The Closer Report: May 29, 2009

Saves: 11

Save Opportunities: 11

Rivera finally gets another save, while the Rangers sweep two from Athletics.
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

After a few quiet save days, closers gave us a nice Friday. There was eleven saves in the league today, starting with Trevor Hoffman's 12th save. The old-timer continues to sizzle in 2009 as he is yet to blow a chance. He has also not given up a run and has a stellar 0.49 WHIP. Hoffman is making a lot of the young closers look bad.

Another oldie, but goodie, Mariano Rivera recorded his 10th save of the season. Rivera struck out two to preserve the 3-1 win for the Yankees. It was his first save in eight days ending a long drought by his standards.

Brad Lidge pitched a perfect 9th with two strikeouts to get his tenth save of the season. Lidge is still a closer I wouldn't want, but today he earned his stripes. At this point it is touch-and-go for his owners every time he goes out there.

Frank Francisco also continued his scoreless streak capping a 6-3 win for the Rangers. He has yet to allow a run this season and his WHIP remains very low at 0.85. We were high on Francisco coming into the season, and he hasn't let us down. The setup man, CJ Wilson, got the save in the nightcap of the doubleheader.

Huston Street continues to prove he is the closer in Colorado, and frankly they have no one else. He closed out the 3-0 win over the Padres Friday night with a perfect inning. It was his 8th save of the season. It was his 7th straight save since returning to the closer role.

Over in Chicago, Kevin Gregg also earned his eighth save in an almost effortless inning against the LA Dodgers. Both closers looked strong today.

Other Appearances:
Scott Downs (6) - The Blue Jays finally won and Downs closed out the game nicely.
Randy Choate (1) - Got the call for the Rays. Is he the next closer in Tampa. I doubt it. Madden will go with whoever he feels the best with.
David Aarsdma (7) - Wasn't the prettiest save, but he got it. Morrow should be ready for the job soon.

Brian Wilson (11) - A perfect inning from an underrated closer.