The Closer Report: August 3, 2010
The Closer Report by Todd Farino, thecloserreport.com
SAVES: Rafael Soriano (31), Joakim Soria (30), Jonathan Papelbon (25),Francisco Rodriguez (23), Jonathan Broxton (21), David Aardsma (19), John Axford (16), Joel Hanrahan (1).
It looks like the Pirates went with Joel Hanrahan as closer. He locked down his first save of the season by striking out two on 12 pitches. Evan Meek, who I figured would be the closer, came in for a two inning hold. We'll see how long this lasts. I like Hanrahan and if he is back to his 2008 form, then it will last and you are looking at the Pirates 2011 closer.
Rafael Soriano continues his torrid pace with another save streak. He's recorded two saves in as many days, getting his 31st of the season tonight in a 6-4 win over the Twins. He did give a unearned run on an error he made himself, and he struck out one. Three times in the month of July, Soriano went on streaks of 3 or 4 saves over a five days period. This could be another with how well the Rays are playing. Keep Dan Wheeler close with all the pitching he will be doing.
Joakim Soria is the fifth pitcher to reach 30 saves on the season with a save over the Athletics tonight. He needed only nine pitches, while striking out one. He's one strikeout shy of 30/50. David Aardsma is still a Mariner and finally got back to saving. Aardsma saved his first game since July 25 and only his third save since June 22. It was a good outing for Aardsma as he faced the minimum three batters.
Jonathan Broxton recorded another save! Broxton put a few runners on against the rival Padres, but closed out the game rather easily tonight. While he didn't record any strikeouts, it's just nice to seen him get a save. Finally, John Axford is on fire! He notched his 16th save of the season and is 16/17 on the season overall. Axford has established himself as a closer, but I'm not sold on him yet for 2011.
On the bad side, Billy Wagner gave up a go-ahead solo home run to Jeff Francoeur in the 9th inning. It wasn't a blown save, but a hard loss for the Braves closer.
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: Rafael Soriano (31), Joakim Soria (30), Jonathan Papelbon (25),Francisco Rodriguez (23), Jonathan Broxton (21), David Aardsma (19), John Axford (16), Joel Hanrahan (1).
Rafael Soriano continues his torrid pace with another save streak. He's recorded two saves in as many days, getting his 31st of the season tonight in a 6-4 win over the Twins. He did give a unearned run on an error he made himself, and he struck out one. Three times in the month of July, Soriano went on streaks of 3 or 4 saves over a five days period. This could be another with how well the Rays are playing. Keep Dan Wheeler close with all the pitching he will be doing.
Joakim Soria is the fifth pitcher to reach 30 saves on the season with a save over the Athletics tonight. He needed only nine pitches, while striking out one. He's one strikeout shy of 30/50. David Aardsma is still a Mariner and finally got back to saving. Aardsma saved his first game since July 25 and only his third save since June 22. It was a good outing for Aardsma as he faced the minimum three batters.
Jonathan Broxton recorded another save! Broxton put a few runners on against the rival Padres, but closed out the game rather easily tonight. While he didn't record any strikeouts, it's just nice to seen him get a save. Finally, John Axford is on fire! He notched his 16th save of the season and is 16/17 on the season overall. Axford has established himself as a closer, but I'm not sold on him yet for 2011.
On the bad side, Billy Wagner gave up a go-ahead solo home run to Jeff Francoeur in the 9th inning. It wasn't a blown save, but a hard loss for the Braves closer.
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!
