The Closer Report: August 14, 2009

Saves: 8

Save Opportunities: 9

Frank Francisco blows it big with a 6-run 9th inning against Boston
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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Frank Francisco had a terrible outing tonight. it came directly after his first save since July 10, and calling it terrible was an understatement. Francisco could hardly retire a batter as the Red Sox hammered him for six runs on seven hits over his 2/3 of an inning. It was easily his worse outing of the season and his third blown save. After Francisco went on the DL back in July, he fell off my radar with his arm injury. I was concerned at his ability to return to form this season, and when asked about Francisco on podcasts I advised trading him. Don't get me wrong, Francisco will be alright the rest of the year, but expecting the kind of numbers he put up in the first half isn't going to happen and that has come to fruition so far. Hopefully you traded him along time ago. If you haven't, you can't now so just hold on for the roller coaster ride designed and operated by Franky.

Papelbon was called into the game to close it out in a non-save situation and looked great, striking out two and giving up a lone hit.

Leo Nunez rebounded from his blown save to nail his 13th save of the season, but it wasn't without some fireworks. He entered the game with two runners on and one out. Thankfully he had a four run lead because he after striking out Dexter Fowler he gave up a three run bomb to Chris Iannetta. Nunez threw 11 pitches and only one was a bad. Overall it was a good performance for Nunez.

Mike MacDougal continues to defy all odds on his comeback tour with his 12th save of the season. Tonight he pitched another perfect and efficient inning over Cincinnati. MacDougal recorded his sixth save of the month and is among the leaders in saves for the month of August. His ERA is also at an impressive 2.37, so the question is how long will it last?

Lidge recorded his 22nd save of the season by defeating the Braves 3-2. Over course it had its Lidge fireworks as he put a couple of runners on before closing out the game. The sad news in this game was Rafael Soriano, who took the loss giving up a solo home run to Ryan Howard in the ninth inning. The silver lining in the cloud for Soriano, he did strikeout the side. Soriano has had a terrible month so far. He has only two saves and he has given up runs in three appearances and they have lead to a blown save and tonight a loss. His ERA has also ballooned from 1.84 to 2.55. This has always been the problem with Soriano besides his inconsistent health. He goes through big droughts and this current drought could have been brought on by an undisclosed injury. Keep an eye on Soriano and consider picking up Gonzalez to protect your bullpen.

Bobbie Jenks continues to prove to Ozzie Guillen that the closer job is his for keeps. After pitching poorly for so long, Jenks has opened up for two saves in the past four days. Tonight he gave up a couple of hits, but settled down and got Garciaparra to ground out, ending the game. It was his 24th save of the season.

Other Appearances:
Francisco Rodriguez (26) - Pitched a perfect inning for his second save in three days. Not a bad comeback for KROD. Let's hope it continues.

Mariano Rivera (34) - Rivera is on an insane pace. His 34th save was actually his 30th in a row since his last blown save all the way back in April! Currently he has five saves in August and his WHIP is down to a poultry 0.92. Who says its not worth drafting a closer early?

Jason Frasor (6) - Frasor closed out the Rays tonight. He gave up a hit and struck out one batter. His season WHIP is at an amazing 0.97, but the save opportunities will be few and far between.

Chad Qualls (22) - Got the save tonight. Gave up a hit and a walk and needed a whopping 22 pitches to end the game. Not very efficient.

Andrew Bailey - Pitched a perfect inning in a non-save situation, while striking out one. Bailey continues to sizzle in the month of August.