The Closer Report: August 13, 2009

Saves: 4

Save Opportunities: 4

Fernando Rodney shuts down the Red Sox and Frank Francisco is back!
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Click here for The Closer Report podcast - NO AUDIO REPORT FOR 8/13/2009

Today was a happy day for Frank Francisco owners. He recorded his first save since July 10 and his 16th overall this season. He needed quite a few pitches (21) to get the job done, but the result was great for Francisco since he finally got his closer job back. The only action in the inning was a hit and a strikeout. Francisco was a bit wild, but you can chalk that up to rust and nerves. He should be fine the rest of the way, assuming he stays healthy.

Fernando Rodney got his 24th save of the season with a perfect inning over the Red Sox 2-0. Rodney was roughed up in his last two appearances for three runs on four hits, but today he was perfect. I still believe that Rodney is one of the better late season closers to have on your roster. If there is any chance to get him, do it. His value isn't that high, so it is possible.

Trevor Hoffman looked sharp for the second night in a row and recorded his 26th save of the season in a wild game. The Brewers won 12-9 and Hoffman pitched a perfect inning for the save. Hoffman has been outstanding as of late. He has only given up one run in the past month and his ERA is down to 1.80. Believe it or not, he's still a solid closer and to think the Padres could have kept him and had Bell.

Joakim Soria finally got off the snide with his first save since August 2 and only his second save of the month. Soria recorded a big two inning save in a hard fought game against the Twins and needed a whopping 35 pitches to close it out. Overall, the stat line was a walk and two strikeouts for the struggling closer. This clearly is not Soria's year, and frankly if you have him you have to trade him. He should be alright going forward, but the rest of the year he could have limited save opportunities. Don't expect him to pitch tomorrow.

Other Appearances:
Matt Capps - Capps got hammered getting "work" today. He entered a blowout and made it even more of a blow out. He gave up 3 runs on four hits. Capps has been one of the biggest disappointments in 2009 amongst all closers. If you own him at this point, feel ashamed and just deal with him. His value is pretty much in the tank.