The Closer Report: April 15, 2010 3 Saves, 1 Blown Save

SAVES:
Mariano Rivera (4) - Chalk up another easy save for Rivera.  He entered the 6-2 game with two outs in the ninth inning and two runners on.  He got his batter and recorded his fourth save of the season on four pitches.

Matt Capps (4) - Capps is on fire.  He recorded his fourth save of the season for the Nationals.  It wasn't easy.  He was needed for 1.2 innings and gave up a run on three hits, including a home run to Shane Victorino.  While he notched a strikeout and the save, Capps has been scary at best.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Trevor Hoffman (3) - Hoffman was roughed up again, but notched the save.  He gave up a run on two hits and his ERA has skyrocketed to 12.60 to start the season. 

BLOWN SAVES:

Chad Qualls (BS 1) - Qualls just doesn't have the stuff to close.  He pitched well, but gave up three hits (one should have been an error on S. Drew) and gave up two runs. He threw 26 pitches and gave up two runs on three hits and two walks.  It's easy to say that Qualls will not close tomorrow if needed.


APPEARANCES:
Billy Wagner - Looked outstanding again, striking out two on 13 pitches (9 strikes).

Matt Lindstrom - Came into the game with a 5-1 lead and disposed of the Cardinals on 12 pitches and recorded a strikeout.

Ryan Madson - Entered the game in a losing situation just to get work and got touched up for two runs on two hits and a walk.

Francisco Rodriguez - Still no saves, but notched two more strikeouts while getting some work.

Jonathan Broxton (1-0) - Entered the game in the 10th inning and had an easy 1-2-3 inning with 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!

The Closer Report: April 8th, 2010 7 Saves, 1 Blown Save

There was another heavy day of closers.  Most of the appearances were uneventful, but there were a few surprises.

SAVES:
Jason Frasor (2) - Frasor locked down his second save in as many days.  Again he looked in mod-season form and has made that first terrible appearance a thing of the past.  He struck out two and walked one on 18 pitches.

Matt Capps (1) - He got hit hard, but his sinker was sharp.  Recorded his first save of the season, giving up one hit and intentionally walking Ryan Howard.  At least he is smart, but that's not closer mentality.

Carlos Marmol (1) - Marmol got his first save and looked very good.  He struck out two while giving up a hit and a walk.  He did work 1.1 innings and your arm tends to stiffen up after waiting an inning, so the hit and walk don't bother me as much.

Leo Nunez - (1) - After a brutal outing, Nunez came out and recorded a perfect save.  He even struck out Gary Matthew Jr on a nasty breaking ball.  It wasn't without some drama.  Fernando Tatis hita deep fly ball on Nunez's first pitch that went to the wall.

Mike Gonzalez (1) - Recorded his first save, but loaded the bases on two walks and a hit before he got the final out.  This will likely be what to expect from Gonzalez all year.  Keep an eye on Jim Johnson.  If things get bad, Johnson will replace Gonzo.

Chris Perez (2) - Recorded his second save in as many days.  He looked very good and his closer poise.  He needed 14 pitches to dispose of the White Sox.  He did not record a strikeout.


BLOWN SAVES:
Frank Francisco (BS 1) - Francisco looked terrible tonight.  In his second appearance of the season he gave up three runs on four hits including a solo home run to

APPEARANCES: 
Francisco Cordero (1-0) - Cordero made his second appearance of the season and looked sharp.  He entered a tie game and struck out two in a perfect inning of work.  He ended up with a win.

Jonathan Broxton - We finally got to see Broxton in 2010.  He gave up a walk and recorded a strikeout in a non-save situation.

Jose Valverde - Pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout.

Andrew Bailey - Made his third appearance in of the season.  .2 innings with a walk and a hit.  He is not looking in form yet, but is at least pitching.

Bobby Jenks - Let's face facts.  Jenks was a bit wild today and got some help from the umpire.  Overall, a perfect inning on 16 pitches and two 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!

Get An Insurance Policy on Broxton's Big Toe

Jonathan Broxton has been one of the best closers in baseball so far this season. But all is not well for the young reliever. Broxton has an irritated nerve in his big toe that causes discomfort when pitching. According to Joe Torre, Broxton's toe will continue to be a problem for the rest of the season. Broxton missed several games near the middle of June to treat his ailing toe (he received a cortisone shot and rest). Since his return on June 20th, Broxton has earned 4 saves but posted a 10.57 era and 1.95 WHIP in 7 2/3 innings. The All-Star break may give Broxton the extra rest he needs to get himself healthy. Still, Torre's comments are far from reassuring. Looking ahead, the man to add is Ramon Troncoso (14% owned in Yahoo, 3% owned in ESPN). Troncoso is having a solid season in the Dodgers bullpen, and is next in line for saves. He should be added as insurance for Broxton owners, or as a speculative add for those searching for saves.

The Closer Report: May 19, 2009

Saves: 8

Save Opportunities: 9

Wood gets whacked, Papelbon and Broxton look strong

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

May 18th was a great days for closers. 8 out of 9 games were successfully closed out today. The only blown save goes to Kerry Wood who after giving up back-to-back home runs to Mike Jacobs and Mark Teahen refused to gather it together and get the final two outs. In all Wood gave up 4ER on 3 hits and a walk.

I warned people about Kerry Wood. Wood's problem is he thinks he is Jonathan Papelbon. He thinks batters fear him or at least don't look forward to facing him. When they face Wood, they respect him, but don't fear any part of him. His slider has to break and break hard in the zone. When that isn't happening hitters sit on his soft 94-95 MPH. Expect more of these types of outings from Wood. You should have Lewis in your scopes. He isn't doing well either, and that is probably one reason Wood wasn't relieved.

In other outings, Broxton shutdown the Mets with a perfect innings and a K. Papelbon closed out a big win for the Red Sox, 2-1. He dominated the Blue Jays in the same fashion and striking out Adam Lind in the process.

Trevor Hoffman and Chad Qualls continued there hot starts with saves. Hoffman recorded save 10 with a perfect inning. Qualls has been one of the bigger surprises at closer in 2009. He nailed his 9th save on 2 Ks and lowered his ERA to 2.40.

Brian Fuentes entered a 6-5 game against the Mariners and pulled out his 10th save in outstanding fashion by striking out all three batters.

Finally, Heath Bell kept pace with Broxton notching his 10th save in another perfect inning. Bell has been the best closer overall in 2009. He has pitched 16 perfect innings, 18 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.80. I'm sure Sabermetrics guys are digesting all those numbers, and I will state that the day Sabermetrics can tell me that Heath Bell will do what he's doing, I'll say sign me!

One more note, Fernando Rodney and BJ Ryan both made appearances. Ryan gave up a couple of hits, but no runs. Rodney pitched a perfect inning.

Broxton Pulls Out 4th Save Old School Style

Our favorite closer this year Jonathan Broxton amazed us again with another stud performance. He was brought into the game with the bases loaded and one out in the 8th inning. He struck out 2 batters that inning and ended up with 4 strikeouts and a save.

Broxton is clearly becoming one of the most dominating closers in baseball. His only issue remains his loss of control. He definitely feels comfortable and has the mentality for the job.

If any pitcher in baseball can break 50 saves and 100 strikeouts it is Jonathan Broxton. Get him if you can.