Happy Memorial Day!
Top Closers for May 2010:
Jonathan Broxton - 12 Saves
Rafael Soriano - 9 Saves
Neftali Feliz - 9 Saves
Andrew Bailey - 9 Saves
Brian Wilson - 8 Saves
Carlos Marmol - 8 Saves
Kevin Gregg - 8 Saves
Octavio Dotel - 8 Saves
Matt Capps - 7 Saves
Francisco Rodriguez - 6 Saves
Jon Rauch - 6 Saves
Leo Nunez - 6 Saves
Francsico Cordero - 6 Saves
SAVES:
Andrew Bailey (11) - Bailey finished the month of May strong with a 1.1 inning close out of the Tigers. It was his ninth save of May and he has turned into one of the hottest closers in baseball.
Octavio Dotel (11) - Dotel looked outstanding once again. He struck out two and gave up one hit in a 14 pitch save. Dotel finished May with eight saves and has proven he can close with no problems after a brutal April.
Kevin Gregg (14) - Gregg continues to rack up saves and improve his overall numbers. It looks as though his minor issues a few weeks back were a blip on his overall radar and not a regression. Tonight wasn't easy, he needed 19 pitches to get the save.
Jon Rauch (13) - Rauch got roughed up a bit securing unlucky save number 13. He gave up a run on two hits, but held on for the save.
APPEARANCES:
Jonathan Broxton (3-0) - Entered a tie score in the ninth inning and held it tied with two strikeouts. He then got the win. That is the third overall win for Broxton and second in May. He also led the month in saves with 12 saves.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
SAVES:
Joakim Soria (12) - Soria pitched a harmless 1-2-3 inning to get his 12th save of the season over the Red Sox tonight. He needed only eight pitches and over the past week he has lowered his ERA to 2.84.
BLOWN SAVES:
Matt Lindstrom (1-1, BS1) - Lindstrom finally blew a save. Granted it wasn't till May 27, Lindstrom got smoked for two runs on four hits and three walks. Just a terrible night for the up and coming closer.
Calros Marmol (11) - Marmol notched another big save and did it in "Marmol Fashion". "Marmol Fashion" is striking out two or more batters. Today Marmol struck out three including Manny Ramirez. He is now one strikeout shy of 50.
Brian Wilson (12) Wilson is another closer coming off of some tough times, but pitching far better. Tonight he struck out two getting his 12th save of the season.
Andrew Bailey (9) - Bailey finally got back to saving and pitched another perfect inning recording his ninth save of the season. Ok, it wasn't perfect. He did give up two hits and struck out one. While Bailey only has nine saves, it is his seventh save of May and he has pitched incredibly well the entire season.
Francisco Rodriguez (9) - KROD was on tonight. His slider was like his slider of old and he had no issues getting rid of the Phillies in the ninth. He set the Phillies down 1-2-3, striking out the batter to end the game. KROD and the Mets are back.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
SAVES:
Joakim Soria (11) - Soria had a quick 1-2-3 inning against the Rangers and disposed of them on 13 pitched. This was a very strong outing for Soria and lately he has been getting back to his dominant form.
David Aardsma (11) - Pitched a 1-2-3 inning and struck out one. Aardsma has pitched three straight scoreless appearances with five strikeouts. He is looking like the Aardsma of April.
Jonathan Broxton (11) - Was called on by Torre for 1.2 innings and nailed the save over the happless Cubs 8-5. He did get his his 30th strikeout of the season, only the second closer to achieve that.
Mariano Rivera (9) - Recorded his second save of the month with a 3-2 win over the Twins. While he recorded the save, he didn't strike out anyone, but did manage to not give up a run. He also looked healthy and back to form as it took only 11 pitches to upend the Twins.
BLOWN SAVES:
Brian Fuentes (2-1, BS3) - Another night, another blown save. After two consecutive saves, Fuentes couldn't make it to three. He was screwed on a Bobby Abreu error in the outfield, but a good closer would have rebounded, instead Fuentes gave up a double to John Buck. The good news, he got the win.
Heath Bell (BS3) - Heath Bell had a tough night. He blew his third save of the the season by giving up a run on three hits. He was bailed out from losing the 1-1 game by striking out the side and not letting another run score. Bell has been impressive this year, but you cannot overlook the three blown saves and his 1.38 WHIP.
