The Closer Report: July 27, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 8

Brian Fuentes gets rocked, while Nathan comes back for #27

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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Today was one of those days were you just say "huh"? Let's start with Mr. Automatic, Brian Fuentes. He was rocked by home runs from Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta and received his first blown save since May 30. He ended up giving up four runs on four hits and got the loss along with the blown save. These are the kind of imploding we expect from Fuentes, but he has still been very consistent and his owners just have to shake it off. He ERA did jump up to 3.79 and falling well below 3.00.

Kerry Wood worked around the blown save for a back door save. For all you dirty birds, I using a play on words for the back door curveball. Can you say trademark? Wood nailed his 14th save going through a stunned Angel team that never thought they would have to bat in the bottom of the ninth. The DH had to run out of the shower!

Joe Nathan rebounded nicely after his second blown save of the season. He scored his 27th save on six pitches and one strikeout. A great performance from Nathan with little effort required.

C.J. Wilson got another save today, taking the place of an ailing Frank Francisco. He struck out the side and closed out the 5-2 win. Wilson has been outstanding as the Rangers closers this year. He is 11 out of 12 in save chances as the closers and has his ERA at a remarkable 2.80. He also has 43 strikeouts in 45 innings, which is better then his career K/9 rate of 7.75. Take that for what it is worth.

Francisco Cordero finally got some work in a save situation and the rust showed. He almost had a quick and easy save, but gave up a bomb to Kevin Kouzmanoff on a poorly located fastball. Cordero still has a low ERA, but has only recorded five saves this month and the opportunities are far and few between. His last save was July 19.

Other Appearances:
Ryan Franklin (23) - Came in with the bases loaded in the eight and recorded a easy save winning 6-1. Overall he pitched 1.1 innings giving up one hit and striking out one.
Joakim Soria (16) - Needed 18 pitches and wasn't sharp, but got the perfect save.
David Robertson (1) - Pitched one out in the eighth and then the Yankees put on four runs and got to pitch the ninth. It was probably best for Rivera owners that he got the rest.
Jose Valverde - Pitched 1.1 innings in a tie game. He got three strikeouts and looked outstanding as usual.
Brad Lidge - Didn't get a save chance, but didn't get hammered either in one inning of work. Beers for everyone!