The Closer Report: June 2, 2009

Saves: 5

Save Opportunities: 7

Papelbon faces 6 batters with no runs, Broxton saves 12th

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

A five save day is bad and two blown saves makes it even worse. We can all say that today was a bad day for closers. There were plenty of appearances for closers starting with Jonathan Papelbon. While he didn't get the save, he uncharacteristically lacked his command and gave up three straight singles to open up the ninth inning. Papelbon then went into what he calls, "punchout mode" and struck out the next three batters. It was a non-save situation with the Red Sox leading 5-1, but Papelbon created a save situation for himself. The new technique hitters are now trying on Papelbon is swinging at the first pitch and almost every other one. It's not working, he is still pitching great.

Jonathan Broxton(12) got another save tonight winning 6-5 over the Diamondbacks. He struck out two in the process and has increased is closer lead strikeout total to 41. His WHIP lowered to 0.69.

One of two blown saves for the day was from a closer in my Closer Dog House. Kevin Gregg. He gave up 2 runs on surprisingly only one hit. To his defense he struck out Garrett Anderson, but he got to first base on a wild pitch. Jeff Francoeur then blasted a 2-run bomb off of Gregg to tie the score. It was another bad performance for Gregg even with 2 strikeouts. Pinella won't make any moves yet, but believe that Gregg is on a short lease.

Huston Street just had a bad night. Lucky for him he only gave up 1 unearned run. The run was unearned because Street made a bad throw to first base on Michael Bourn's bunt. After that he gave up a hit to blow the save and after getting a double play he walked two more batters. This is Street's second blow save in a row. This is his biggest demon, getting back up after a bad outing. this could last for 3 or 4 straight games. Hopefully he will recover by the next save chance.

Other Appearances:
Matt Capps (12) - Capps is on a roll and looking sharp lately.

Mike Gonzalez - Had a tough inning walking one and giving up a hit.
Joe Nathan (10) - Nathan is on fire and pitched 1.1 innings for the save.

Brad Zeigler - Two hits and a walk. Another WHIP blowing performance.

Ryan Franklin (13)- He is a machine. I don't know when the wheels will fall off, but enjoy it.