The Closer Report: July 17, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 7

Papelbon, Nathan and Rivera nail down saves on first post all-star appearances

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Wow, I had a nice all-star break and now I'm ready to get going again with daily closer reports. With the first full slate of games in the second half, closers nailed down seven hefty saves today.

First and foremost, arguably the three best closers in the American League got their 24th saves of the season today. Jonathan Papelbon needed only eight pitches to get a perfect save in Toronto. The Red Sox won 4-1, but Papelbon went without a strikeout and stands at 41 on the season.

Joe Nathan wasn't as lucky! He pitched a near perfect inning, but raised his WHIP slightly by giving up a single hit. Ok, maybe the sarcasm isn't coming through the writing. Nathan looked outstanding again and is on one of the greatest streaks I've ever seen for a closer. Nathan hasn't given up an earned run since May 15 and he has 18 straight saves without blowing one. It was Nathan's fourth save of the month, which isn't many consider the motherload he scored in June.

Mariano Rivera got his 24th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Tigers. Rivera did give a hit on 14 pitches, but other than that looked great getting the save. Clearly he is on fire and one of the best closers in 2009.

Huston Street recorded his 23rd save of the season, but only his fourth save of the slow month of July. Street dominated the Padres and struck out two on only 11 pitches. Street has been outstanding for along time now and does not look like he is slowing down. Something changed in Street after he lost his job earlier this season. Whatever it was, it has created a monster closer that will easily reach 40 saves this season.

Other Appearances:
Brad Lidge (19) -Lidge closed out a 12 inning affair between the Phillies and the Marlins. Lucky for Lidge the Phillies got two runs in top of the 12th because Lidge gave up a run on two walks and a classy Brad Lidge wild pitch.

Kevin Gregg (17) - Got two strikeouts and has his ERA at 3.38 with a big save over the Nationals.

JP Howell (7) - Got an easy ten pitch save in the 8-7 win over the Royals. He struck out one in the process.

Leo Nunez - Pitched two scoreless innings in a 12 inning game.

Francisco Cordero- Fresh off his nice performance in the all-star game, Cordero closed on the 4-0 Reds win, but did not record the save.