The Closer Report: July 23, 2009

Saves: 3

Save Opportunities: 4

David Aardsma continues to shine for the Mariners

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

There wasn't much action among closers today, but a few worth talking about. David Aardsma got his 24th save of the season and his eighth save of the month. Aardsma has dropped his ERA down to 1.75 and his WHIP to 1.12. he is pitching out of this world and it might be a good time to consider trading the Mariners closer and getting maximum value for him.

Kerry Wood made another rare appearance and even more rare got he save. It was his 13th in a very long season for him and the Cleveland Indians. He pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout. It was his four save of the month, which is a 400% improvement over his June numbers. For you readers not well versed in mathematics, Wood had one save in June.

Brian Fuentes continues to have a remarkable season. When he isn't saving games, he is winning them. Tonight he pitched a perfect inning and only needed ten pitches to get the 6-5 win over the Twins in ten innings.

Joe Nathan got hammered in his first blown save since May 15 and only the second of the season. It broke his string of 23 scoreless innings and and 20 straight saves. He gave up two runs and two hits and a walk. The appearance ballooned his ERA .43 points to 1.64.

Other Appearances:
Phil Hughes (1) - Rivera got some much needed rest and Hughes picked up the easy save.