MacDougal in, Hanrahan out as Nationals's Closer

The closer carousel continues in Washington: Mike MacDougal has been named the new closer for the Washington Nationals. MacDougal takes over for Joel Hanrahan, who lost the job after consecutive poor performances on Thursday and Friday. MacDougal started the season with the Chicago White Sox. but pitched poorly, and was eventually released. Washington, desperate for bullpen help, quickly signed MacDougal and gave him an opportunity in the bullpen. Since signing with the Nationals on May 3rd, MacDougal has appeared in 4 games, pitching 2 innings, with no runs allowed, 3 K's and 1 BB. Be warned though, his overall numbers are ugly (7 IP, 7.71 ERA, 2.46 WHIP). Given how volatile the closer's gig is in Washington, it's risky to put much faith in any Nationals closer. Still, MacDougal has the job (for now), and has had success as a closer in the past. He saved 27 games for Kansas City in 2003 and 21 games in 2005. MacDougal is widely available (owned in under 1% of Yahoo Leagues), and is worth adding if you're desperate for saves. As for Hanrahan, he's already lost and regained the closer's job once, and it's not out of the question that he'll get another shot at it this season. If you can spare the bench spot, hang on to him until it looks like MacDougal has a firm grip on the job.

Nationals' Wells Picks Up Second Save

Washington Nationals reliever, Kip Wells, picked up his 2nd save of the season in the Nationals 6-3 win over the Giants. He gave up 1 run in his 1.2 inning of relief.

Wells is a former starter who has worked his way back into becoming a solid reliever and with the Nationals current opening at closer, he seems poised to seize the job.

For how long? That is the question. It could be just temporary before he too implodes, but he could end up keeping the job and being a decent closer if you are lucky.

Wells has a lifetime 4.67 ERA and a 6.6 lifetime K-ratio. Neither stat is great, nor is either stat awful. So there is some hope his move to the closer role might work.

He is worth a look if you need saves...and who doesn't?

Sin City Scout

Nationals Closer Change?

The Washington Nationals are fed up with their bullpen. The struggles are highlighted by closer Joel Hanrahan, who has no saves (but two blown saves) and sporting a 9.0 ERA. Mike Rizzo has made a flurry of moves, with one of particular interest - Garrett Mock. Garrett Mock was being used as a closer in the minors and may just get that chance in the majors with the struggles of Hanrahan and the rest of the pen. His minor league stats aren't eye popping, but 46 Ks in 41 Innings is not too bad. His ERA is a very average 4.17. Nothing official has been announced yet, but it's possible that he could be announced as the closer as soon as Monday. Keep a close eye on this situation and be ready to grab Mock if you need a closer. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)