The Closer Report: June 9, 2009
Saves: 8Save Opportunities: 9
It was a bad day for Fernando Rodney. Even know the stat books won't show a blown save and to avoid a FP911 correction email, I'll make it clear he didn't. However, he blew the fantasy save by pitching poorly.and with 18 pitches only six landed for strikes. He walked three straight batters before giving way to Brandon Lyon who let them all score.
Joe Nathan is sizzling in the summer (OK, late spring). He nailed his 12th save of the season and his sixth consecutive save in as many appearances. He struck out two in the process.
George Sherill recorded his 12th save of the season, while giving up a run in the process. Just today I told Derek Carty that I think George Sherill is more valuable than Chad Qualls. Today he didn't quite show quite that, but did show he can record saves at will. With a solid 2.66 ERA and a higher than average WHIP of 1.23, Sherill has proven to me that he can stand with the best closers in the league. Qualls has blown two of his last three saves opportunities and is complaining of forearm stiffness that he says will linger. His ERA of 3.27 and a lofty 1.28 WHIP show his recent struggles, so that ends that discussion. Get Rauch if you can to insure Qualls.
The roles reversed for Atlanta today with Rafael Soriano getting the save and Mike Gonzalez pitching the 8th for the 4-3 win. Both pitchers looked strong, but keep an eye on Soriano. If Gonzalez has any problems or Soriano just out pitches him, Soriano could be the Braves closer. It was Soriano's fifth save of the season.
Other Appearances:
Brian Fuentes (16) -Another fine save for Fuentes.
Brian Fuentes (16) -Another fine save for Fuentes.
Huston Street (10) - Street is back to pitching well again. His inconsistent nature will frustrate his owners, but he is producing.
Jonathan Broxton (15) - Gave up a run, but struck out two batters and improved to 49 strikeouts on the season.
Matt Lindstrom - Lindstrom got the win pitching the ninth, giving up only two hits.
Francisco Rodriguez (16) - He looked strong as usual and is one of the hottest closers in the league. Now, who told me he wouldn't be among the league leaders in saves for 2009?
