The Closer Report: July 1, 2009

Saves: 8

Save Opportunities: 9

July starts off with a bang and Nathan picks up where June left off
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

June is over, and for several closers it was a big month. Here are a few of the top closers for June.

Joe Nathan - 11 saves, 0.00 ERA, 17 strikeouts.

Huston Street - 11 saves, 1 win, 15 strikeouts, 4 ER.

Brian Fuentes - 9 saves, 11 strikeouts, 0 ER.

Heath Bell - 7 saves, 1 win, 10 strikeouts, 2 ER.

Jonathan Broxton - 7 saves, 1 win, 21 strikeouts, 5 ER.

Mariano Rivera - 9 saves, 1-1, 14 strikeouts, 4 ER.

July got started with a eight save day. Several of the top closers started the month with a save. Joe Nathan is pitching insane right now. He got his 21st save of the season defeating the Royals 5-1. Nathan got called in after R.A. Dickey put a few runners on and it took a 10-pitch battle with David Dejesus to get the save.

Jonathan Broxton got his 19th save securing the 1-0 win over the Rockies. Broxton only needed 9 pitches to get three outs. Two of the outs were strikeouts. That is impressive.

The other Jonathan (Papelbon) got his 20th save of the season against the Orioles. He had a quick easy inning, which is the first in a long time for Papelbon. He looked more relaxed today then he has over the last few appearances. He bounced back nicely from the blown save the night before.

Mariano Rivera continued his tear with his 20th save of the season. Rivera is a rare form, pitching like he did years ago. Between him Nathan, and Papelbon its clear that stud closers still run the show.

Leo Nunez get his second save in as many days and his fourth overall. He made quick work of the Nationals, needing 12 pitches for a two strikeout perfect inning. I will continue to say it, if Nunez performs well over the next month, Lindstrom will not be the Marlins closer when he comes off the DL.

Frank Francisco made his first save appearance since getting his job back and he was disappointing. He had a 7-4 lead and after getting a lucky first out (Figgins thrown out at third) he then put a couple of runners on via the walk. Trying to regain his control he threw a fastball down the middle to hot hitting Juan Rivera and he crushed it for a 3-run jack and there is your blown save Mr. Francisco. This is a guy you have to trade. He clearly is not 100% and could continue to have problems. I think he is an outstanding closer, but his injury issues are just two much to deal with and you are better off trading him and getting a healthier closer.

Other Appearances:
Francisco Rodriguez (22) - Pitched flawless baseball to save the win for Pelfrey. Only needed nine pitches for the save. The real good news, seven were for strikes.

Francisco Cordero (19) - Got his first save since June 25. He has slowed down over the past month with only five saves in June. July has started well with the save tonight.

Kevin Gregg (14) - Gregg continues to sizzle with another easy save.

Mike MacDougal - Pitched .2 innings in a non-save situation.

Ryan Franklin - Another perfect inning, but this time no save. Just a win!