The Closer Report: August 6, 2009

Saves: 4

Save Opportunities: 5

C.J. Wilson is still the closer in Texas with his 14th save
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

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Today was another slow day for MLB closers with only four saves. The offenses were rolling and that kept allot of closers off the field with blowout wins or in Rafael Soriano's case a blown save.

The Rangers won 6-4 over the Athletics today , but the real story behind the game was Frank Francisco setting up C.J. Wilson for the save. With Francisco's early return from the DL, many figured he'd have the closer job back by now, but nope. The True Guru put that day at this weekend and I will stick to it. Frankly, the Rangers would be smart to keep Wilson as the closer for awhile and make sure Francisco is healthy. Tonight Wilson got his 14th save of the season, but didn't do it without getting roughed up. He gave up a run on a pair of hits and a walk. Wilson's control was off with only ten strikes out of 18 pitches. I wouldn't look at this performance and anything more than a bad night, but it is his second tough performance in a row, so Washington might be getting nervous with his closer. He did strikeout two tonight and has 49 strikeouts in 48.2 innings. That k-rate is slightly above his career average, so he's having a great season overall.

Kerry Wood nailed his 15th save of the season with a perfect inning over the Twins 2-1. He struck out one and believe it or not lowered his ERA below 5.00. The last time he did that it took him one outing to get it back above 5.00. Beware Wood owners.

Now we get to Rafael Soriano's nightmare night. He never recorded a single out in 16 pitches. He gave up two singles and then a walk-off 3-run home run to Mr. Clutch Andre Either. Soriano looked pedestrian today and hopefully this kind of outing doesn't get into a guy's head causing more bad outings. I have all the confidence that Bobby Cox will keep Soriano as the closer, but don't be shocked if he uses Gonzalez once or twice to give Soriano a mental break if he feels he needs it.

Other Appearances:
Brandon Lyon (1) - Mr. Lyon got his first save of the season. He came in the eight for the hold, and pitched the ninth for the save.
Brad Lidge (21) - Lidge looked very good today, giving up a hit with two strikeouts. He threw 12 pitches and ten for strikes.
Matt Capps - Two innings and four strikeouts in an extra inning affair. Great performance for Capps today.