Bullpen Report: June 21st, 2012
• Alfredo Aceves needed just seven pitches to lock down his 18th save tonight in a 6-5 Red Sox victory over the Marlins. Boston’s current ninth inning man got off to a bit of a rocky start in his new role, earning just two saves in his first four chances with a 1.0 K/BB. However, since April 23rd (and entering today) Aceves has “converted 15-of-16 save opportunities with a 1.59 ERA.”
That was the good news for those who own shares of Alfredo Aceves in their fantasy leagues. Now on to the bad: Andrew Bailey threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session on Wednesday and is expected to do the same again on Friday. Bailey, who was acquired from the Oakland Athletics prior to this season, was to assume the closer’s role vacated by Jonathan Papelbon who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately, Bailey suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb that required surgery on April 4th which has delayed the closer’s regular season debut for Boston. Barring any setbacks, Bailey looks to return “around” the All-Star Break. Now may not be a bad time to trade Aceves and/or add Bailey if possible in your league.
• Jose Valverde has been diagnosed with a sprained right wrist and will be re-examined in the next three-to-four days. In his stead, Manager Jim Leyland suggested he will play the matchup game with Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke or even Octavio Dotel. Tonight, Leyland used Dotel in the sixth, Coke in the seventh and Benoit — who eventually earned the win — in the tenth frame. If available, I would be adding Benoit who has a 1.99 ERA (1.92 FIP) and a 12.51 K/9.
• Rafael Betancourt dished a clean ninth to nail down his 11th save in 13 chances. Betancourt rebounded from two consecutive blown saves and faced the minimum — inducing a line out and fanning two — en route to the save. This was the first save for the Rockies since June 3rd.
• Jonathan Broxton earned his 18th save on Wednesday, good for sixth best amongst closers in the Majors. Broxton struts an excellent 1.57 ERA, but other ERA estimators such as FIP (3.23), xFIP (3.78) and SIERA (3.37) suggest that number could be due for some regression.
For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here is a matchup you may be able to exploit.
A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Tyler Clippard (WAS) vs. BAL
Jordan Zimmerman faces Jason Hammel in what could turn out to be one of the better pitching duels tomorrow. Tyler Clippard has locked down two consecutive saves in as many days, and would likely get the nod tomorrow if the Nationals are up heading into the ninth.
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.
Axford in green, really? Over the last 2 weeks – 2 Loses, 3 Blown Saves, 16.2 ERA and a 2.4 WHIP. That’s about as bad as it gets for a “closer”. Ron Roenicke is asleep at the wheel if he allows this nightmare to continue.
Small sample size? And it’s not like there is anything better behind him “K-Rod” has a huge whip as well. This isnt exactly Sean Marshall and Aroldis Chapman…
You need a larger sample size? Take his season numbers then – 4 Loses, 4 Blown Saves, 5.3 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. For a closer that is horrible. Obviously they need a change, even if it is to let Axford take some time to clear his head. Can’t hurt to let F-Rod take over, 3.9 ERA & 1.4 WHIP for the season, and 1.2 ERA and 1.2 WHIP over the last two weeks…