The Closer Report: August 17, 2009

Saves: 5

Save Opportunities: 6

Frank Francisco heats up along with Fuentes on slow night

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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After having one of the worse outings of his career, Frank Francisco has rebounded for two straight saves. Tonight he recorded his 18th save of the season, defeating the Twins 8-5. He looked strong for the second night in a row, striking out two on only ten pitches. I'd still be concerned about Francisco, but at this point you have to ride him out.

Ryan Franklin closed out the Dodgers tonight and only needed two outs. Franklin was perfect again and only needed two pitches to end the game. Franklin joined the 30-something club with save number 30 and is still pitching out of his mind.

I can't say the same for Kevin Gregg. Gregg blew his sixth save of the season and his third of the month by giving up four runs in the ninth inning. The big blast was Kyle Blanks three run home run which ended the game. Gregg has been terrible in the month of August. His ERA has ballooned from 3.83 to 4.47 and his WHIP has shot up to 1.30. In the game, Heath Bell pitched a near perfect ninth for the win. He struck out two in the 19-pitch effort.

Brian Fuentes got a BS save today. I guess the rule applies that if the tying run is on deck it's a save, but this is ridiculous. Fuentes entered a 8-5 game with two outs and a runner on third. He got Brian Roberts to pop out on three pitches and recorded his 34th save of the season. Fuentes rebounded nicely after his blown save last night against the same team.

Other Appearances:
Andrew Bailey (18) - Continues to be one of the hottest pitchers in the league. Pitched a perfect inning against the Yankees on ten pitches. His season ERA is down to 2.01.

Bobbie Jenks (25) - Jenks pitched one of his best outings of the season tonight. In defeating the Royals 8-7, Jenks only needed eight pitches for the save and seven were strikes.

Jonathan Broxton - Pitched a quite inning against the Cardinals, striking out two.

Matt Capps - Pitched a perfect innings in a non-save situation.