Closer Watch: 2011

[Judge Jude]

Parnell pitched a scoreless 8th (2 K), then Manny Acosta finished off today's Mets win over the Phillies as Izzy warmed up in the pen.

Ok, it was an 11-2 final and Izzy was like "loosening up" since he hasn't pitched in a week.



If there's a SV opp tomorrow, look for Izzy to get it.

[Judge Jude]

no chance Putz has another setback of course, given his great injury history, but...

David Hernandez earned his eight save of the season in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Dodgers.
Hernandez has not allowed a hit in six relief appearances since the beginning of July and is six-for-six in save opportunities over that span. The Diamondbacks are expected to turn back to J.J. Putz (elbow) when he returns from the disabled list later this month, but Hernandez has earned himself more late-innings looks. Jul. 16 - 11:08 pm et

[Judge Jude]

wow, lots going on

6-6, bottom of the 8th, K-Rod is in for MIL. at least it's a tie game, to keep K-Rod's interest.



weird game for me, owning Street and K-Rod and needing SV more than W...

only baserunner reached on an error

[madducks]

Nathan with his first save since early April. I think he might keep the closer gig this time around.

[Bodhizefa]

Madson came in to get some work in a blowout, and he allows three baserunners and one run in 2/3's of an inning. Charlie Manuel responds by bringing in Bastardo to close out the 8th. Madson may not be as close to regaining his closing role as many (including me) have presupposed.

[madducks]

Nathan with two saves in two days. Nathan is scoreless in his last nine appearances while giving up only 3 hits and no walks along with 7 k in 8.1 ip. Yeah he's back.

[virgonomic]

Who closes in OAK if Bailey is traded? TEX is interested. Back to Fuentes?

[Mithrandir]

Madson came in to get some work in a blowout, and he allows three baserunners and one run in 2/3's of an inning. Charlie Manuel responds by bringing in Bastardo to close out the 8th. Madson may not be as close to regaining his closing role as many (including me) have presupposed.

how many times does it have to happen? Closer gets shelled in non-save situation.

[Rick Vaughn]

how many times does it have to happen? Closer gets shelled in non-save situation.

Why can't closers pitch well in non-save situations? Sounds weak minded to me.

[madducks]

Melancon pitched 2.1 innings in today's extra inning loss against the Pirates. So, he may unavailable for a few days.

edit: it was only 30 pitches , so maybe not so bad.

[cardboardbox]

I'm probably the only Melancon owner so I'm sure no one cares... but its kind of frustrating when a closer is stretched into 3 innings and then gives up the winning run.

[Judge Jude]

K-Rod with a 20-pitch, 2-runner 8th at 4-2.
Axford allows an unearned run, then a BB to Giambi to put winning run on base with Tulo coming up. He whiffs on a comically high pitch.

K-Rod 15 and 20 pitches the last 2 days, Axford 17 and 26.
Will be interesting if Brewers have a small lead tomorrow night in ARI. Axford still pitching very well but hittable of late.

[primetime]

So who do you guys think is a better save option the rest of the way Marshall or Izzy?I think Parnell takes over at some point (either izzy gets traded or the Mets realize its time to give Parnell a shot). And I assume Marmol gets his job back at some point as well.

Do you guys have a favorite the rest of the way?

[Erik]

Madson came in to get some work in a blowout, and he allows three baserunners and one run in 2/3's of an inning. Charlie Manuel responds by bringing in Bastardo to close out the 8th. Madson may not be as close to regaining his closing role as many (including me) have presupposed.

Actually, he resumes the role tomorrow, per the Phillies radio postgame show, citing Manuel and Dubee.

[cardboardbox]

So who do you guys think is a better save option the rest of the way Marshall or Izzy?I think Parnell takes over at some point (either izzy gets traded or the Mets realize its time to give Parnell a shot). And I assume Marmol gets his job back at some point as well.

Do you guys have a favorite the rest of the way?

Marshall is the better pitcher but Marmol is right handed and has a good sized contract through 2013 so he'll get some time to straighten things out. Tough choice, but I'd probably go with Marshall since Izzy is old and not nearly as good even though he's likely to get a few saves.