The Closer Report: June 3, 2009

Saves: 6

Save Opportunities: 6

Soria makes first post-DL appearance, Hoffman saves 14th.

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Today there was some good news for closers. Joakim Soria made his first appearance since coming off the DL. He faced two batters in the eighth inning, striking out one. He looked great, but most of all sharp. He only needed 13 pitches for the two outs. That includes a based runner from a Tug Hulett error.

More good news as there were no blown saves and a few exciting ones. Trevor Hoffman saved his 14th straight game of the season, and has yet to allow a run. His WHIP is a microscopic 0.44 in 15 innings this season. I think we all agree that Hoffman cannot sustain these numbers much longer. I would shop Hoffman in the next days. Get the maximum value for him, maybe even a package deals with lesser closer.

Jonathan Broxton continued his torrid start with his 13th save of the season. He closed out an exciting 1-0 win for the Dodgers, and pitched a perfect ninth inning. Broxton now has 42 strikeouts on the season, which is #67 in strikeouts in the league. He has more strikeouts then Jair Jurrjens, John Maine, Brandon McCarthy, Andy Petitte, and Paul Maholm. The point, Broxton is a special closer. His ability to easily strikeout over 100 batters in the season gives him a huge advantage in any league. If you can get him in a deal, do it. He is the best closer in the league.

Other Appearances:
Chris Sampson (3) - Got a two inning save since the Astros were resting Hawkins.

Frank Francisco (12)- Continues his hot streak and he's proving he is one of the best in the AL.
Andrew Bailey (3) Pitched 1.2 innings for the save. Tomorrow should be Zeigler's turn after Bailey's long outing. However, Bailey only threw 15 pitches, so he should be able to go again.

David Aardsma - Pitched a scoreless ninth and got the win for Seattle.