The Closer Report: June 24, 2010
The Closer Report by Todd Farino, thecloserreport.com
SAVES: Matt Lindstrom (17), Rafael Soriano (17), Bobby Jenks (17), Jose Valverde (17).
Tonight was the night of 17 saves GUYS. All closer saves recorded tonight were their respective 17th save. As impressive as that is, there was even more action. Let's start in Colorado where the Red Sox and Rockies played a wild and entertaining game. Not only did the game take ten innings to complete, but it also racked up two blown saves and a loss for active closers. Starting with Manny Corpas, who entered the game in the seventh inning and promptly gave up one unearned run on two hits. It was strange to see Corpas enter the game in the seventh inning, but this should be the signal that Street will resume the closer role in a few days. Jonathan Papelbon was given the chance to redeem himself after giving up two home runs last night and blowing the save. He didn't. Instead, he blew his second consecutive save for the first time since August 2006 by giving up two runs on three hits. Finally, Huston Street appeared in the top of the tenth inning and gave up a home run to Pedroia and took the loss. I'll be honest, it was a good pitch by Street, but he ran into a hot hitter who hit three home runs tonight.
Over in Seattle, Carlos Marmol was needed in a tie game and pitched 1.1 innings and struck out three, but also walked three. It wasn't the best night for Marmol, but he still managed to get out of trouble and get the Cubs a win. Tom Gorzelanny did record the save in the 13th inning. Over in the freeway series, we also saw Broxton get some action. It's been a long week for Broxton with the Dodgers losing six straight. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out two.
Four pitchers tonight recorded their 17th save of the season. Starting with Jose Valverde, who closed out the Mets 6-5 and did it on nine pitches. Valverde pitched his 16th perfect inning of the season, most in the majors. Matt Lindstrom kept pace with the former Astros closer with his 17th save. It wasn't pretty and Lindstrom has to be thankful he had a three run lead. He gave up a run on three hits before closing the game out. Lindstrom has been sadly inconsistent lately and right now Lindstrom owners have to be worried about what do to with him. It's hard for me to decide as well, but for now HOLD.
Rafael Soriano finally got a save. He recorded his 17th save of the season and his first since June 12th. It was a very easy with Soriano dispatching the Padres on eight pitches, striking out one. It's been a tough month for the ace closer. So far in June he only has three saves and blew his first of the season last week. Overall, Soriano is still one of the best and his lack of saves has far more to do with the play of the Rays then it has to do with Soriano.
Bobby Jenks continued his resurgent run with his 17th save of the season and his tenth of the month of June. He had no problem with Braves, striking out in a perfect inning. Look for Matt Thornton to get the save chance tomorrow as Jenks will need a night off.
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!
SAVES: Matt Lindstrom (17), Rafael Soriano (17), Bobby Jenks (17), Jose Valverde (17).
Tonight was the night of 17 saves GUYS. All closer saves recorded tonight were their respective 17th save. As impressive as that is, there was even more action. Let's start in Colorado where the Red Sox and Rockies played a wild and entertaining game. Not only did the game take ten innings to complete, but it also racked up two blown saves and a loss for active closers. Starting with Manny Corpas, who entered the game in the seventh inning and promptly gave up one unearned run on two hits. It was strange to see Corpas enter the game in the seventh inning, but this should be the signal that Street will resume the closer role in a few days. Jonathan Papelbon was given the chance to redeem himself after giving up two home runs last night and blowing the save. He didn't. Instead, he blew his second consecutive save for the first time since August 2006 by giving up two runs on three hits. Finally, Huston Street appeared in the top of the tenth inning and gave up a home run to Pedroia and took the loss. I'll be honest, it was a good pitch by Street, but he ran into a hot hitter who hit three home runs tonight.
Over in Seattle, Carlos Marmol was needed in a tie game and pitched 1.1 innings and struck out three, but also walked three. It wasn't the best night for Marmol, but he still managed to get out of trouble and get the Cubs a win. Tom Gorzelanny did record the save in the 13th inning. Over in the freeway series, we also saw Broxton get some action. It's been a long week for Broxton with the Dodgers losing six straight. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out two.
Rafael Soriano finally got a save. He recorded his 17th save of the season and his first since June 12th. It was a very easy with Soriano dispatching the Padres on eight pitches, striking out one. It's been a tough month for the ace closer. So far in June he only has three saves and blew his first of the season last week. Overall, Soriano is still one of the best and his lack of saves has far more to do with the play of the Rays then it has to do with Soriano.
Bobby Jenks continued his resurgent run with his 17th save of the season and his tenth of the month of June. He had no problem with Braves, striking out in a perfect inning. Look for Matt Thornton to get the save chance tomorrow as Jenks will need a night off.
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!
