Closer Watch Report 08 31 08

Sunday, August 31, 2008

FLORIDA MARLINS
Matt Lindstrom to Closer in place of Kevin Gregg
Joe Nelson to 1st in line in place of Arthur Rhodes
Kevin Gregg to 2nd in line in place of Matt Lindstrom

Gregg has been shut down for the near future with a knee injury after 4 run blown save efforts in each of his past 2 outings. Manager Fredi Gonzalez mentioned both Lindstrom and Nelson as closer candidates.

Lindstrom got the final 2 outs of the 9th to earn the win in a 4-3 walk off win yesterday. The 28-year-old right hander has a 1.55 WHIP in 47 IP on the season with 37 K and 14 holds.

Nelson has a 1.24 WHIP in 38+ IP on the season with 46 K and 8 holds. The 33-year-old right hander hasn't allowed run over his past 5 appearances.

SEATTLE MARINERS
J.J. Putz still Closer
Roy Corcoran still 1st in line
Randy Messenger to 2nd in line in place of Sean Green

Messenger got the final out for his first save of the season in the 10th inning of a 4-3 final yesterday. Putz received the blown save-win pitching the 9th inning.

Messenger was just recently recalled from the minors and has a 1.00 WHIP in 2 IP with 1 K. The 27-year-old right hander had a 1.40 WHIP in 63+ AAA IP this year with 46 K and 4 saves.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

CHICAGO CUBS
Kerry Wood still Closer
Carlos Marmol still 1st in line
Bob Howry still 2nd in line

Marmol struck out 3 of the final 5 batters to record his 7th save of the season in a 3-2 final yesterday. Wood was rested after appearing on 3 consecutive days.

Marmol has impressive numbers on the season with a 0.91 WHIP in 74+ IP with 100 K and 25 holds. If Wood isn't resigned from free agency this off season, Marmol could enter 2009 as the Cubs' closer.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

NEW YORK METS
Luis Ayala still Closer
Aaron Heilman still 1st in line
Duaner Sanchez to 2nd in line in place of John Maine

Ayala pitched a perfect inning for his 2nd save of the season in a 6-3 final yesterday. The former National is being given the chance to emerge as the Mets' closer with Billy Wagner on the DL-elbow.

Ayala is now 2 for 3 in save chances with New York and has a 1.38 WHIP in 63+ IP on the season with 38 K.

HOUSTON ASTROS
Jose Valverde still Closer
LaTroy Hawkins to 1st in line in place of Doug Brocail
Doug Brocail to 2nd in line in place of LaTroy Hawkins

Hawkins continues to excel with the Astros pitching a scoreless, 2 strike out 8th inning yesterday for his 4th hold of the season.

Hawkins has a 1.33 WHIP in 49 IP on the season with 37 K and has yet to allow a run in 8 IP with Houston.

TEXAS RANGERS
Frank Francisco still Closer
Jamey Wright still 1st in line
Joaquin Benoit still 2nd in line

Francisco pitched a perfect, 2 strike out inning for his 1st career save in a 3-2 final yesterday. The 28-year-old right hander was named the teams' closer 3 days ago and responded well to his first save opportunity.

Francisco has a 1.22 WHIP in 53+ IP on the season with 67 K.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

SEATTLE MARINERS
J.J. Putz still Closer
Roy Corcoran to 1st in line in place of Brandon Morrow
Sean Green to 2nd in line in place of Mark Lowe

Corcoran pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th innings to record his 1st save of the season in a 3-2 final yesterday. Putz was rested after pitching on the previous 2 days.

Corcoran has a 1.32 WHIP in 56+ IP on the season with 33 K and 6 holds. The 28-year-old right hander has allowed just 1 run over his past 13 innings pitched.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

MINNESOTA TWINS
Joe Nathan still Closer
Eddie Guardado to 1st in line in place of Matt Guerrier
Jesse Crain still 2nd in line

The Twins acquired Guardado from the Rangers yesterday for minor league pitcher Mark Hamburger.

Guardado returns to a set up role after closing for Texas for the past month, despite only 2 save chances. Every Day Eddie debuted for the Twins last night with a perfect 8th inning for his 24th hold of the season. Guardado has a 1.09 WHIP in 50+ IP on the season with 28 K.

TEXAS RANGERS
Frank Francisco to Closer in place of Eddie Guardado
Jamey Wright to 1st in line in place of Joaquin Benoit
Joaquin Benoit to 2nd in line in place of Jamey Wright

The Rangers have named Francisco the teams' closer in the departure of Guardado.

Francisco has a 1.24 WHIP in 52+ IP on the season with 65 K and 12 holds.

Monday, August 25, 2008

BOSTON RED SOX
Jonathan Papelbon still Closer
Manny Delcarmen still 1st in line
Hideki Okajima still 2nd in line

Delcarmen pitched a scoreless 11th inning to record his 1st save of the season in a 6-5 final yesterday. Papelbon pitched a perfect 9th and 10th innings to earn the win.
Delcarmen is having an inconsistent season with a 1.24 WHIP in 54+ IP with 52 K and 16 holds.

Closer Watch Report Archive:
Aug 24, 2008
Aug 17, 2008
Aug 10, 2008
Aug 3, 2008
July 27, 2008
July 20, 2008
July 13, 2008
July 6, 2008
June 29, 2008
June 22, 2008
June 15, 2008
June 8, 2008
Jun 1, 2008
May 25, 2008
May 18, 2008
May 11, 2008
May 4, 2008
Apr 27, 2008
Apr 20, 2008
Apr 13, 2008
Apr 06, 2008
Mar 30, 2008
Mar 21, 2008
Mar 11, 2008
Feb 25, 2008
Feb 11, 2008
Jan 28, 2008
Jan 14, 2008
Dec 17, 2007
Dec 10, 2007
Dec 3, 2007
Nov 26, 2007
Nov 12, 2007
2007
2006