The Closer Report: July 6, 2009

Saves: 6

Save Opportunities: 6

Wilson gets his 22nd save, while Soria remains hot

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Brian Wilson is easily one of the most underrated closers in the game today. Tonight he got his 22nd save of the season, but it wasn't a pretty one. He gave up two runs on three hits and a walk. You probably got him later in the draft and he has produced results for his owners, but at a cost. For a closer, he is hurting your ERA (3.79), WHIP (1.29), and is average in strikeouts. As we approach the all-star break we can say that Wilson has been a success and has certainly developed into a stud closer. Let's just hope he doesn't get traded closer to the deadline and becomes a setup man.

Joakim Soria saved another game tonight. It's his fifth save in a row and third in three days. He needed 20 pitches for the save and struck out two. There is no doubt we won't see Soria tomorrow, but he is producing rapidly for his owners.

Jason Frasor got his third save for the Blue Jays, but it didn't come easy. Lucky for Frasor he had a three run league or we would be saying, "down goes Frasor!" He gave up two runs and needed 29 pitches to end the inning. This performance ballooned his ERA to 2.40, but his WHIP is still excellent at 1.03.

Kevin Gregg has been insanely hot. Since June 13th, Gregg is 3-0 with four saves. He has dropped is ERA down to 3.52 from 4.13 and he has had impeccable control walking only three batters in that time span. From April through June 12 he had 13 walks, so Gregg's control is a big reason behind his success in the last three weeks.

Last, but not least was Jose Valverde nailing his seventh save of the season. I've been worried about his performance lately, but today he looked outstanding. He struck out the side and pitched a perfect inning. All reports indicate he is healthy, but if you have Valverde, you should have Hawkins as well.

Other Appearances:

Huston Street (20) - Street saved a tight game winning 1-0. The pressure was on the hot closer and he came through needing only six pitches to end the game. Impressive!
Fernando Rodney - Took the loss today, giving up a run in the ninth inning.