2009 Closers Thread (No Game Commentary Please)

[da bears]

I honestly believe that Marmol is really disappointed that he didn't get the closer role. He viewed it as something that is going to cost him a ton of money when he is up for a new contract at the start of the year. No one really pays the big bucks for MR's but they will toss cash all over for a lock down closer. It could just be a mental strain that he is putting on himself from this to be too perfect out there. He's the MR version of Liriano right now

[wingman3110]

Any thoughts on Choate from Tampa Bay??

[Skins Fanatic]

Any thoughts on Choate from Tampa Bay??

He's being used as a left-handed specialist, usually brought in to get one or two guys out. One of them just happened to be the last guy the other night when Wheeler had gotten the first two out in the 9th, so Choate was credited with the Save, and Wheeler owners had to be happy with the Hold.

[StarsNPinstripes]

Qualls is fine? I wouldn't jump to that conclusion - he declared himself available to close tonight, and then even when Pena started allowing runs in the eighth instead of going straight to Qualls they called in a guy who hasn't thrown a single ML inning!

I'd say if anything Qualls's injury is more serious than we're being led to believe.

I agree.For those who picked up Pena,I would want to see Qualls pitch in a game situation & see how he feels the next day before dropping Pena.

[dissent]

A lot of Marmol's line is misleading. A couple performances (like that 4 run shellacking) have blown up his numbers. He's settled down since, even if he is still walking too many people. Probably unlikely that he'll become closer, but he'll vulture a few saves and will probably have decent enough numbers to remain valuable the rest of the way.

[StarsNPinstripes]

Jose Valverde Update:
From Rotoworld:

Jun. 3 - 8:41 pm et
Jose Valverde (calf) threw a bullpen session and made it through pitchers' fielding practice for the first time since going on the disabled list in late April.

"I threw all my pitches," Valverde said. "I threw my fastball, my split-finger, my sinker, everything. It was 30 pitches. Everything's good. I'd be ready to pitch right now." Valverde will throw simulated games this weekend before heading out to rehab assignment early next week. His expected return date is roughly June 12.

[djxskillz]

bailey pitches a perfect 1.2 innings with 2 ks for the save seems like the clear closer now. sorry if this is old news

[jackie hayes]

bailey pitches a perfect 1.2 innings with 2 ks for the save seems like the clear closer now. sorry if this is old news

1.2 ip, but only 15 pitches. Is he still good to go tomorrow, or could Ziegler scrape a save?

[djxskillz]

it is time to hop off the ziegler train my friend.

[Crippler]

Ugh, are people still talking about Ziegler?