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.
Closer Rankings from Today Forward [Change from Last Week]
- Craig Kimbrel (Braves)
- Mariano Rivera (Yankees)
- Joel Hanrahan (Pirates)
- Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)
- Heath Bell (Padres)
- Jose Valverde (Tigers)
- Neftali Feliz (Rangers)
- John Axford (Brewers)
- Leo Nunez (Marlins)
- Joakim Soria (Royals)
- Drew Storen (Nationals)
- Andrew Bailey (Athletics) [+1]
- Francisco Cordero (Reds) [+1]
- Brandon League (Mariners) [+1]
- J.J. Putz (Diamondbacks) [+1]
- Joe Nathan (Twins) [+1]
- Ryan Madson (Phillies) [+8]
- Carlos Marmol (Cubs) [-7]
- Chris Perez (Indians) [-1]
- Sergio Santos (White Sox) [-1]
- Kyle Farnsworth (Rays) [-1]
- Jordan Walden (Angels) [-1]
- Fernando Salas (Cardinals) [-1]
- Bobby Parnell (Mets)[-1]
- Javy Guerra (Dodgers) [-1]
- Frank Francisco (Blue Jays)
- Rafael Betancourt (Rockies)
- Kevin Gregg (Orioles)
- Mark Melancon (Astros)
- Santiago Casilla (Giants)