The Closer Report: April 14, 2010 8 Saves, 1 Blown Save

NEWS:

Brian Fuentes was placed on the DL by the Angels and Fernando Rodney will take over as closer until Fuentes is able to return.  For Fuentes, it's another back issue and that could last up to six weeks.  With backs, you just don't know.

SAVES:

Joakim Soria (2) - Soria entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning and a runner on.  He promptly walked Scott Sizemore, but struck out Kelly to end the eighth.  He then had a quite ninth inning, recording another strikeout  and needing 17 total pitches.  He looked incredibly sharp in the ninth inning.

Carlos Marmol (3) - Pitched the perfect inning, striking out the side on 15 pitches.  I expect more innings like this from Marmol.

David Aardsma (4) - Aardsma recorded his AL leading fourth save tonight beating the Athletics 4-2.  He pitched a perfect inning and recorded a strikeout on 12 pitches.

Ryan Franklin (3) - Closed out the Astros in quick and easy 1-2-3 fashion.  He needed only 6 pitches for the save.  That is Franklin at his best, pitching to contact.

Neftali Feliz (2) Feliz got his second save in as many days.  He was tested in the eighth inning, being brought in with runners on first and second and two outs.  He answered the call by getting Cabrera to fly out to deep center.  He added a walk and a strikeout in the ninth inning. 

Jonathan Papelbon (3) - Paps nailed his third save of the season, but still doesn't look right.  He needed 21 pitches to dispose of the Twins and was all over the place.  He finished with two walks and no strikeouts.

Burke Badenhop (1) - Closed out the game for the Marlins and looked sharp.  The 26-year old recorded his first major league save logging two innings, striking out three.  I have no reason to believe that this move was to give the beat up Marlin bullpen a rest.  Nunez had pitched the three days before, so it's no threat to his job.

Fernando Rodney (1) - On the day that he got the job, Rodney saved his first game.  He looked like vintage Rodney, needing nine pitches to end the Yankees day.

BLOWN SAVE:

Franklin Morales (BS1) - Blew a big save for the Rockies, giving up an unearned run on a sacrifice fly.  You can't blame it completely on Morales and he actually pitched well.  However, the bottom-line stat is a blown save.

APPEARANCES:
Billy Wagner - Pitched a long ninth inning, walking two and striking out a pair in a non-save situation.

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DL Saves: Juan Cruz

With Kansas City Royals' closer Joakim Soria finally hitting the DL (seems like he has been hurt all year), Juan Cruz is now a name to know to get some saves for your team. He has been a great setup man for Soria and that skill should translate well too the 9th inning. He has 10 Ks in just over 13 innings, which is a rate you like to see in your closer. A 1.88 ERA is a good sign as well. Make no mistake, Soria is the man in KC, but until he is healthy, grab Cruz. A note on the Soria injury - 'a sore shoulder' could be nothing serious, could be bad. Watch this situation to make sure he'll be back. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Soria Doesn't Look Good In Grinding Save

It has been awhile since I last saw Soria pitch and it didn't look well for him. Soria entered a 3-0 game in the 9th to attempt his 7th save of the season. After getting the first two batters out, including striking out Russel Branyan on a sweet curveball. He then gave up 2 hits and 2 walks that culminated into a late rally from the Mariners that fell short 2 runs. He eventually got Suzuki to ground out.

Soria had poor control of his curveball and he threw a few fastballs into the dirt. He is still suffering from a sore shoulder. This is something we will keep an eye on. We have a feeling the Royals will start to use Juan Cruz more to give Soria rest in-between appearances until the shoulder injury has fully healed.

His WHIP today was 4.00 and that is unlike Soria who's season WHIP coming in was 1.04. If you have the roster spot, it might be time to protect your closer with Juan Cruz.

Joakim Soria Still Out, Royals Taking It Slow Tejeda In

Last Friday the Royals reported that Joakim Soria would be out 3-5 days. The latest reports are that the Royals are in no rush to bring him back.

This isn't good for Soria owners. He has some pain in his shoulder, but after an MRI no damage showed. He is on special medication and light throwing.

We recommend picking up Robinson Tejeda in the meantime. The Royals will with a closer by committee until Soria is back, and Tejeda has been lights out with a 1.69 ERA and 10 K's so far this season.