Bullpen Report: September 1, 2014
Hoping you all had a wonderful Labor Day, and ideally an extended weekend, as we leave August behind and say hello to September here at the Bullpen Report…
• Steve Cishek threw a perfect ninth inning for his 32nd save of the year today. Cishek struggled a bit/had some poor batted ball luck in August but he’s put up zeroes in his last three outings and his job certainly remains safe on the Marlins. Cishek received the save opportunity against the Mets after Carlos Torres and Jeurys Familia struggled in relief, giving Miami the lead. Familia is still first in line for saves behind Mejia, who hasn’t been Mr. Sturdy all season but still has a hold on the job.
• Santiago recorded the save (14) in the first half of the double header today against the Rockies. Bruce Bochy recently named the closing situation a committee but Casilla’s job should appear to be a little safer after Sergio Romo lost the second game of the day, allowing a walk-off homer single to Charlie Blackmon in the ninth inning. The Blackmon walk-off bailed out Hawkins, giving him the win after he blew his second save of the season. Rex Brothers and Adam Ottavino had more intrigue before the July and August trading deadlines, but Hawkins was not moved and he should remain as closer for the rest of the season in spite of today’s outing, keeping the Rockies relievers in their familiar setup roles.
• With Joaquin Benoit still on the shelf with a shoulder issue, Kevin Quackenbush received and converted his second save of the season. Bud Black believes Benoit will pitch again this year, but Quackenbush should be owned in all or most leagues regardless, at least for the time being.
• Quick Hits: Hector Rondon picked up his 23rd save, pitching around a base hit for a scoreless inning. Trevor Rosenthal pitched a now seemingly rare perfect inning for his 41st save of the year. As we keep saying around here, Rosenthal’s consistency has been lacking all year but he will continue to rack up save and strikeout totals for the remainder of the year. Glen Perkins allowed a solo shot to Nick Hundley, but still notched his 33rd save of the season.
• They didn’t receive save opps today but Brad Boxberger and Ken Giles were both wildy impressive nonetheless. Giles threw another “Kimbrel”, striking out the side in a perfect inning, lowering his ERA to 1.26 with a 13.12 K/9 on the year. Boxberger meanwhile threw 1.1 innings, allowing one walk while striking out three, lowering his ERA to 2.01 with a 14.19 K/9 on the year. Neither Boxberger or Giles are closing at the moment, but things could certianly change in the future. It’s no secret that Papelbon is on the table and if he goes, Giles easily becomes a top tier closing option. As for the Rays, Jake McGee is settled as the closer but as the best lefty option and with Boxberger’s recent successes this year, a change up top or more of a committee could be on the table by next April. (Hat tip to @rotobanter)
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
Romo allowed a walk off single – not a homer. Ball looked like a decent pitch – it was well below strike zone. Good job by Blackmon of getting hit.
Thanks for the tip, it’s easy to go on autopilot assuming all walk-offs as the homer variety!