The Closer Report: August 10, 2009

Saves: 7

Save Opportunities: 7

Broxton rebounds from bad week, Fuentes ties league lead with 32 saves
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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Jonathan Broxton recorded his first save since July 30 by closing out the Giants 4-2. It wasn't a pretty save as he gave up a bomb to Bengie Molina and a single to Randy Winn. After that he calmed down and got two more ground balls to end the game. Regardless of the appearance being a WHIP and ERA killer, Broxton got the save and that is big for Broxton owners. The home run to Molina was a 2-0 soft fastball high in the zone and Molina was ready for it. I think Broxton was just trying to throw a strike and didn't think Molina would swing since they were down three runs. Let that go.

Brian Fuentes got a big save over the Tampa Bay Rays tonight. He pitched a perfect inning on 11 pitches and a strikeout. However, Fuentes was blessed because Abreu saved a game tying Ben Zobrist home run with a great catch to end the game. This was Fuentes' second save in a row and he is looking good again. If Fuentes is starting up another one of his hot save streaks, he could have 40 saves by the end of the month.

Huston Street wished he never pitched tonight just to get some work in. Street looked horrible giving up four runs on four hits and a walk. He was finally pulled after 19 pitches and only recorded one out. This performance raised his ERA above 3.00 for the first time since June 26 when his ERA was the same as it is now, 3.09.

Leo Nunez continues his hot streak in August with his 12th save of the season. It was his third save in four days. It was also his tenth straight save since taking the closer job for the Marlins and Nunez has yet to blow a save as closer. There are no signs of Matt Lindstrom getting the closer job back this season.

Other Appearances:
Frasor (5) - Recorded his fifth save and a big save at that against a tough Yankee team. He struck out one and gave up a hit.

Ryan Franklin (27) - Franklin got another seemingly easy save over the drifting Reds 4-1. He gave up a hit and no strikeouts.

Jonathan Papelbon (28) - Papelbon was called on for a 4-out save and he came through big.

David Aardsma (27) - Nailed his 27th save with a near perfect inning. He recorded no strikeouts for only the 12th time this season out of 53 appearances.

Chad Qualls - Qualls got hammered tonight in a non-save situation. He gave up 2 runs on three hits. On the bright side, he did strike out the SIDE (no pun intended. Is that a pun?).