APPEARANCES:
Jon Rauch (1-1) - Rauch took the loss to the Yankees, giving up a run in the top of the ninth on two hits. Rauch's ERA has slowly been rising and not stands at 3.00. His WHIPERA is now well above four at 4.22.
Billy Wagner - Got some work in a 7-3 game. Pitched a perfect inning and struck out two. Now if he can only do it in a save opportunity.
Bobby Jenks - Got rocked in a none save situation giving up three runs on three hits and three walks. It will shock me if Matt Thornton doesn't close out the next game. He did pitch the eighth in this game and pitched a perfect inning.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES Oriolesspare closer Alfred Simon when on the DL with a strained left hamstring. Mike Gonzalez isn't due back till June 9th, so the Orioles will need a stop gap in the mean time. Look at David Hernandez or Will Ohman to be that stop gap. Huston Street threw a bullpen session and had no issues. He is still hoping for a early June return.
SAVES
Jonathan Papelbon (11) - Papelbon looked sharp and was throwing hard to put down any Rays rally. While he walked one, he was in complete control and struck out Upton to end the game.
David Aardsma (10) - This has been atough season so far Aardsma. After a solid April, Aardsma has only recorded two saves in three chances in May primarily due to the poor play by the Mariners offense. Tonight he looked great with a strikeout and one hit.
Heath Bell (12) - Bell worked hard for his save tonight, but did earn it. He needed 28 pitches to clear the heart of the Cardinals order, giving up a hit to Pujols and walking David Freese. He did strikeout a batter, but don't expect to see Bell close out tomorrows game if needed.
Neftali Perez (13) - Feliz is on a tear. he locked up his 13th save of the season holding off the Royals 8-7. While he wasn't his best, needing 21 pitches and walking one. He did pick up a strikeout as well.
Carlos Marmol (10) - Marmol hit double digits in saves tonight, recording his tenth save of the season and of course struck out two with no hits. The 27-year old closer continues to impress in 2010, but even more the month of May. In the month he has seven saves and an eye popping 24 strikeouts. Most closers don't have 24 striekouts!
Manny Corpas (4) manny continues to prove rthat he should never have lost his closer job two years ago. In his four saves he has given up only one hit and his WHIP is down to 0.86.
Brain Wilson (11) - Wilson was on fire tonight. He struck out the side to secure his eleventh save of the season. Overall, 15 pitchs, nine strikes. Pretty good.
Octavio Dotel (10) - Dotel continues his incredible May. He recorded his seventh save of the month and even more incredible he has only given up one run in the month. He also has 14 strikeouts and a win to add to his resurgent May.
APPEARANCES
Leo Nunez - Not a good day for the hot Florida closer. He came in to close out the game with a four run lead and gave up two runs on three hits in the non-save situation.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
SAVES: Jose Valverde (11) - He needed 24 pitches and walked two batters, but the end result was another sweet fist pumping save. His season ERA is now at a microscopic 0.48.
Ryan Franklin (10) - Franklin joined the DD club (double digit) with his tenth save of the season. He started off by getting the first two outs on two pitches. He then walked a batter before striking out the final better to end the game.
Rafael Soriano (11) - Soriano got called into a ninth inning with two runners on. He got the first two batters out, striking out Randy Winn, but then gave up a two RBI double to Derek Jeter before getting the final out and securing the save. Overall, Soriano was outstanding. He gave up a double to one of the best clutch hitters in baseball and frankly if there were no runners, there would be no runs.
Brian Fuentes (6) - Fuentes actually had a 1-2-3 inning, READ ALL ABOUT IT! Needed 15 pitches and got the save. Yeah.
Chad Qualls (7) - It almost seems like you never hear this guys name, but today he got his first save since May 4th and only his second save of the month. He only faced one batter and struck him out.
Jose Contreras (2) - Got his second save as the Phillies closer, but made it very interesting. Allowed the first two batter to reach, but went on to strikeout two of the next three batters. Overall, he needed 31 pitches.
Jonathan Broxton (8) - Recorded his eighth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the rival Padres. Broxton needed only 13 pitches and struck out one.
