesday’s game that Heath Bell would be moved back into the closer role.  “We’re going to give him another opportunity,” said Guillen to several media outlets.  Steve Cishek has pitched quite well since taking over the role, and with Guillen also saying that he reserved the right to use other relievers in the 9th, Bell will begin immediately on the Hot Seat.  But, in a rather stunning move, he’s back in as the Marlins’ closer.  Hierarchy change: Heath Bell to Closer, Steve Cishek to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIA |Bell |Cishek |Dunn |Bell |8/8/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland has pitched in two straight, and has pitched 4.0 innings over the last four days.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.

Drew Storen returning to form, picks up save in Tyler Clippard’s absence

August 6, 2012

Washington Nationals – As expected, Tyler Clippard had the day off on Sunday, but it was Drew Storen who got the save chance in his place, while Sean Burnett pitched the 8th.  Burnett has been excellent all season, but the Nats may be trying to use Storen similarly to how the Rangers are using Alexi Ogando– having him get tough outs whenever necessary and fill in for the closer on occasion, while leaving their 8th inning role consistent.  As a result, Storen is probably now the next-best bet for saves in Washington.  Hierarchy change: Drew Storen to Set-up, Sean Burnett to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Clippard |Storen |Burnett |Storen |8/6/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves has pitched two nights in a row and three of the last four, throwing 69 pitches in the process.
2. Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland pitched two innings last night, throwing 46 pitches.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.

Brewers bullpen melts down again; Chad Durbin pitching well

July 30, 2012

Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers bullpen had another meltdown on Sunday, and all of their top relievers were to blame; John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jose Veras all gave up multiple runs.  Earlier this week, Ron Roenicke declared a closer-by-committee, with several Brewers beat writers thought Axford would quickly win his job back.  He’s still likely to do so before the end of the season, but the Brewers may look elsewhere for saves in the near future.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |7/30/12

 
Atlanta Braves – With Jonny Venters’ inconsistency and the team’s desire to stretch Kris Medlen out, the Braves have been searching for a steady 7th inning man all season.  They may have found one in Chad Durbin, who after a rough start has allowed only 4 ERs in his last 28 innings, a span of 35 appearances.  On Sunday, he bailed Venters out in the 6th inning and then stayed on for the 7th, recording his 10th hold of the year.  Hierarchy change: Chad Durbin to 2nd in line, replacing Jonny Venters.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedATL |Kimbrel |O'Flaherty |Durbin |Kimbrel |7/30/12

 
Minnesota Twins – Alex Burnett pitched the 7th inning on Sunday ahead of Jared Burton and Glen Perkins, earning his 7th hold of the season.  Tyler Robertson has struggled as of late, giving up runs in his last three appearances.  Hierarchy change: Alex Burnett to 2nd in line, replacing Tyler Robertson.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Burnett |Perkins |7/30/12 |Capps(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves pitched 2.1 innings last night, his second night of work in a row.
2. 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.

LaTroy Hawkins solid since returning from DL

July 2, 2012

Los Angeles Angels – Jordan Walden gave up 3 runs last night and saw his ERA climb to 3.96. LaTroy Hawkins, meanwhile, has given up just 1 run in 8 innings since returning from the DL and has a 1.10 ERA on the season.  Hierarchy change: LaTroy Hawkins to 2nd in line, replacing Jordan Walden.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Downs |Hawkins |Walden |7/2/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves has pitched 3.1 innings over the past two nights.
2. Shawn Camp, Chicago Cubs – Carlos Marmol has pitched in three straight games.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – With with the Twins employing a true platoon, Jared Burton could get the save opp if there’s a righty-heavy ninth inning due up.

Jared Hughes nabs a save; Kyle Farnsworth returns

July 1, 2012

Tampa Bay Rays – Kyle Farnsworth pitched his first inning of year on Saturday, logging a scoreless frame in the 7th inning.  The former closer immediately slots in to the Rays late-inning hierarchy, and could push Joel Peralta for the 8th inning role.  Hierarchy change: Kyle Farnsworth to 2nd in line, replacing Jake McGee.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTB |Rodney |Peralta |Farnsworth |Farnsworth |7/1/12

 
Pittsburgh Pirates – Jared Hughes got the last out of the 8th inning with the Pirates up three runs, then stayed on for the 9th after the Pirates added to their lead.  Hughes does not fit in to the Pirates regular late-inning plans.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPIT |Hanrahan |Grilli |Cruz |Hanrahan |6/11/12

 
Oakland A’s – Brian Fuentes was summoned in the 6th inning on Saturday with the A’s down by 4 runs, and he proceeded to give up a run on two hits and a walk in 1.1 innings.  Bob Melvin has said that he’s trying to work Fuentes back into a late-inning role, but the lefty isn’t helping himself, as he now sports a 6.84 ERA.  Jerry Blevins (2.51 ERA) has been a much more reliable lefty for the A’s, as he picked up a 7th inning hold on Friday.  Hierarchy change: Jerry Blevins to 2nd in line, replacing Brian Fuentes. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Cook |Balfour |Blevins |Cook |7/1/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves pitched 2.1 innings yesterday in an extra inning game.
2. Brandon League, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen pitched 2 innings yesterday in an extra inning game.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – With with the Twins employing a true platoon, Jared Burton could get the save opp if there’s a righty-heavy ninth inning due up.