The Closer Report: June 5, 2009

Saves: 5

Save Opportunities: 6

Not many saves tonight, but plenty of closer action.

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

There might have only been five saves today, but there was plenty of closer action. Jonathan Broxton battled Brad Lidge in the 9th inning for the game. Broxton was amazing for his half inning, striking out 3 and allowing a single to Jayson Werth. Lidge got the first two outs of the ninth inning, but then he fell apart. Giving up a single and then walking Loney. To be fair, Pedro Feliz made an error on a Russel Martin ground ball. He then gave up the big hit to Either for the Dodger win 4-3. Lidge threw mostly fastballs and when he threw sliders they were often balls.

Brain Fuentes got an easy one out save, but the pressure was on with the tying run at third base. This was Fuente's 15th save of the season, and he is getting better each appearance.

Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect ninth inning and struck out Nick Johnson to end the game. KROD looked sharp and pitched perfect tonight. Hopefully with Putz out 10-12 weeks, Rodriguez will still get plenty of opportunities.

Joe Nathan continued on his torrid pace finishing off another perfect save. He struck out two batters, one of them was Ichiro Suzuki to end the game. If you held on to Nathan during his darker days, welcome to the light! If you traded for him, classically good move.

Other Appearances:
Joel Hanrahan - Got hammered again. Granted he pitched more than an inning, it was a terrible performance, he is terrible. At this point you have to consider cutting him.

Fernando Rodney - Gave up two runs in the ninth inning against the Angels and took the lose. He wasn't sharp in his last appearance against the Red Sox, and he wasn't sharp tonight against the Angels.

Kevin Gregg (10) - He looked very good tonight, but loss command after the first two batters, but had enough for the save.

Brain Wilson (14)- Underrated, ignored, and a 14 save pitcher. He isn't lucky, he's good.