Bullpen Report: April 13, 2015 Part II
Darren rounded up last night’s closer news this morning, I’ll just hit up on what we have seen so far today.
• LaTroy Hawkins‘ recent implosions has led to his removal from the ninth inning in Colorado. According to Walt Weiss, Hawkins is getting a “break” but the feeling here is that it will be an extended one. It’s rare that struggling 42 year old relievers on bad teams lose their job to more talented relievers and get it back. If you’re in a deep, deep league I guess you can hold onto Hawkins, but I think it’s safe to give him the axe.
Adam Ottavino was long expected to fill in for Hawkins at some point this year but it looks as though Rafael Betancourt could have the closing duties for now. Betancourt received the save opportunity today and nailed it, throwing a perfect inning with two strikeouts in 16 pitches. Adam Ottavino was unavailable to pitch, and is the best reliever in the pen, but after Betancourt’s outing, he should get another chance. This one might be a coin toss with a slight lean towards Betancourt getting the next few opportunities, but both are must owns in all leagues.
• Edward Mujica owners expecting a few saves before Koji Uehara returns from injury were gifted two dud appearances without a save and that’s all they will get as Uehara has been activated and will return to the closer chair immediately. Also, due to Mujica’s struggles recently, I feel pretty confident putting Junichi Tazawa next in line. We will know more about the pecking order the next time the Red Sox get a save opportunity, but my guess is Mujica – Tazawa – Uehara at the moment.
• The Mets handed Jeurys Familia another save opportunity this afternoon and he closed the door for his second save of the season. Terry Collins said that Rafael Montero would receive a more prominent role once Mejia went down, but he’s struggled a bit of late with lefty Jerry Blevins pitching meaningful set up innings along with Carlos Torres. Bobby Parnell and Vic Black are now on rehab assignments and will likely boot Torres and Blevins from their current duties if/when they are ready, which is still a few weeks away. In the meantime, expect Blevins and Torres to set up Familia depending on the lefty/righty match up with Familia fairly entrenched in the ninth inning.
• The Yankees haven’t named a closer and it might be a little while until they do, if they even decide to name one. Recently it’s been Dellin Betances first and then Andrew Miller coming on for the save and that trend continued this evening. Betances entered the game in the middle of the 7th and after some trouble handed it off to Miller who bailed him out in the 8th for a five out save, his second of the year. Both relievers delivered a lot of value without any saves last year and that should be expected this season regardless of who ends up saving more games. Betances has been a little off at the start with six walks in 3.1 innings pitched but his velocity tonight (95.9 mph) was right in line with last year, and I expect Betances will turn it around soon.
• Quick Hits: Francisco Rodriquez, well known as K-Rod recorded his first save of the year against the Cardinals. Mark Melancon entered the game in a non-save situation and proceeded to give up three runs. Not fun for his fantasy owners, but his job is safe. Brad Boxberger picked up his third save tonight. Jake McGee will be back later this season but if Boxberger keeps mowing them down, there’s no guarantee McGee gets his old job back.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias
Some kind of meta-commentary going on in your table about the Detroit relievers being ‘margin’-al? Eh?
No mention of Familia only throwing 6 of 15 pitches for strikes and how we should watch his control?
Yeah, that is a concern for me. Only thing that helps is the fact that they do not have a clear possible replacement until Parnell is back healthy. Even then Parnell lacked velocity and control in the spring it seems.
Any thoughts on Yimi García? Can he keep up the K rates and become a valuable non-closing reliever?
Melancon’s fastball is missing and that’s not a good sign.
his velocity is also down. His cutter is about 3 MPH less than it was last season.
I think there’s less job security for melancon than stated here. The Pirates were quick to move on from Jason Grilli last year when he showed similar struggles and they have plenty of closing options.
Spent a good portion of my FAAB budget yesterday on Ottavino- with Cecil out of the picture in Toronto, I’m in desperate need of saves. Should I pick up Betancourt (dropping Ottavino)?
Do you have any low level bench players or starters to drop? The reason I ask is I would be afraid to drop Ottavino since I still think he eventually takes that job, but Betancourt seems to be the favorite for saves right now. Let’s remember though, Betancourt is 40 years old and coming off Tommy John. Sure, he could take the job and run with it like Grilli seemingly has, but he could also flame out quickly as well.
Id be seriously worried about Betances. His long history of dreadful control is still not too far in the rearview for it to come back.
If he keeps walking this many batters he will not get any save chances regardless of matchup. Last night they pulled him for Miller against a RH hitter.
His slider is flat and looks more horizontal. It just isnt really breaking much in any direction. It is early, but Betances came out of nowhere last year, even if you followed the team closely.
At this point unless Miller gets hurt Betances will have fewer than 10 saves. Girardi will not run him out in high leverage situations to put guys on base.
How is Ottavino going to get LHBs out?