The Closer Report: July 24, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 7

Scott Downs gets roughed up and gives another big save to JP Howell

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Roy Halladay pitched another beautiful nine innings, but left with the score tied 2-2. In came the fabled Toronto bullpen and namely their closer Scott Downs. Downs is a rather cheap fantasy closer who really has no business closing. Part of his success in getting the job is he hasn't made that many save appearances and in the few he did have he managed to get three outs without blowing the lead. Recently, that has not been so for Downs. In his last two appearances, including tonight, Downs is 0-1 with a blown save. He's given up four runs and struck out one, while walking four. Downs is clearly a talented pitched, but he is far better serving as a lefty specialist or a 7th inning pitcher. He will not lose the job right now, but keep a hold on Jason Frasor who also hasn't been pitching well.

Jonathan Papelbon had a rough outing as well tonight, but went into what he calls "punch-out mode" and struck out the last two batters he faced with the tying run on first base. The Orioles opened the ninth inning with 2 singles, putting men on the corners, but Paps retired the next three batters with two of them taking Papelbon to 3-2 counts and in the end he needed 24 pitches to get the save.

Brian Wilson got only his fourth save of the month beating the Rockies 3-1. The former Beach Boys lead singer (Oops! wrong Brain Wilson), walked one and gave up a hit gaining his 25th save of the season. He has had a quiet month, but with the Giants competing for the wild card, I expect Wilson to get many more save opportunities.

Leo Nunez got his seventh save of the season and a badly needed one for his fantasy owners. It was an easy ten pitch save for the Marlins closer, but with the Marlins lack of wins in July, Nunez hasn't had many opportunities. He has four save this month and three in the last four days with the Marlins winning four in a row. I did tell you that the Marlins will start winning and when that happens, Nunez will rack up the saves.

Other Appearances:

C.J. Wilson (10) - Looked sharp closing out the Royals 2-0. He should be a few more chances before Francisco comes back, but don't expect him to pitch tomorrow. If the Rangers are smart they will give him a day of rest.

Fernando Rodney (21) - Rodney looked great wrapping up the White Sox. He struck out two in a perfect and quick inning of work.

Jose Valverde (11) - He continues to look sharp needing only seven pitches for the perfect save.

Kevin Gregg - Gregg got hammered in a non-save situation. He gave up two runs on three hits and walk.