BLOWN SAVES:
Francisco Cordero (1-3, BS3) - Cordero came into a disaster of an inning and was asked to stop the bleeding. The Braves had already put on three runs and had the bases loaded. Instead of doing what closers do best, he gave up a grand slam that barely cleared the wall. This is the third blown save of the season for Cordero and granted he's having a good season, this is the reason I steer clear of him.
Kevin Gregg (0-1, BS2) - Gregg didn't stand a chance tonight. After their manager got kicked out an inning earlier, the Mariners were fired up. Gregg didn't have his good stuff, and he was all over the place. The end result was 3 runs on three hits and two walks. Just a terrible outing, but you had to expect it out of Gregg eventually. It will be important to see how he reacts during his next outing.
APPEARANCES:
Manny Corpas - One inning in a 4-0 game. He looked great, giving up a lone hit.
Jon Rauch - Got some work in a losing situation against the Red Sox. Threw a perfect inning with no strikeouts.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES: Huston Street's recent groin injury will delay his comeback from the DL, but isn't serious. Jonathan Papelbon's blown save broke his save streak of 22 straight saves tonight. After throwing 23 pitches yesterday, Mariano Rivera was not available tonight.
SAVES:
Joakim Soria (10) - A wild night for Soria. He walked two and gave up a hit before finally ending the inning. Soria has been wild and inconsistent over the last month. One of the walks were intentional and he struck out one.
Heath Bell (11) - Bell worked hard (21 pitches) to get his 11th save of the season. He gave up one hit and struck out two. It wasn't his sharpest outing, but a pretty good one.
Neftali Feliz (10) - Feliz smokes the Angels on ten pitches, striking out one for his tenth save of the season.
Francisco Cordero (13) - Entered the ninth inning with the Brewers rallying and he shut it down. He earned his 13th save, one shy of the league lead.
Francisco Rodriguez (6) - Here is a name I don't bring up much. KROD finally got his sixth save, shutting down the Braves on 14 pitches for the 3-2 save. He walked one and struck out one.
BLOWN SAVES:
Carlos Marmol (BS2) - Marmol Amazes me. He entered the game with the bases loaded and ends up walking Miguel Olivo to blow the save. After that he pitched 1.2 innings striking out three.
Jonathan Papelbon(1-3, BS1) - Papelbon's streak of 22 saves ended tonight when the Yankees hit two two-run home runs off Paps to hand him the blown save and the loss. In all he pitched .2 inning and gave up four hits.
APPEARANCES:
Rafael Soriano - Pitched an innings of a tie game. Recorded a strikeout and looked outstanding as usual.
Andrew Bailey - He closed out the 8-4 game, striking out one on 12 pitches.
Kerry Wood - Pitched an inning of a tie game. He looked alright, but is not up to speed quite yet.
Matt Capps - Entered a losing game at 4-2 and when he was done it was 6-2. He gave up two runs on three hits.
Ryan Franklin - He closed out the game for a non-save. Gave up a couple of hits and recorded a strikeout.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Carlos Marmol (4) - Marmol finally got his fourth save this season. It was his first save since the first of May. He struck out the side for the fourth time in five appearances and his 14 Ks in those five appearances. As of today, Marmol already has 33 strikeouts for the season.
Kevin Gregg (10) - Gregg locked down his tenth save of the season, but not without taking a beating from the Red Sox. The Red Sox dropped two runs on three hits on Gregg. Two of his last three appearances he has surrendered runs. He did strikeout two in the 3-2 win.
Jose Valverde (10) - Valverde needed 15 pitches to dispose of the mighty Yankees 2-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. He struck out one and walked one in another solid performance for the elite closer. His WPE (WHIPERA) is now down to 1.34.
Heath Bell (10) - Bell recorded his third save in May with a 5-2 win over the Giants. It's his second save against the Giants in as many days and his third against them this season.
Jon Rauch (9) - Rauch looked brilliant today mowing down the White Sox batters in order for a perfect save and securing a 3-2 win. He didn't get any strikeouts, but his WHIP fell to 1.00.
Mike Capps (14) - Another outstanding appearance for Capps. A perfect inning with a strikeout for his league leading 14th save.
Matt Lindstrom (8) - Lindstrom got his second save in as many days and is getting hot. He now has eight saves and a ERA sitting at 1.65. The best thing for Lindstrom is his WHIP is slowly coming down and now is at 1.22.
