2009 Closers Thread (No Game Commentary Please)

[Nerfherders]

It's blown saves galore this week.

And not surprising, as I read an article today that says league bullpen ERA is at 4.72 through the first three weeks of the season. 5 teams have bullpen ERA's above 6. It makes me feel a little bit better about my crappy bullpens. I figure it will all level out in the next 6 weeks.

[Bloody Sox]

Anyone know why Saito was in on the save yesterday and not Papelbon?

Papelbon had thrown Friday and Saturday, and not very efficiently. I actually have no idea why he pitched Saturday, since the Sox had a 5 run lead in the 9th...

[pappymojo]

Anyone know why Saito was in on the save yesterday and not Papelbon?

Papelbon had thrown Friday and Saturday, and not very efficiently. I actually have no idea why he pitched Saturday, since the Sox had a 5 run lead in the 9th...

On Saturday night, Boston scored 4 runs in the 8th inning. Prior to that outburst it was a save situation. Papelbon had already warmed up like he was going to close the game. No sense in keeping him out of the game when he had already warmed up.

[fezzik]

Anyone know why Saito was in on the save yesterday and not Papelbon?

Papelbon had thrown Friday and Saturday, and not very efficiently. I actually have no idea why he pitched Saturday, since the Sox had a 5 run lead in the 9th...

Aslo, I think he threw 30 pitches Saturday, which is more like 2 innings of work. I read that he sat because of the high pitch count.

[Havok1517]

Havok, who do you think is Hoffman's backup? Villanueva is my bet for now just because Coffey was so horrible this week. Also, do you think Hoffman is unavailable to go 2 nights in a row for a while? Either way Hoffman is likely an injury risk all year so there is still some value in that pecking order IMO.

I think its back being Villa with Hoffman back and I think Villa has the best arm in the pen. That doesn't mean that will translate but Hoffman is going to be getting save chances for many more years if that long and the Brewers will need to find a replacement. On a side note, former 1st rounder Mark Rogers is back being effective from shoulder surgery and he's yet to be scored on. I doubt Rogers will ever have the durability to start full-time in the majors with surgically repaired shoulder but he's throwing his fastball at 97 mph again and could have a shot at being a closer.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=3516

[ChasingSaves]

Before people run out and pick up Sampson thinking he is the closer when Valverde is hurt Hawk has pitched something like 5 of the last 7 games. They brought Sampson in for a batter in the 8th and he only threw 4 pitches so they have kept him out for the 9th when the Stros took the lead. We'll see if he can get the job done. I still think Hawk is the guy.

[bluejkrew]

Another BS save for Hanrahan (3 ER). Mock didn't do much better either (also 3 ER). Considering how impulsive the Natinals are to changes, who is next in line??

[yossarian]

Bergmann?

[metsfan12]

Where was Lidge tonight? Bergmann would be an interesting choice but I doubt they go away from Hanrahan right now.

[Havok1517]

Another BS save for Hanrahan (3 ER). Mock didn't do much better either (also 3 ER). Considering how impulsive the Natinals are to changes, who is next in line??

Well, some of the runs credited against Mock was due to Hanrahan giving up the HR to Ibanez but I do agree that this bullpen is atrocious.

http://www.fantasybaseballcafe.com/2009 ... 042409.php