The Closer Report: April 16, 2010 5 Saves, 1 Blown Save

SAVES:
Matt Capps (5) - Capps is on fire.  Needed only two outs and seven pitches to record his fifth save of the season.  He even added in a strikeout.

Andrew Bailey (1) - Bailey finally recorded a save and looked great doing it.  He needed only 13 pitches and gave up a harmless hit disposing fo the Orioles.

Ryan Franklin (4) - Franklin pitched to contact tonight and was hammered, but held on for the save.  He gave up two runs on three hits and ballooned his season ERA to 7.20.

Ryan Madson (3) - Looke sharp recording the last two outs of tonight's game sealing a 8-6 win.  He needed only 6 pitches and gave up a hit.

Fernando Rodney (2) - Pitched another quick perfect inning and notched his second save in as many days.

BLOWN SAVES:
Octavio Dotel (1-0, BS 1) - Dotel had a rough night, but ended up with the win.  He gave up a triple to Chris Dickerson and later let him score on a flyball that was sandwiched between two strikeouts.  His season ERA now sits at 5.40 with the lone blown save.

APPEARANCES:

Jonathan Papelbon - Entered a 1-1 game and pitched a near perfect inning in pouring rain.  He did walk one, but also struck out BJ Upton.  The game was called shortly after that, so Papelbon can still win the game when it's continued tomorrow.

Heath Bell (1-0) - Bell notched a win in a game where he was just getting some work.  He entered the game in the ninth inning down 3-2 and the Padres pulled a come back to win 6-3.  Bell pitched a perfect inning, but no strikeouts.

Bobby Jenks - Pitched a inning and gave up a hit and a strikeout.

Carlos Marmol - Pitched a inning in a non-save situation. Looked sharp, striking out two and giving up a hit.  His season ERA is still a flat 0.00 and his WHIP 0.56.

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!

Fuentes Hits DL

Los Angeles Angels - Fernando Rodney

Brian Fuentes has been placed on the DL with a minor back injury that he could return from later this month. Rodney pitched a perfect 9th inning for his 1st save of the season in a 5-3 final yesterday.

Rodney saved 37 games in 38 chances last year with the Tigers. The hard throwing right hander has a 1.25 WHIP in 4 IP with 2 K this season.

It is quite possible Rodney will not lose the job if he does well, he is worth picking up in all formats.

Sin City Scout

Brian Fuentes on the DL, Rodney in as closer

It happens as least once a season, Brian Fuentes's back issues flaring up.  The Angels placed him on the DL today and wasting no time Fernando Rodney came in and recorded his first save of the season. 

Fuentes will get the job back, but there is no telling how long he will be out, so get Rodney.  If you own Fuentes and you can't get Rodney, I'd trade for him.  He's a quality closer and will see ample opportunities.  He could even keep the job depending on how back Fuentes's back is.

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!

Fernando Rodney signs with the Angels to backup Fuentes

The erratic and always fun to watch Brian Fuentes now has proven closer experience to make him even more nervous when he goes to mound.  The Angels signed Rodney to a 2-year deal as an insurance policy for Fuentes.  The funny part is, Rodney is nearly identical as Fuentes when it comes to statistics and consistency.  Both have decent K/9 rates and high ERAs, but both can also close out when it matters.

This signing kills Rodney's value as we were hoping he'd sign on with a team as a closer.  His value will be limited to a setup role and he should see scattered saves throughout the year.  If Fuentes fails, Rodney will get the call.  You may want to handcuff Rodney if you draft Fuentes. 

Zumaya Is No Threat to Rodney In Detroit

Joel Zumaya has returned to the Detroit Tigers after a healthy stint in AAA Toledo. Many think he will take over as closer for Rodney at some point. Right now he will be used in the 6, 7, and eventually the 8th inning.


Zumaya does have closer stuff, but his control, power, and temperament are better suited as a setup man. Fernando Rodney has had one bad outing giving up 2 runs in a non-save situation, and outside of that has been brilliant in 2009.


As long as Rodney doesn't get into a rough string of blown saves we do not see Zumaya threatening Rodney's job at all this year.

Rodney To Get Closer's Role

Detroit Tiger reliever, Fernando Rodney, has been given the closer's role. Brandon Lyon struggled in the spring while Rodney looked pretty good. This may not be permanent, so try to hold onto to Lyon if you can, but Rodney has more value at this point. Sin City Scout