As we reach the All-Star break, let's take a look at the closer leaderboards.
Saves
- Craig Kimbrel - 28 All Star
- Huston Street - 26
- Heath Bell - 26 All Star
- Joel Hanrahan - 26 All Star
- Brian Wilson - 25 All Star
Save Success Rate
- Joel Hanrahan - 100% (26/26) All Star
- Jose Valverde - 100% (23/23)
- Heath Bell - 96% (26/27) All Star
- Chris Perez - 95% (21/22) All Star
- Jonathan Papelbon - 95% (20/21)
Holds
- Tyler Clippard - 22 All Star
- Daniel Bard - 20
- Jonny Venters - 19 All Star
- David Robertson - 18 All Star
- Mike Adams - 18
News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- David Hernandez may not give back the closer's job when J.J. Putz returns if he keeps pitching like this. He recorded 4 saves, threw 3.1 innings pitched, and struck out 5 this week. Manager Kirk Gibson has said that Putz will reclaim the role when he returns, but it isn't clear exactly how far after the All-Star break that will be.
- Kevin Gregg was ejected from the game on Friday following an altercation with David Ortiz, and might see a suspension coming. If he is suspended, Koji Uehara could be in line for the few save chances that happen during that time.
- Francisco Cordero blew three different save opportunities this week, including taking the loss on both Friday and Sunday. Aroldis Chapman is in the Reds' bullpen, but I think that Cordero would have to blow at least another 3 saves before manager Dusty Baker contemplates pulling Cordero.
- Matt Capps struggled coming into the week, but recorded a clean 6 pitch save on Friday night. If he can string together a few of these in a row, I could see the Twins trying to move him pretty quickly.
- Sergio Romo got the save on Saturday night for the Giants, but this was after Brian Wilson had pitched in each of the previous 3 games. Wilson was back for the save on Sunday night.
- Javy Guerra recorded 2 saves for the Dodgers this week, and it appears that he may be the best option in that bullpen. If he is still available in your league and you need saves, I'd go grab him quick.
My Rankings After the Jump...
Closer Rankings from Today Forward [Change from Last Week]
- Brian Wilson (Giants) All Star
- Heath Bell (Padres) All Star
- Mariano Rivera (Yankees) All Star
- Huston Street (Rockies)
- Carlos Marmol (Cubs)
- Leo Nunez (Marlins)
- Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)
- Neftali Feliz (Rangers)
- Joel Hanrahan (Pirates) All Star
- Joakim Soria (Royals) [+1]
- Craig Kimbrel (Braves) [+1] All Star
- Francisco Rodriguez (Mets) [-2]
- Drew Storen (Nationals)
- Jose Valverde (Tigers) All Star
- John Axford (Brewers) [+1]
- Andrew Bailey (Athletics) [+1]
- Francisco Cordero (Reds) [-2]
- Brandon League (Mariners) All Star
- Chris Perez (Indians) All Star
- Kyle Farnsworth (Rays)
- Jordan Walden (Angels) All Star
- Fernando Salas (Cardinals)
- Sergio Santos (White Sox) [+1]
- Mark Melancon (Astros) [+1]
- Kevin Gregg (Orioles) [-2]
- Matt Capps (Twins)
- Frank Francisco (Blue Jays)
- Antonio Bastardo (Phillies)
- David Hernandez (Diamondbacks)
- Javy Guerra (Dodgers)
Top Non-Closing Relievers Most Likely to Get the Chance
- Jonny Venters (Braves) All Star
- Mike Adams (Padres)
- Jason Isringhausen (Mets)
- Matt Lindstrom (Rockies)
- Jon Rauch (Blue Jays)
Trade Candidates Before July 31st
- Heath Bell
- Francisco Rodriguez
- Joakim Soria
- Matt Capps
- Jason Isringhausen