Bullpen Report: April 28, 2014
There weren’t many games on the schedule today so just a few brief bullet points for tonight. I’ll be sure to use the comment section below with any additional news that comes up later this evening or into tomorrow.
• Jim Johnson lost his closer’s role to a committee in Oakland but he might be returning to the ninth inning. Via Jane Lee, Johnson’s latest run has “elevated” his chances of regaining the closer’s role according to A’s manager Bob Melvin. Johnson’s 5.73 ERA isn’t fun to look at but he’s thrown 7.2 scoreless innings in a row since April 11th with eight strikeouts against just two walks. Earlier this season Johnson was struggling with his command, so it’s promising to see him throw strikes more consistently. A 3.83 xFIP doesn’t equate to shutdown closer, but it’s close to his career norms. If Johnson’s control is back to form while he continues to kill worms, his chances of being the closer in Oakland relatively soon look promising.
• Carlos Martinez threw a scoreless eighth inning tonight lowering his ERA to 2.93. Martinez “only” has 13 strikeouts in 15.1 innings pitched this year but his fantastic 13.5 SwStr% indicates more Ks are in his future. Martinez has maintained his high 90s velocity this year (96.9 mph) and projects to be one of the better set up men in the league. In a holds league, I’d look to buy low on Martinez’ good but not great and average K-rate if possible, knowing that both are likely to improve. Martinez won’t be sniffing saves unless Trevor Rosenthal gets hurt or moves to the rotation, neither are necessarily likely scenarios but the latter might be something to keep an eye on in deep dynasty leagues, as Martinez would clearly be the next in line.
• Brewers lefty Will Smith (2.46 xFIP) struck out both batters he faced tonight and has yet to allow a run in 11.1 innings this year. Smith’s walk-rate has been a bit high thus (4.79 B/9) far but it’s been basically average throughout his minor league career and brief time in the majors, so I don’t envision it being a concern. Smith is still behind Jim Henderson (who threw a scoreless inning tonight) on the saves ladder, but if K-Rod needs a day of rest (the dude gets saves daily) Smith could see an opportunity against a lefty heavy lineup.
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
I have both Santos and Joe Smith rostered, but I am going to have to make some room for Kershaw when he comes off the DL next week. Who do we think is the better play over the long haul? Side-armers scare the shit out of me, but Santos walks too many damn people. I am torn.
if smith pitch well, mike sosia will not change closer. but santos stuggled and jensen come off the dl, santos will demote from closer roll
Santos and it’s not close imo. I have a feeling with Getz being called up (necessitating a corresponding move with the 40-man) that Janssen will me moved to the 60-day DL. Just a hunch, but beyond that Santos is pretty damn great. If you need to be reassured go look at his 2013 numbers. I’m keeping Santos.
I prefer Santos. Joe Smith’s backup is healthy just ineffective. However, we have seen this before and Frieri has regained the job. Janssen can’t find the field, and I wouldn’t bet on him both getting a clean bill of health and outplaying Santos. Neither are excellent options mind you, but I prefer Santos. Of course, you should be able to do a small two-for-one trade getting a minor upgrade in your league with Smith + OF let’s say, for a slightly better OF.