Closer Reports
Fantasy Baseball: Closer Report for Week 23
by Jason Hunt on Sep 5, 2011 12:00 PM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes from Around the Bullpen
- Carlos Marmol coughed up the save opportunity on Saturday in stunning fashion, walking 3, and allowing 2 hits (1 of which was a grand slam). He did manage to get 2 strikeouts in his inning of work, but I can't imagine owners were even remotely happy with this performance against the Pirates.
- David Robertson was called on to get the save on Saturday for the Yankees after Mariano Rivera and Rafael Soriano both were unavailable for the game that day.
- Sean Marshall was called on to get the save for the Cubs in Sunday's game, after said meltdown by Marmol on Saturday. I am guessing at this point that it will probably remain a split for at least the next week.
- Rafael Betancourt got both save opportunities last week, with Street still pitching in either the 7th or the 8th inning.
- Kenley Jansen was called on to record a save in Thursday's game, but Javy Guerra had pitched the previous 2 days. Guerra recorded 4 saves this week in total, so I'm feeling pretty good that it is his job for the rest of the season.
- Bobby Parnell recorded 3 saves this week, and a blown save as well. The key was that Jason Isringhausen was not used in a save opportunity all week. He is probably safely droppable in most leagues at this point.
- There were no save opportunities in the Giants' bullpen this week, so it still appears that Santiago Casilla is the most likely option for saves in that bullpen.
- Ryan Madson all 4 of his save opportunities this week, and looks locked in as the closer.
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Fantasy Baseball: Closer Report for Week 22
by Jason Hunt on Aug 29, 2011 10:01 AM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes from Around the Bullpen
- The White Sox will continue to use a closer by committee for the remainder of the season, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.COM. Chris Sale got a save on Friday, the only one during the week.
- Rex Brothers got the save on Tuesday for the Rockies, and Rafael Betancourt got one on Monday. The team activated both Huston Street and Matt Lindstrom from the disabled list this week, but Street will not be placed in the role for now.
- Leo Nunez had a rough outing on Tuesday, allowing 4 earned runs and a blown save. Steve Cishek was called on to get the save twice, and was successful in both chances. Nunez was "given a break", and should be back in the job in the next week.
- Jordan Walden wasn't able to finish a save opportunity on Saturday night, and Hisanori Takahashi was called on to finish the game.
- Bobby Parnell got the only save opportunity this week for the Mets, and it looks like they will be using him more than Isringhausen, who hasn't pitched in a week.
- With Brian Wilson on the disabled list, Santiago Casilla recorded two saves this week. If he is still available, I would grab him if you are in need of saves.
- Jeff Gray got a save in the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday. League had pitched in the first game, although he took a loss in that game.
- Frank Francisco appears to back in the closer's job in Toronto, after getting a save on Wednesday.
Closer Report for Week 20
by Jason Hunt on Aug 22, 2011 8:01 AM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- The big news of the week has to be Brian Wilson being placed on the disabled list by the Giants. It is a retroactive move, so he will be eligible to return on August 31st. That said, the Giants are planning on going with a closer-by-committee for the time being.
- Casey Janssen got the save on Sunday afternoon for the Blue Jays, as Frank Francisco was unavailable due to soreness. This isn't really good news for the Jays, as Jon Rauch was already placed on the disabled list this week.
- We had some pretty spectacular implosions this week from some of the closers, most notably Kevin Gregg (Saturday), Carlos Marmol (Tuesday), Jason Isringhausen (Saturday), and Heath Bell (Sunday). Let's not forget the complete meltdown that was Ryan Madson on Saturday (6 earned, 2 out).
- Leo Nunez was also nice enough to get you a save at the cost of your WHIP and ERA on Monday, allowing 2 earned and 3 hits while getting the save.
- Of course, Madson wasn't used on Sunday, which allowed both Antonio Bastardo (9th) and Brad Lidge (10th) to take either a blown save or a loss. My Rankings are a bit shaken up this week, as there has been a lot of changes and a lot of struggles by some of the high-level closers. You'll find them after the jump...
Closer Report for Week 20
by Jason Hunt on Aug 15, 2011 11:00 AM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- David Hernandez got the save for the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, but Putz had been unavailable that particular night. Putz has since pitched twice and recorded a win and a save, so I'm not too worried about him.
- Jonny Venters got a save on Wednesday night, but Craig Kimbrel had pitched the previous 3 days before that.
- Huston Street was placed on the disabled list on Friday night, and it isn't clear yet who will be closing in Colorado. It appears that Rafael Betancourt would be the most likely candidate, so we'll have to keep watching to be sure.
- Greg Holland got a save on Friday night for the Royals, but the team scored 3 runs to make it a 5 run lead while Holland was pitching. I wouldn't worry about this at all for Soria.
