2 days into the season, 4 projected closers already down

[pitbull]

With Papelbon's velocity slipping and the Phillies seemingly a non-contender I had hoped to pick up his probable replacement...until I couldn't find one. I know Adams is coming back fairly soon, but it's hard to trust a guy coming off shoulder surgery at 35. At one point Bastardo seemed like the future, but he's both left-handed and a cheater. Does anyone think Brad Lincoln could be a sleeper saves candidate in that bullpen? Failed starting pitcher who was once a hot prospect, throws hard, moved over from the tough AL East. I'm running out to pick him up, but I'm definitely keeping an eye on him.

Lincoln was good in 12 season but last year his walks killed him and Ks were down. He would need to be stashed away as it hard to say what you are going to get but he certainly wouldn't be on the radar at this point. Depending on how Adams pitches when he comes back like can he stay healthy I would think him or Bastardo would get first crack if the Phillies decide to look at another closer.

[Judge Jude]

Both Nathan and Perkins also blew saves...does any safe closer actually HAVE a save so far?

And while Hawkins was very good last year, I would in no way qualify his work as "spectacular". And all saves were earned at the end of an 88 lose season with no pressure...

I guess I overrated what I called his "late season," finishing with 8 SV and 14 scoreless IP on 7 h and 0 BB, lol. and he did have TWO games in Aug and Sept combined where he allowed a run or more, though that doesn't seem like a lot to me.

Admittedly, going from the warm bosom of the NY media landscape to the bright lights of Denver may overwhelm this 41-yr-old! The Rockies may lose not 88 but only 85 or even 82, so there's that.

[TranaGreg]

Both Nathan and Perkins also blew saves...does any safe closer actually HAVE a save so far?

Josh Fields???

[cavebird]

Yes, I will heed the sample size of his 2013 season, vs. the sample size of one inning in 2014, and hand him the reins tomorrow.

He walked too many batters last year, too.But yes, he's still better than Hawkins.

[Hornsby]

I guess I overrated what I called his "late season," finishing with 8 SV and 14 scoreless IP on 7 h and 0 BB, lol. and he did have TWO games in Aug and Sept combined where he allowed a run or more, though that doesn't seem like a lot to me.

Admittedly, going from the warm bosom of the NY media landscape to the bright lights of Denver may overwhelm this 41-yr-old! The Rockies may lose not 88 but only 85 or even 82, so there's that.

Yes, you did overrate it...and really, is Citi Field in the doldrums of August and September any kind of pressure situation? Really?

And Stanton hit one about 600 feet just foul, or the Hawkins run might already be over. Skills not roles...

[Erik]

With Papelbon's velocity slipping and the Phillies seemingly a non-contender I had hoped to pick up his probable replacement...until I couldn't find one. I know Adams is coming back fairly soon, but it's hard to trust a guy coming off shoulder surgery at 35. At one point Bastardo seemed like the future, but he's both left-handed and a cheater. Does anyone think Brad Lincoln could be a sleeper saves candidate in that bullpen? Failed starting pitcher who was once a hot prospect, throws hard, moved over from the tough AL East. I'm running out to pick him up, but I'm definitely keeping an eye on him.

There's no clear cut path. Sandberg's staff could have a whole different pecking order than Manuel's did. I would think because of veteranosity Adams would get first shot if healthy, but the FO does seem to like Lincoln.

[Fresno Bob]

Both Nathan and Perkins also blew saves...does any safe closer actually HAVE a save so far?

Kimbrell has 2!

[Erik]

We have no data on Frieri or Rodney because all three SEA-LAA games were blowouts.

[cavebird]

I guess I overrated what I called his "late season," finishing with 8 SV and 14 scoreless IP on 7 h and 0 BB, lol. and he did have TWO games in Aug and Sept combined where he allowed a run or more, though that doesn't seem like a lot to me.

Admittedly, going from the warm bosom of the NY media landscape to the bright lights of Denver may overwhelm this 41-yr-old! The Rockies may lose not 88 but only 85 or even 82, so there's that.

Well, there is Coors Field and altititude. I am not sure you can just say media is less so it is easier to close for the Rockies than Mets. And, hmmm, I think being older than dirt is a negative, not a positive.

[Judge Jude]

Old is a negative for a pitcher's closing chances, as are left-handedness and wildness. One strike against Hawkins, two against Brothers!

all kidding aside, Hawkins has been quite effective the last couple of years. I think Boone Logan's injury hurt Brothers' chances so far, because otherwise they'd have a second solid lefty to use in key spots in the 7th or 8th. If Logan comes back as scheduled this weekend, that would help Brothers' chances - even though he's wildly overrated by those who have had him cheap over the years. Both he and Hawkins were quite good last year, though.

[dslaw]

Bottom of 9th in Pittsburgh and Cubs lead 3-2. Pedro Strop in the for Cubs. Is Veras already done?

[Judge Jude]

funny, Rockies had a 2-out lead in the 8th at 5-4, with Belisle in.
with one more out, we likely would have seen Brothers (21 pitches last night) over Hawkins (35 pitches) for the SV opp. but Belisle then surrendered 4 runs to make it 8-5, Marlins.

That works, because I have Cishek, too

[cavebird]

Both pitched last night (when Veras blew the save). Not sure how many pitches each had but Twitter seems to think that this was a one-off for Strop and Veras is still the closer. I'd tend to agree, judging by the salaries if nothing else. I'm sure Veras will get more than a couple more chances.


(Of course, as a Strop owner, I wouldn't mind terrible if they turned over the reins to Pedro right now. )



Strop converted the save, btw.

Veras threw 38 pitches last night and was announced as unavailable today prior to the game.

[cardboardbox]

Nate Jones has put 5 men on base and has yet to record an out. I assume that's why his ERA is still 0!

[mgwiz22]

The stat only have numbers not infinity symbols so it has to be zero.