Jim Johnson To Get Save Chances

Baltimore Orioles - Jim Johnson

Mike Gonzalez has been placed on the DL with a shoulder injury, which could explain his 2 blown saves in the opening week of the season.

Johnson finished 2009 as the O's closer with 9 second half saves. The
26-year-old right hander has a 1.00 WHIP in 3 IP with 3 K in 4 games this year.

Johnson isn't exactly standard closer material, but is solid.  He is not likely to keep the job for the remainder of the season and should only be picked up id you are in serious need of saves.

Sin City Scout

The Closer Report: April 8th, 2010 7 Saves, 1 Blown Save

There was another heavy day of closers.  Most of the appearances were uneventful, but there were a few surprises.

SAVES:
Jason Frasor (2) - Frasor locked down his second save in as many days.  Again he looked in mod-season form and has made that first terrible appearance a thing of the past.  He struck out two and walked one on 18 pitches.

Matt Capps (1) - He got hit hard, but his sinker was sharp.  Recorded his first save of the season, giving up one hit and intentionally walking Ryan Howard.  At least he is smart, but that's not closer mentality.

Carlos Marmol (1) - Marmol got his first save and looked very good.  He struck out two while giving up a hit and a walk.  He did work 1.1 innings and your arm tends to stiffen up after waiting an inning, so the hit and walk don't bother me as much.

Leo Nunez - (1) - After a brutal outing, Nunez came out and recorded a perfect save.  He even struck out Gary Matthew Jr on a nasty breaking ball.  It wasn't without some drama.  Fernando Tatis hita deep fly ball on Nunez's first pitch that went to the wall.

Mike Gonzalez (1) - Recorded his first save, but loaded the bases on two walks and a hit before he got the final out.  This will likely be what to expect from Gonzalez all year.  Keep an eye on Jim Johnson.  If things get bad, Johnson will replace Gonzo.

Chris Perez (2) - Recorded his second save in as many days.  He looked very good and his closer poise.  He needed 14 pitches to dispose of the White Sox.  He did not record a strikeout.


BLOWN SAVES:
Frank Francisco (BS 1) - Francisco looked terrible tonight.  In his second appearance of the season he gave up three runs on four hits including a solo home run to

APPEARANCES: 
Francisco Cordero (1-0) - Cordero made his second appearance of the season and looked sharp.  He entered a tie game and struck out two in a perfect inning of work.  He ended up with a win.

Jonathan Broxton - We finally got to see Broxton in 2010.  He gave up a walk and recorded a strikeout in a non-save situation.

Jose Valverde - Pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout.

Andrew Bailey - Made his third appearance in of the season.  .2 innings with a walk and a hit.  He is not looking in form yet, but is at least pitching.

Bobby Jenks - Let's face facts.  Jenks was a bit wild today and got some help from the umpire.  Overall, a perfect inning on 16 pitches and two strikeouts.


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!

Time share closers

There are some closers out there that currently are not pitching on consecutive days. If you own any of these grab there setup men and start them you should get a few save chances a week out of them. Matt Lindstrom--Blew his second save opportunity and the Marlins have been adamant that he is not fully there yet and will split time with Leo Nunez. The Marlins are rolling right now so make sure you grab Nunez. Mike Gonzalez--He is a walking arm problem and he has blown a save already. Rafael Soriano locked down the save today which would have been a back to back save for Gonzo looks like they might split time here as well. Grab Soriano if you are chasing saves. The Bay State Scout