Bullpen Report: July 24, 2014
A rather slow Thursday in the bullpen world, so please accept these few notes on my behalf:
The White Sox closer-by-committee situation may have cleared itself up a bit today, at least for the time being, anyway. Zach Putnam was placed on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation after recently feeling discomfort. With Putnam shelved, Robin Ventura suggested that “Jake Petricka will pitch in closer situations more often than not.” And Ventura did indeed signal for Petricka this evening with the ChiSox up 5-2 on the Twinkies in a save situation. The right-hander needed just eleven pitches to retire the Twins in order, with two strikeouts, to notch his fifth save of the season.
A bit more about Petricka: He’s an extreme ground ball guy — boasts a ~63% GB%, which is second in the league behind only Zach Britton among closers — and may not punch a ton of guys out (~18% K%). The 26-year-old’s ratios consist of a fine 2.06 ERA (3.43 FIP) and a 1.26 WHIP, which should be worth the risk for fantasy owners with bullpen vacancies in deeper leagues. Looking a bit more down the road, we can see that Matt Lindstrom is on the mend. Lindstrom appears primed for a simulated game, followed by a rehab assignment, so the Petricka experiment could be super short-term in favor of the veteran with 50+ career saves. But in deep leagues where saves are scarce, you’re adding Petricka for now, but should consider stashing Lindstrom in a DL slot (if possible).
Note: Regarding the chart, I left Putnam off due to the fact that Lindstrom appears to be due back first.
Steve Cishek induced a trio of flyouts to retire three of the more dangerous Braves — Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman and Justin Upton — in order on 18 pitches. The lanky right-hander secured his 24th save of the season on his 27th chance. With the trade deadline approaching, and both Huston Street and Joakim Soria off the market, Cishek may be one of the best relief options left for contenders to consider if they’re looking to solidify their bullpen for a playoff push. Consider placing Cishek on the block to test his trade value, it may be worth getting something for him now in case he’s moved.
Quick Hits: Jonathan Papelbon rebounded from Wednesday’s debacle with a clean ninth-inning of work tonight on just ten pitches. He fanned one Giant en route to his 24th save of the season. Yankees’ closer, David Robertson, induced two strikeouts and allowed a free pass in a clean ninth frame for his 25th save of the season. Robertson’s 17 pitches secured the save and Brandon McCarthy’s second victory since being traded to Bombers.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
In addition to contributing to the RotoGraphs blog, you can find Alan at his own site, TheFantasyFix.com and follow his nonsense on Twitter @TheFantasyFix.
Jesse Crain getting closer to throwing. Any reason to hold on to him?
Yes if you’re in a league with Holds. Chad Qualls is quietly having a nice season for the Astros, so IMO there’s no guarantee the job is handed to Crain whenever he returns. Even if you’re only looking for Saves I would wait until at least the trade deadline to see if Qualls winds up getting moved before doing anything with Crain.
Eno says Bryan Morris would be the preferred Cishek replacement, because he doesn’t walk people like Ramos does. Thoughts? Inside dope?
Time to put Kyuji Fujikawa back in CHI (NL)’s “DL/Minors” slot. He’s pitching well at AAA and getting close to a recall.
I need Saves really bad in a deep league. I only have one “real” closer (Casilla, who I think isn’t in danger of losing the job.) I have Rondon and Petricka, but they suck. Meanwhile I’m stashing these guys for the next week or so, hoping one or two of them find Save opportunities: Quackenbush, Thayer, Ramos, Cotts, N. Ramirez. Any thoughts?
I think you are doing as much as you can all things considered, I wouldnt be afraid to cut bait on any of those guys quickly depending on what develops over the trade deadline.
The Miami situation is somewhat interesting, because as much as Ramos and Morris could take over, I could also see the Fish going hard after Jim Johnson. They have been linked to him a couple time this year and now that Johnson is a soon-to-be FA, I wouldnt be shocked if they scoop him up quickly and even insert him in the closer’s role quickly if he has a couple solid outings initially.
I could see stashing Johnson but even if he had a few good outings I don’t know if I’d have the stomach to actually put him in my lineup.
please rank rest of the season: Reed, Casey J., McGee? Thanks.
Based on the scarcity of updates in this column, I still have Mariano Rivera on my roster! Please help! Need saves…getting desperate…can’t hold out much longer…this is my last aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…
Have the Bullpen Report Authors been abducted by aliens? Won the lottery? Been given “hush money” by Joe Nathan?