The Closer Report: August 26, 2009

Saves: 6

Save Opportunities: 8

Aardsma joins the 30-something club, while Fuentes locks down #36

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Click here for The Closer Report podcast - No audio report

After a slow day for closers, today was a much more active with lots of big-time action. I'll start with Brian Fuentes, who tied Mariano Rivera for the league lead with 36 saves. He got the save defeating the hot Detroit Tigers 4-2. Fuentes threw a perfect inning for the save, but he did exhibit some wildness before closing out the game. He has had a roller coaster month so far with six saves and two blown saves.

David Aardsma finally joined the 30-something club tonight. He got his 30th save striking out two on two hits for the 5-3 win. Aardsma is also near the top with six saves this month, but like most closers he's hit some rough patches in August. He is currently on pace for 37 saves and over 80 strikeouts.

Chad Qualls came in the eighth with runners on, and promptly gave up a 3-run blast to Bengie Molina. This is a terrible turn of events for a closer on the ropes and on waivers. It was his fifth blown save of the season against 23 saves. I haven't liked Qualls all season and I can say without a doubt that he will not be a closer next year. Brian Medders recorded the wrap around save for the Giants.

J.P. Howell blew his seventh save of the season in horrible fashion walking three and giving up a home run. He ended up with the lost after giving up two runs. Howell has a fantastic K-rate, but his lack of consistency is killing his owners. Howell has only saved 68% of his chances, which is worse they the Master of blown saves Brad Lidge who currently has saved 73%.

Leo Nunez is still the closer in Florida, so hopefully you listened to me and kept him. He looked very sharp tonight, striking out two and giving up a hit. Nunez will be the closer the rest of the season and has been outstanding since getting the job.

Other Appearances:
Kerry Wood (16)- Not sure why the Indians are still closing with Wood, but he did get his 16th.

Ryan Franklin (34) - Franklin pitched a Franklin Save. 1 hit and in .2 innings.

Francisco Cordero (27) - recorded #27 with two strikeouts. He is on pace for 31 with four so far this month.

Jonathan Broxton - Pitched a clean inning in a 6-1 Dodger win.

Trevor Hoffman - Pitched one perfect inning in a non-save situation.