The Closer Report: August 11, 2009

Saves: 5

Save Opportunities: 8

Leo Nunez blows his first save as closer, Rivera retakes league lead with his 33rd save
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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Tonight was another crazy night for closers. Some looked good, others got cranked, hammered, and any other words you can use to describe giving up runs in an inning. First we will start with the lovable Leo Nunez. Nunez has been great as the Marlins closer, but tonight was not his night. He blew his third save of the season, but his first as the Marlins closer. He gave up the game tying run on three hits. He actually pitched well throwing mostly strikes (8/11 pitches), but his pitches were flat and were hit hard for a double and two shallow singles. Shake this one off. Nunez actually looked good and he should keep the job. Lindstrom was never brought in the game and that says something. Jose Valverde pitched part of the tenth and the eleventh innings. He totals were 1.2 innings, two hits, a walk, and a strikeout. Not the best performance for his WHIP, but overall OK.

Mariano Rivera scored his league leading 33rd save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Blue Jays. He didn't get away unscathed like we are use too. Rivera gave up a bomb to Edwin Encarnacion and stranded Jason McDonald on second base to end the game. Rivera still looked strong striking out two on 18 total pitches. The long ball shot his ERA over 2.01 for the first time this month. Seems like I'm giving that information allot these days.

Bobbie Jenks jumped out of the shadows and flashed all his owners with his 23rd save of the season. It was a clean inning with only one hit. Jenks has all but disappeared lately. This was his first save since July 20 and his first chance since July 25th. Since his two consecutive blown saves, manager Ozzie Guillen hasn't had much confidence in his closer and leaned on his starters and middle relief. This appearance was very positive for Jenks and should calm his owners that he is still the closer in Chicago.

In that game, David Aardsma got roughed up only as David Aardsma can. I'm talking multiple runs and long innings. David Aardsma has been awesome this year,giving up runs in only five of his 54 appearances. Add to that 63 strikeouts and 27 saves. Aardsma's worse enemy in 2009 is the big inning. Out of the five appearances where he's actually given up runs, four of those were two or more runs. When he blows a save he does it Aardsma style. I would shake this one off. Aardsma has been lights out brilliant this year and is a stud closer you should hold.

Francisco Cordero joined the chorus line of closers who gave up runs tonight. He got his 25th save of the season, but not without getting battered a bit. He gave up a run on two hits with one strikeout. Again, shake this off if you own Cordero in your league. Of course, I've been telling you to unload him for weeks, so shame on you if you do still own him.

Other Appearances:
Jim Johnson (4) - Johnson recorded his fourth save of the season over the A's with a easy one hit save.

Chad Durbin (2) - Got a 12th inning save.

Brad Lidge - Brad Lidge put on The Brad Lidge Show tonight. He blew his seventh save of the season. He gave up a walk and after a sacrifice, couldn't save the game and gave up the big hit to Milton Bradley.

Kevin Gregg - He suffered a tough loss. He gave up a blast to Ben Francisco in the 12th inning. It was his fourth loss of the season.

Jonathan Papelbon - Pitched the ninth inning in a non-save situation. Just when we thought he was turning the corner back to his dominating self, he gets cranked, but it wasn't all bad. He gave up a double to Avila and after striking out the next two batters, gave up a home run to Curtis Granderson. He struck out the final batter for the side, and though he looked good, the two run home run hurt his over status. It looks as though his confidence is still intact, so should his owners.