The Closer Report: May 21, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 8

Franklin, Hoffman and Fuentes join the leaders at 11 saves

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

The saves slowed down a bit today, but there was still plenty of action. Ryan Franklin continues to relish his new role as St. Louis's closer. He got his 11th save of the season tonight and has the numbers to back it up. Overall Franklin has a tiny 1.53 ERA and an even smaller WHIP of 0.81. He has clearly surprised everyone and has so far been one of the the top waiver pickup of 2009.

Fernando Rodney started slow this year, but of late has been on fire. He has scored saves in 3 straight games and now has 8 saves on the season. He had a bit of a rocky inning tonight, but held the Rangers scoreless and secured the 4-3 win.

Mariano Rivera recorded his second save of the week, but has had a slow month of May with only 4 saves. He easily dispatched Orioles to get his 9th save of the season.

Joel Hanrahan came back as the closer for Washington and pitched a great inning for his 4th save. He struck out two and gave up a hit in one of his best performances of the year. While Manny Acta hasn't formally announced that Hanrahan is the closer, he made a statement today by not having any faith in Kip Wells to close out the 9th. Wells was rested and hadn't pitched since May 18th. If you held on to Hanrahan as I did, you got your closer back. Hopefully, crazy Manny could change that.

The lone blown save for the day goes to Brian Wilson of the Giants. Heath Bell came into a 1-1 tie in the 9th and gave up his first run of the season and looked to take the loss. Wilson however doubled up Bell and took the loss along with the blown save. In all 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Bell was hammered in his first bad outing of the season and was lucky to get away with only giving up one run thanks to a slow Bengie Molina. He gave up 4 hits in the innings. He officially has a ERA, although its a microscopic 0.50.

Other appearances:
Brian Fuentes (11) - Fuentes is hot with 7 saves in May.

Chad Qualls (10) Getting chances with good starting pitching of lately.

Trevor Hoffman (11) - He is on a tear and he started the season on the DL.

Jonathan Papelbon. Francona wanted to sweep Toronto bad and he used Paps to guarantee it.

Brad Ziegler - Took the loss by giving up a run on 2 hits and a walk. He did not record an out.