Jonathan Broxton (4) - Recorded his fourth save of the season and struck out the side doing it. He did walk one and give up a hit in the process.
Rafael Soriano (9) - Recorded a perfect save and has yet to blow a save this season. He needed only 13 pitches, but recorded not strikeouts.
Alfred Simon (4) - Simon is getting hot. He has yet to give up a earned run in his appearances. Buyer beware though, Simon's WHIP is 1.43, which is petty high and that could spell danger if it catches up with him. APPEARANCES:
Francisco Rodriguez (2-1) - Gave up a two run home run to Roger Bernadina that broke up a 4-4 tie. He completed the inning and struckout one in the loss.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!
CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Kerry Wood was activated from the DL today for the Cleveland Indians. SAVES:
Leo Nunez (6) - Nunez battled back after his blown save to close out tonight's 4-2 win over Washington. He struck out 2 and gave up a hit over 20 pitches.
Jonathan Broxton (2) - Broxton finally recorded another save. He had 18 days between saves, and broke the streak with a 6-5 win over the Rockies. Carlos Gonzalez opened the inning with a single, but was thrown out attempting to steal second. After that Broxton struck out the next two batters.
Rafael Soriano (8) - Perfect inning with two strikeouts. Soriano is finding his form and looks unhitable at this point. The Rays are dominating the American League and Soriano is part of that reason.
Trevor Hoffman (5) - I don't even care to write about this guy. He managed not to give up any runs and record a save. The only blemish was a walk. No strike outs.
BLOWN SAVES:
Francisco Rodriguez (BS2, 2-0) - Gave up a solo home run to John Bowker to blow the save in the ninth. He ended up needing 29 pitches to get out of the inning and gave up three hits and struck out a pair. He got the win with the Mets scoring a pair in the bottom of the inning.
Ryan Franklin (BS1, 2-0) - Franklin or Mr. Contact gave up a hit with runners on and blew the save. Nothing is worse for Ryan Franklin then entering the game with runners on. He pitched 1.1 innings for his second win of the season.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Jonathan Broxton blew his first save of the and gave up his first runs of the season.
Huston Street will pitch in an extended spring training game on Friday.
SAVES:
Alfred Simon (3) - Simon got his third save of the season and pitched a perfect inning against the Twins. In all 11 pitches to get the three outs. Simon has been looking better with each appearance. You have to wonder if he gets better by the time Gonzalez gets back that he still keeps the job.
Kevin Gregg (8) - Gregg is pitching in a different world right now. He recorded his eighth save in a row and has been dominating AL batters since getting the job. In his eight saves, Gregg has given up only three hits and no runs. His ERA is down to 0.64 and his WHIP is at 0.71. I'm not sure how long Gregg can keep this up, but he is pitching outstanding ball and there's nothing that would show me that he will stop his domination.
Neftali Feliz (7) - Another great appearance by Feliz. He mowed down the Royals in order and struck out two. I've been saying that Feliz will get better with each appearance and he will continue to do so.
Brian Wilson (6) - Can't ask for much easier of a save. .1 innings and struck out the only batter he faced on four pitches. BLOWN SAVES:
Joakim Soria (BS2) - Soria has been pitching so well lately, but today he blew up and got rocked. He got hammered for two home runs by Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero. Soria wasn't on today and his pitches had no movement whatsoever. It was just not his day.
Jonathan Broxton (BS1, 2-0) - Broxton blew his first save of the season. I have to admit it really upset me because I've been waiting so long for him to get a save. He gave up two runs on four hits, while striking out two batters. The good news is, he got the win. Congrats Jonathan, you have more wins then saves
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Mariano Rivera missed his third straight day with a sore left side. It was a third straight save opportunity that he lost for the Yankees with his injury.
Ryan Madson will be a in cast boot for the next two weeks as he begins the healing process for his broken toe. SAVES:
Jonathan Papelbon (8) - Papelbon disposed of the Angels on ten pitches tonight in a perfect inning of work. He looked very sharp and looked back to form after his last bad outing.
Brian Wilson (5) - Wilson finally got a save. It was his first save since April 24. He did give up a run on two hits. Wilson is looking very human lately. He did strike out two in the effort, but needs to start pitching better.
