Bullpen Report: August 11, 2015
Our apologies on the delay but a few updates on the bullpens around the league:
• After hinting that Jean Machi would be closing for the Red Sox, it was Junichi Tazawa who received the save chance last night. Unfortunately for Tazawa owners he blew the save. This situation is red hot and according to Farrell now, Machi, Tazawa and Ryan Cook could all see save chances moving forward. At this point, all three are worth owning as the Red Sox sort out their back of the bullpen mess for the final two months. Tazawa received last night’s chance due to matchups, and considering he blew it I’d go Machi over Cook and Tazawa for the next opportunity.
• Hector Rondon did not receive the save chance today but there’s no closer controversy in Chicago (for now) as Maddon told him to “wear sneakers before the game.” In his place Pedro Strop threw a perfect eighth with two strikeouts with James Russell nailing down his first save of the year. Although Russell got the save chance in lieu of Rondon’s absence, I would still expect Pedro Strop or Motte to replace Rondon for consistent saves (if such a thing exists in Chicago) if something were to happen there.
• A tough outing for Andrew Miller blowing his first save of the year leading to a horrible loss for the Yankees in extras. Miller struck out two guys as he commonly does but also gave up three hits and two runs for the blown save. Dellin Betances is more than capable to close but Miller should receive the next chance as well since he hasn’t pitched much of late. Move on, nothing left to see here except Miller’s still fantastic 1.85/2.48/2.43 ERA/FIP/xFIP line.
• Quick Hits: Cody Allen has been underwhelming this year but he threw a scoreless ninth. In spite of his yo-yo season, he’s still green. Carson Smith threw 1.2 scoreless with one walk and three strikeouts, finishing the eighth and ninth innings. Rodney threw a scoreless 10th and received the win. He’s been pitching a lot better of late but so has Smith and I don’t think Rodney will be shooting his arrows in the ninth quite yet.
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
Any speculation on the A’s closer situation? Who’s a better grab off the wire, Pomeranz or Fernando Rodriguez?
I’d go with Pom or Scribner, but Doolittle could be back as soon as next week.
There is nothing in their usage or skills that would make you think Scribner is a better pickup than Rodriguez.
My bad, saw Scribner had pitched a scoreless 9th in consecutive outings (3rd and the 6th), thought something may have changed. One was a tie, the other a laugher. He has been a lot better of late, but Rodriguez is probably still ahead of him for save opps.
I’m gonna link my comment from yesterday:
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/bullpen-report-august-10-2015/#comment-905993
The graph seems to think Fernando Rodriguez would get the next save oppoortunity, but I think usage has shown Pomeranz will get the next shot at it, since Mujica has struggled, and I’ve picked him up in leagues where I need saves and he was available.
Fernando Rodriguez, bruce Rondon or Junichi Tazawa?
Rondon probably has the clearest shot/most potential for opportunities, especially with Alex Wilson dealing with shoulder issues.
Thoughts on holding Doolittle in a DL spot to see if he quickly grabs the reins in OAK once back from rehab assignment?
I’d hold on to him, on track return next week and would all the talk about Fernando Redriguez, Pomeranz and Mujica should be moot by then.
Struck out 3 yesterday, though he gave up a homerun. He has said his shoulder feels better this time around than the first time he came off the DL.
Plus, Melvin gave him a vote of confidence recently even while he was on the DL. When asked about how Doolittle was for him as a closer last year, Melvin said he was like a security blanket.
I’m still very concerned about his velocity.
Reports were that he was sitting at 88-90 mph on the gun. I just don’t know if Doolittle can be effective without increasing that velocity. Most guys arent like Melancon where somehow, someway they make it work with diminished stuff.
Brendan Maurer is now on the DL for the Fathers
What size league would you have to be in to roll with all 3 of Tazawa, Cook and Machi just to play the waiting game to see who ends up with the job? Not very feasible in my mind…
All owned in my 10 team AL Only.
What was up with Tampa Bay’s bullpen usage last night? Gomes for 1 1/3 innings and then Cedeno in the 9th for the save.
Cash just wanted to give them an extra day off:
https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/631277998948392961
I would not expect Motte to get save chance anytime soon for the Cubbies – his velocity and effectiveness are down.
If a fill-in is needed and it’s not Strop (very possible that it would not be) – then it seems like it would be Grimm