The Closer Report: August 12, 2010
The Closer Report by Todd Farino, thecloserreport.com
SAVES: Heath Bell (34), Chris Perez (14), Dave Robertson (1).
There was a light slate of action today, but plenty of closer news. First lets start of with Francisco Rodriguez, who was jailed after getting in a fight with his father-in-law in the family lounge of the Mets clubhouse. He reportedly got into a big argument with his wife and when her father intervened he badly hurt him and sent him to the hospital. It may have been his girlfriend and not wife as I'm getting conflicting reports (like it matters). Rodriguez was arrested and charged with third-degree assault. He has been suspended by MLB and cannot travel with the Mets until it is decided what will happen with him. If a closer is needed, look for Pedro Feliciano or Manny Acosta to take over the duties the rest of the season or till KROD returns.
Onto better news. Heath Bell, who is absolutely sizzling right now, recorded his 34th save of the season. He backed up a 3-0 shutout by Jon Garland with a near perfect two strikeout inning. Bell's WHIPERA has never looked better. It currently sits at 3.06 and has never ventured below 3.00, which would just be additional validation for how perfect his season is going. Over in Cleveland, Chris Perez notched his 14th save of the season . It was his third save in four chances in the month of August. Perez has matured into the closer I expected him to be when the Cardinals brought him up last season. He will without a doubt be the Indians opening day closer in 2011 and should have a big season if the Indians can win some games.
Dave Robertson nearly blew his first save chance for the Yankees, but held on 4-3. The Yankee setup man was feeling in for Rivera who had pitched the last 3/4 days and was getting some rest.
Jonathan Papelbon had another tough outing and blew his career high sixth save of the season. The Blue Jays rallied against Papelbon for three runs in the ninth inning, while Papelbon was only able to record one out and was reliever by Daniel Bard. Papelbon actually pitched well, but the Blue Jays were determined not to get swept at home and I think he went to the well for his slider too much in this game. Kevin Gregg had pitched the top of the ninth and got his first win of the season. Gregg sits at a record of 1-4.
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: Heath Bell (34), Chris Perez (14), Dave Robertson (1).
Onto better news. Heath Bell, who is absolutely sizzling right now, recorded his 34th save of the season. He backed up a 3-0 shutout by Jon Garland with a near perfect two strikeout inning. Bell's WHIPERA has never looked better. It currently sits at 3.06 and has never ventured below 3.00, which would just be additional validation for how perfect his season is going. Over in Cleveland, Chris Perez notched his 14th save of the season . It was his third save in four chances in the month of August. Perez has matured into the closer I expected him to be when the Cardinals brought him up last season. He will without a doubt be the Indians opening day closer in 2011 and should have a big season if the Indians can win some games.
Dave Robertson nearly blew his first save chance for the Yankees, but held on 4-3. The Yankee setup man was feeling in for Rivera who had pitched the last 3/4 days and was getting some rest.
Jonathan Papelbon had another tough outing and blew his career high sixth save of the season. The Blue Jays rallied against Papelbon for three runs in the ninth inning, while Papelbon was only able to record one out and was reliever by Daniel Bard. Papelbon actually pitched well, but the Blue Jays were determined not to get swept at home and I think he went to the well for his slider too much in this game. Kevin Gregg had pitched the top of the ninth and got his first win of the season. Gregg sits at a record of 1-4.
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!