Andrew Bailey (5) -Pitched a perfect inning to record his fifth save of the season. It was his third save in May after only two in April.
Jon Rauch (8) - Gave up a solo home run to Alex Avila, but held on for the 5-3 save. He did strikeout one in the process.
Octavio Dotel (5) - Two saves in as many days for Dotel. He looked great tonight with two strikeouts and a perfect inning.
Billy Wagner (3) - Got another save and a badly needed one. It was his third of the season, which is hardly any for Wagner. He did get another strikeout and his WHIP is at a season low 0.90, which shows how effective Wagner has been.
Alfredo Aceves (1) - Got the save in place of the injured Rivera and the resting Joba Chamberlain. BLOWN SAVES:
Francisco Cordero (BS2) - Blew another save tonight. Gave up a run on two hits. Its the second appearance in a row that Cordero has given up runs and he is 0-1 with a blown save over the last two days.
Chris Perez (BS2) - Perez got screwed by his defense. He got the third out, but Luis Valbuena's error allowed the tying run to score. Overall he gave up three unearned runs in the appearance, but did strikeout two. APPEARANCES:
Brian Fuentes - Fuentes looked ordinary tonight. Came into a losing game to get some work and gave up a bomb to Adrian Beltre.
Matt Capps (0-1) - Big bad Matt "The Capper" Capps gave up a run on two hits in the tenth inning of a tie game and took the 5-4 loss for Washington. It was his first charged run since April 15. It wasn't a blown save.
Matt Lindstrom (1-0) - Lindstrom picked up a big win for Houston. He did walk two, but other than that gave up nothing else on 15 pitches.
Carlos Marmol - Got some work in and looked very sharp with a perfect inning. Struck out two to add to his closer leading 27 strikeouts.
CLOSER NEWS AND FACTS:
Joakim Soria has saved 6 of the 9 Royals wins.
Billy Wagner Got his first save since April 7 tonight.
Brian Wilson could not pitch tonight due to a very sore groin and likely won't be available all weekend according to the Giants. SAVES:
Billy Wagner (2)- We finally can call his name. Got the easy save with just a lone walk over the powerless Astros 4-2.
Joakim Soria (6) - Got roughed up by the Rays for a run on two walks and a hit, but secured the save and 3-2 win. He struck out one as well.
Heath Bell (7) - Heath Bell and the Padres continue to smoke in April. Bell got the 3-0 save on 24 long pitches, but struck out the side. He has been incredible over the last couple of weeks.
Jeremy Affeldt (2) - With Brian Wilson sidelined with a sore groin, Affeldt picked up his second save of the season. He pitched just 1/3 of an inning and needed only five pitches for the save.
Neftali Feliz (4) - Feliz looked great and got a much needed easy 1-2-3 save. He got a game ending strikeout and Mariners on two flyballs and ten pitches.
Mariano Rivera (7) - Got another easy save taking care of the White Sox in 1-2-3 fashion Friday night. He struck out two and gave up nothing else as he continues his incredible start to the 2010 season.
Francisco Cordero (9) - Got the easy save versus the Cardinals on Friday. He did give up what looked to be a two out solo home run, but was lucky enough that the ball bounced off the wall for a double. He retired the next batter for his ninth save. APPEARANCES:
David Aardsma - Worked one inning in the Rangers-Mariners extra inning affair. It was a perfect inning with two strikeouts.
Jonathan Broxton - Looked outstanding pitching ,2 innings in a 6-2 game. Struck out both batters he faced.
Rafael Soriano - Got some work in against the Royals and gave up a run on three hits. He threw 24 pitches and likely won't be available on Saturday.
Jose Valverde - Got the call in a 10-6 win. He disposed of the Angels in quick fashion, striking out one and needing only ten pitches.
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.
Octavio Dotel (11) - Dotel looked outstanding once again. He struck out two and gave up one hit in a 14 pitch save. Dotel finished May with eight saves and has proven he can close with no problems after a brutal April. 
Octavio Dotel (11) - Dotel looked outstanding once again. He struck out two and gave up one hit in a 14 pitch save. Dotel finished May with eight saves and has proven he can close with no problems after a brutal April. 