- Francisco Rodriguez managed to hurt himself on Friday night legging out an infield hit. Yes, you read that correctly. Definitely don't see that everyday from a reliever.
- Mariano Rivera has had a bit of a rough last few outings, as he has allowed 4 earned runs and taken a loss and a blown save in his last 3 appearances. It's still Mariano Rivera, and I wouldn't put that much stock into it.
- Ryan Madson has apparently settled the question in the back of the Phillies bullpen, as he recorded 3 saves in a row at the start of the week. You can safely drop Bastardo and Lidge if you need the roster spot.
- Chris Sale got the save for the White Sox on Saturday, but it doesn't seem clear why Sergio Santos was not available. He had pitched in 3 of the previous 4 games, but thrown a total of 34 pitches in those games. My Rankings for the Remainder of the Season After the Jump...
Closer Report for Week 19
by Jason Hunt on Aug 8, 2011 11:00 AM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- Having the team win a lot of games will always help a closer get save chances. Case in point: Carlos Marmol. Marmol went 4 for 4 in save chances last week, including 3 in a row.
- Chris Sale recorded a save on Friday night, and there doesn't appear to be any reason why Santos was not available. Santos did pitch the ninth on Saturday, albeit in a non-save situation.
- Lance Lynn got the save for the Cardinals on Friday night, and that appeared to be to help rest Salas a little bit. Octavio Dotel got one for the team in Wednesday's game, but he pitched in the 11th inning after Salas had thrown 2 innings.
- Brad Lidge got the save on Wednesday for the Phillies. Which is just what the confusing closer situation needed in Philadelphia.
- Scott Elbert got the save for the Dodgers on Saturday night, but this was after Javy Guerra had thrown 31 pitches to get the save on Friday night. I wouldn't put too much stock into this.
- Mike Adams got the save for the Rangers on Sunday, but it was because Neftali Feliz was unavailable after throwing 3 straight days. I would not think that Adams would get more opportunities than Feliz going forward, but Feliz has really not pitched all that well over the span of the season.
Not a lot of changes to the reliever rankings this week, as it didn't really seem like anyone made any specific push in either direction. There were closers who had excellent weeks (Marmol, Valverde), but I don't think that they necessarily have changed their value particularly since last week.
Closer Rankings from Today Forward [Change from Last Week]
- Brian Wilson (Giants)
- Heath Bell (Padres)
- Mariano Rivera (Yankees)
- Huston Street (Rockies)
- Joel Hanrahan (Pirates)
- Leo Nunez (Marlins)
- Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)
- Joakim Soria (Royals) [+1]
- Craig Kimbrel (Braves) [+1]
- Neftali Feliz (Rangers) [-2]
- Jose Valverde (Tigers) [+1]
- Drew Storen (Nationals) [-1]
- Carlos Marmol (Cubs)
- Andrew Bailey (Athletics)
- Francisco Cordero (Reds)
- Brandon League (Mariners)
- John Axford (Brewers)
- Joe Nathan (Twins)
- Chris Perez (Indians)
- Sergio Santos (White Sox)
- Kyle Farnsworth (Rays)
- Jordan Walden (Angels)
- Fernando Salas (Cardinals)
- J.J. Putz (Diamondbacks)
- Mark Melancon (Astros)
- Jason Isringhausen (Mets)
- Kevin Gregg (Orioles)
- Jon Rauch (Blue Jays)
- Javy Guerra (Dodgers)
- Antonio Bastardo/Ryan Madson/Brad Lidge (Phillies)
Top Non-Closing Relievers Most Likely to Get the Chance
- Mike Adams (Rangers)
- Chad Qualls (Padres)
- Francisco Rodriguez (Brewers)
Closer Report for Week 18
by Jason Hunt on Aug 1, 2011 10:30 AM EDT
in Closer Reports
Well, the non-waiver trade deadline has come and past, and while we saw some moves we weren't expecting, the moves that didn't happen seem to have affected the closer rankings more.
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- The Padres did end up trading a reliever, but didn't it wasn't Heath Bell. Bell will almost assuredly spend the season with the Padres, as he seems extremely unlikely to clear waivers in the following month. Mike Adams has been traded to the Rangers, and should be used as a setup man there.
- Despite rumors at one point or another during the month, Huston Street, Leo Nunez, Joakim Soria, Drew Storen, Brandon League and Andrew Bailey all remain with their respective teams.
- Relievers who did move also included the Orioles' Koji Uehara (the Rangers), Athletics' Brad Ziegler (Diamondbacks), the Blue Jays' Octavio Dotel and Marc Rzepcyznski (Cardinals), and the Mariners' David Pauley (Tigers). Not a lot of save opportunities here, but definitely some holds candidates.
- I was really surprised just how much Drew Storen was discussed as a trade candidate, especially with the team that was involved (The Twins). I imagine that they could revisit these talks in the offseason, but I'm not entirely sure what the Twins are doing here.
