Closer Carousal: Joel Hanrahan Not Long For The Job?

by faketeams on Apr 28, 2009 10:30 AM EDT in Baseball

Joel Hanrahan, Washington Nationals: Hanrahan blew another save by allowing a grand slam by Raul Ibanez. He entered after Garrett Mock was replaced after loading the bases and previously allowing three runs to score and turn an 11-7 Washington lead into a potential save situation.

No matter what manager Manny Acta says today, Hanrahan is not long for the job. There does not appear to be an obvious candidate who would succeed in the role. Mock has been ineffective and was no better in AAA prior to his call-up.

"We are going to think this through," Acta said. "We are not going to make a decision out of a reaction of tonight because we don't have Rollie Fingers and Mariano Rivera in our bullpen. We going to sit back, think it through and we are going to come up with a decision."

Kip Wells threw a scoreless innings with two ks yesterday. Julian Tavarez has been OK. Sadly, this appears to be more than enough for a chance at closing in Washington.

Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals: Franklin saved his 6th game in six tries. While Jason Motte and Chris Perez offer the better peripheral stats, there is little chance Franklin loses the role any time soon.

Jamey Wright, Kansas City Royals: Just to follow-up yesterday's conjecture that Wright was a sleeper for saves. He pitched a scoreless 8th in a 7-1 Royals victory.

8th Inning Set-Up: Kyle McClellan St. Louis Cardinals (3), Bobby Seay Detroit Tigers (7), C.J. Wilson (1) and Darren O'Day (1) Texas Rangers

Saves: Ryan Franklin St. Louis Cardinals (6), Ryan Madsen Philadelphia Phillies (1), Jonathan Papelbon (5), Frank Francisco Texas Rangers (5), Brian Wilson San Francisco Giants (4)

Blown Saves: Joel Hanrahan (3)

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Hanrahan gave up one of Mock's ER

It wasn’t a stellar performance by Mock but Hanrahan’s Grand Slam included one of his earned runs.

Mock struck out the first batter, gave up a single. Then gave up a double to Rollins that was just fair. Sac fly later (Victorino) and a single to Utley caused Mock to be pulled leaving Utley still on first base.

All with 2 outs, Hanrahan walked the bases loaded, got visited on the mound and proceeded to give up the grand slam.

by 3ptSpecialist on Apr 28, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

What about Jason Grilli in Colorado? Maybe he gets a shot at closing some point soon. Also Leo Nunez in Florida?

by acr on Apr 28, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

Hanrahan Out

From MLB Blogs:

The team will go with a bullpen-by-committee with right-handers Julian Tavarez and Kip Wells as the late inning guys. Once left-hander Joe Beimel is activated from the disabled list next week, he will most likely be the closer, while Tavarez and Wells become the set-up guys.

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by faketeams on Apr 28, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions