2009 Closers Thread (No Game Commentary Please)

[deerayfan072]

Izzy update:

RHP Jason Isringhausen met with manager Joe Maddon on Monday to discuss his lack of opportunities, the St. Petersburg Times reported. Isringhausen said "everything's fine" after Maddon explained his plan to use relievers based on match-ups. Isringhausen did say, "I have to gain his trust a little bit, go out there and get people out on a regular basis." Maddon said it's not a matter of trust but opportunity.

(Yahoo! Sports)

By the all star break the closer job will be his!

I love this from Izzy. I want a guy who wants the damn ball at the end of the game and isn't afraid of messing up. I am really getting tired of Maddon over managing the bullpen. Pick guys and let them pitch regardless of the batter. Howell should be the guy closing because he has been the best, but Maddon and his matchups say no. Maybe if someone like Izzy says something like he did it will make Maddon give him a shot.

[auclairkeithbc]

As for Rauch, he hasn't been pitching in as many pressure situations as Pena or Gutierrez, so it is somewhat safe to assume that he is currently behind both of them on the closer depth chart, no matter how well he is pitching lately. If the team doesn't have faith in Pena in the 9th, I think Gutierrez is a much better bet than Rauch to close.

[Nails86]

*** Lidge Rocked to the DL. Grab Madson if you didnt already have him. ***

Rotoworld:
Phillies placed RHP Brad Lidge on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left knee.
Suspicions that Lidge is still bothered by a sore knee were apparently spot on. He blew his sixth save of the season Saturday against the Dodgers, and will hopefully use these 15 days to rediscover his groove. The 32-year-old has a 7.27 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 28/14 K/BB ratio in 26 innings this season. Jun. 9 - 2:01 pm et

[eneric]

http://spittingseeds.blogspot.com/2009/04/mlb-closers.html

Nice site for up to date closer info

Thank you very much for that link

[silverZ]

Well dropping Madson for Wheeler a month ago isn't looking so smart right now.

[hett2333]

Anyone want to speculate how long Lidge is going to be out for?

[XTSilver]

Rays sign Julio: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4246193

Any chance they are doing this to make him the closer?

[18 and 1]

Rays sign Julio: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4246193

Any chance they are doing this to make him the closer?

I doubt it. Julio's track record is not good.

[18 and 1]

Anyone want to speculate how long Lidge is going to be out for?

I'm sure Phillies fans are hoping for the year, but unless we hear something more serious about his knee he should be blowing saves again in about two weeks.

[DbacksRback]

Anyone want to speculate how long Lidge is going to be out for?

I'm sure Phillies fans are hoping for the year, but unless we hear something more serious about his knee he should be blowing saves again in about two weeks.

Im a phillies fan and im sure its only the 2 weeks to get his head straight. His velocity is still around 93-94 and his slider is still nasty. Hes missing spots and thats leading to bad things. Hopefully he can come back strong. Madson has been great every game i saw this year. Sitting around 96-97 too