- J.J. Putz recorded both of his save opportunities this week, and is definitely the main option in Arizona despite the successes of David Hernandez in his absence.
- Antonio Bastardo got a save this week, and Ryan Madson got one on Saturday. It really looks like this is going to be a closer-by-committee until further notice.
- Jon Rauch recorded 2 saves this week, and has been used pretty much exclusively in the closer's role. He'd be the one to own out of the remnants of the Toronto bullpen.
Closer Report for Week 17
by Jason Hunt on Jul 25, 2011 12:00 PM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- J.J. Putz threw on back to back days on Friday night and Saturday night here in Sacramento on his rehab assignment. It sounds like he will be activated on Tuesday, and should get the majority of the save chances. I would hold onto David Hernandez though until he records a save.
- Sean Marshall recorded the only save chance for the Cubs this week, as Marmol was not used in the 9th on Friday. Marmol was used in the 9th on Saturday and Sunday, but I'd still be a bit nervous about him going forward.
- Vinnie Pestano got the save in the second game of a doubleheader on Monday, but that was after Chris Perez had blown the save in the first game. Looks like Pestano would be the option if Perez were to lose hold of his job.
- John Axford got the save both times last week, and Francisco Rodriguez pitched the 8th inning in both games and recorded holds. I'd say Axford is pretty safe at this point, and unless he's pitched multiple days in a row, Rodriguez seems unlikely to get too many save chances.
- Joe Nathan has recorded his last 3 save opportunities, and is locked in as the main option in Minnesota now.
- Jason Isringhausen had 2 saves this week, and a win as well. It appears less likely that the Mets will trade Isringhausen, but instead will have him mentor Bobby Parnell for the remainder of the season.
- Philly's bullpen isn't any clearer after the week, as Ryan Madson recorded 2 saves and Antonio Bastardo had 2 as well. I think it's going to be Madson for the rest of the season, but I could see both Bastardo and Brad Lidge getting save chances as well.
- The Heath Bell rumors continued, as it appears that the Rangers are now zeroing in on him as a trade possibility, but it appears that Mike Adams could be dealt as well. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if a majority of the Padres' bullpen was dealt for prospects before next Sunday.
My Rankings After the Jump...
Closer Report for Week 16
by Jason Hunt on Jul 18, 2011 3:00 PM EDT
in Closer Reports
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- The big news of the week came on Tuesday night as Francisco Rodriguez was traded to the Brewers for two players to be named later. It seemed clear when the trade happened that Rodriguez would be used in a setup role, severely limiting his value to fantasy owners. However, with news on Friday that the Brewers had managed to get K-Rod to agree to a change of his contract such that the option was no longer relevant, it is a bit murkier in Milwaukee. But the Brewers have used Axford in the 9th both of the last two games, with Rodriguez pitching the 8th in both games as well. I'm not super confident yet, but it looks like Axford will be the main option there.
- Brandon League owners can feel a slight bit more secure in their ownership, as it was announced that David Aardsma would now require Tommy John surgery, and will be out for at least the remainder of the season. He went up a slight bit in my rankings as a result.
- In New York, it isn't clear yet whether or not it will be Jason Isringhausen or Bobby Parnell that will get the majority of save opportunities, but I wouldn't really be surprised if it was Isringhausen. Long term, I think they have to try Parnell though, and will probably do so before the end of the season.
- Ryan Madson was activated from the disabled list on Friday, and threw the 7th inning on Friday night, and in the 8th inning on Sunday. Bastardo was called on for the save on Sunday afternoon. I think that eventually Madson gets this job back, unless this happens....
- The Phillies apparently have some interest in acquiring either Heath Bell or Mike Adams. I don't know about Adams, but if the Phillies were to get Bell, he would definitely take over as the closer for the team. The Padres' bullpen is full of quality arms, so I'd be interested to see who takes over if they are both moved.
- Carlos Marmol has clearly had enough of being ranked in my top 5 for the rest of the year, as he was pulled on back-to-back days coming out of the All-Star Break. His line for those two games: 2 outs, 6 earned runs, 3 hits, 5 walks. Yeesh. Sean Marshall was called on to get the final out of Friday's game, and I would not be surprised if he was given the job in the interim.
- Joe Nathan was named as the replacement closer in Minnesota on Saturday, and recorded the save that night. I think the Twins will be a bit gun-shy to make another change, so Nathan should be owned in all leagues, and could return to form potentially.
- Trade rumors have begun flying about both Leo Nunez and Andrew Bailey, and while it doesn't appear likely yet that either will be traded, it is a situation to be monitored. Brian Fuentes or Grant Balfour seem the most likely candidates for saves in Oakland, while it is really anyone's guess who would in Florida.
My Rankings After the Jump...
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