Bullpen Report: May 23rd, 2012

• Robin Ventura officially named Addison Reed the closer of the Chicago White Sox today. The youngster from San Diego State patiently waited for the nod as the skipper initially named Hector Santiago the ninth-inning man when the team broke camp. When the Santiago ship sailed, Ventura surprisingly awarded the closer’s role to Chris Sale. Sale’s transition from starter to closer lasted just one blown save until Ventura stated he would be returning to a closer-by-committee situation. Since, Reed has converted his last four save opportunities to earn the manager’s endorsement. Now, Addison Reed owners just want to see his current 11.48 strikeout rate spike towards 2011’s 14.73 K/9.

• For those who hedged their Mariano Rivera bets with Rafael Soriano, your investments were kindly rewarded this afternoon. Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi went on record as saying: “He [Soriano] is closing games for me, he is my closer.” When asked about Robertson’s role upon his return from the disabled list, Girardi stated that he wants to get “Robbie back where he is feeling comfortable.” Could that mean the eighth inning? Soriano led the American League with 45 saves in 2010, so he has the experience necessary to thrive in that role. Since taking over for Robertson, Soriano has successfully converted his last three save opportunities. While Soriano’s 8.22 K/9 isn’t the sexiest, he earned the vote of confidence form his manager, which should give us some sense of security for the time being.

• Ernesto Frieri earned his first save for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim since his transition to the American League. Scott Downs owners shouldn’t worry yet, as this save opportunity came in extras after Downs was called upon in the ninth. However, Frieri’s elite K/9 (15.83) and killer ratios makes him more than just a handcuff in most formats.

• Rafael Dolis entered the bottom of the eight inning this evening, with the hopes of keeping the Cubs within one run of the Astros. That didn’t happen. Dolis surrendered three earned runs on three hits and two walks before getting the hook. This poor outing, parlayed with a K/9 of 3.38 and a 4.58 xFIP should worry owners. For what it’s worth, James Russell dished a clean seventh inning.

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 Dale Thayer vs NYM

Thayer is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and is striking out nine men per nine. Thayer hasn’t pitched since 5/20, so look for him to get at least an inning of work in tomorrow against the Mets.

Our Bullpen Report team will also be keeping this closer grid up to date for you. The coloring is supposed to be our general opinion about the volatility of the bullpen — a red light bullpen is an unsteady bullpen. Happy hunting for saves!