Bullpen Report: June 16, 2015
• A quick recap from last night: Greg Holland entered a non-save situation up six runs but ended up handing Wade Davis a save opp after allowing five baserunners and three earned without recording an out. Jeurys Familia has been quite good this year but he blew his second of the year. Similarly, Brett Cecil couldn’t hold onto the lead in the same game, blowing his second save chance as well. Cecil, unlike Familia, has not been particularly great this year and also hasn’t been handed many save opportunities, even with Toronto’s recent winning ways. A.J. Ramos (9), Jason Grilli (17), Shawn Tolleson (9) and Luke Gregerson (16) all recorded saves. Kevin Siegrist received and nailed down his second save of the year as Trevor Rosnethal was unavailable due to “tightness”.
• For the second game in a row Kevin Siegrist received a save opportunity and for the second game in a row he recorded a save. The tightness in Rosenthal was “a little sore after Saturday” but a DL trip is not likely at the moment for Rosenthal. We will take Matheny’s word and Rosenthal is said to be progressing but any injury to a pitcher is worthy of concern and I would pick up Siegrist in even shallow leagues. At worst you waste a roster spot vulturing for a save, but if Rosenthal’s arm doesn’t improve you could be picking up a high quality closer.
• In spite of Brett Cecil’s blown save last night, Blue Jays manager seems content on keeping him in the ninth. Roberto Osuna is the better pitcher and is still useful on a fantasy team but he will continue to just see holds in Toronto for now. While Cecil hasn’t received opportunities it will be important for him to do well in the ones he does receive. This situation isn’t necessarily fluid at the moment but I’m moving them to yellow.
• Craig Kimbrel‘s slightly disappointing year continued as he received the loss today against the A’s. The A’s attempted three steals in the inning but it was Billy Burns‘ steal after a walk that got him in scoring position for Eric Sogard’s go ahead single. Kimbrel certainly didn’t get knocked around but his 3.81 ERA isn’t what fantasy owners signed up for. Still, I’d expect Kimbrel to be a top five closer in the second half, whether it’s on a rebuilding Padres team or somewhere else.
• Quick Hits: Luke Gregerson recorded his 17th save on the year while his fellow bullpen mate Will Harris got his third win on the season. Those of you who picked up Harris have been rewarded with a 0.87 ERA and three wins, not too shabby. Harris is having an excellent season but his .113 BABIP and 100% LOB% is likely to regress in the second half. Tyler Clippard threw a scoreless inning for his tenth save on the year. Bobby Parnell was called on for a five-out save, his first since 2013. There isn’t much competition in the back of the Mets pen and I’m fairly confident putting Parnell back on the grid. Mark Melancon (21) and Aroldis Chapman (14) nailed down saves, with Aroldis striking out three batters around one hit. A few rough outings in non-save situations with Koji Uehara and Drew Storen throwing duds, it hurts your ERA but they’re safe.
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
Maybe Matheny will eliminate his 1+IP appearances after this.
Drop Strop for Siegrist?
yes
hmm, that’s a good question, I’m inclined to say yes but there isn’t someone else to drop on your team? That kind of swap doesn’t net much a difference.
Would it be too rash to drop Cecil for Siegrist?
I would hang onto Cecil if you need the Saves. Until we know more about Rosenthal’s injury, it’s hard to dump a guy you know has the job for a guy who could easily be back in a set up role by the weekend.
I dropped Strop for Siegrist, but I feel okay about that since Strop doesnt have the Closers job and I am just trying to speculate on someone.
I can’t seem to grasp why Cecil was pulled for Hendricks when the only mistake he made in that inning was issuing a walk that should have been erased on a double play ball that Valencia misplayed and only got a fielders choice. He should have been out of the inning on said ground ball but gave up the blown save on a bloop pop-up hit away from a much too aggressive shift. 4 batters, a walk and 3 weak contacts and Gibby pulls him for Hendricks who promptly gives up a hard hit single up the middle on his first pitch.
Another good question. Cecil is on shaky ground but Rosenthal as of now “should” be back. I think I’d hold.
Too soon to drop Cecil for Siegrist?
Did that yesterday after Cecil blew the save. He was likely the first guy to get dropped, the BS just made it easier.
See above, I might hold with Cecil until we know more about Rosie.
Too soon. Rosenthal has a knot in his bicep, nothing major pertaining to his elbow or shoulder.
Carter Capps is a freak show
Agreed (assuming you mean that in a good way). It is only a matter of time until Capps is closing games in Miami. And I suspect it won’t be too much time.
I don’t agree on Cecil. He’s turned it around lately and I watched the last outing. A walk and bloop double to left field caused one of the earned runs and the other was charged to him but was a single off a different reliever. I don’t think a flukey performance like that should cause any concern.
My months of stashing Parnell have finally paid off!
Why yes, I am in 12th place, how did you guess?
Drop Boxberger for Siegrist?
I probably would. Boxberger appears out as the Closer and I don’t see McGee relinquishing that job as long as he stays healthy.
Yet another tough question. I would make this drop though. Boxberger needs to leap two guys now with Siegrist needing to leap Rosenthal’s soreness.
Nothing scientific about this, but Holland is always terrible in mop-up situations. I’ve owned him for years in a dynasty league and it feels like every time they bring him in to a non-save situation he gives up a run.
Why the hate for Cecil? His struggles early in the season are long gone. Velocity is back up. Swinging Strike % is great. xFIP/SIERA are around 3 or under.