The Closer Report: June 11, 2009

Saves: 9

Save Opportunities: 10

Franklin finally gets another save. Capps and Street continue hot streaks.
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Papelbon capped off a great Red Sox comeback by shutting the door on the Yankees for his 16th save. Paps faced only three batters and avoided AROD as the winning run. Papelbon has been worked allot and he looks tired. He needs to get some rest and some easy 3-run save chances.

Matt Capps was on his A-game as he ripped through the Braves for his 15th save and got his sixth save in a row. It was also his fifth save of the month, but tonight was his first strikeout as well.

Huston Street continued his hot streak with his fourth consecutive save, but got roughed up a bit in the process. Street is far from perfect right now, but he's pitching as well as he can. In June he's 4/5 in saves with seven strikeouts and believe it or not (Chata) he has lowered his ERA .26 points.

Ryan Franklin finally got another save. After getting 7 in April, 5 in May, he secured only his second save in June. He's getting cold or the Cardinals are. He gave up three hits while securing a very nervous save. Is a breakdown coming for Franklin? I'd sell.

Ryan Madson is 2/2 in two days as a closer. He saved his second consecutive game beating the Mets 6-3. He struck out one and gave up a hit earning his fourth save of the season.

Joakim Soria blew his first save of the season. He should never have pitched, but thanks to a Pena Jr. throwing error Soria had to come in and gave up a double that plated the tying run. He did retire the next four batters he faced.

Other Appearances:
David Aardsma (11) - 1.78 ERA and 32 strikeouts. What a pleasant surprise. Maybe Morrow should go back to being a starter?
CJ Wilson (6) - Wilson has the stuff to close and we have no idea how long Francisco will be out.
Joe Beimel (1) - Mike MacDougal pitched 3 innings over the past two days, so its a rest save for Beimal.
Chad Qualls(13) - the beleaguered closer got his 13th save, but gave up an unearned run. he dd strikeout two.