Bullpen Report: September 4, 2014
It’s been some time since I’ve been on the hook for a Bullpen Report due to the birth of my third child — and second daughter — so thanks for your patience with me as I ease myself back into this high leverage situation. Thankfully, it appears as if this evening’s edition will be like facing the bottom of the order due to just a few noteworthy items from today’s action. A huge thanks goes out to Colin, Dan and Ben for picking me up during this special time.
Anyway, here are just a few things that you may or may not be more interested in:
Huston Street took the hill for the Halos with a 5-4 lead over the Twinkies in Minnesota today. He surrendered two consecutive singles to Danny Santana and Brian Dozier, but induced a strikeout sandwiched between two fly outs to seal his 12th save as a member of the Angels and 36th total for the ‘14 season in 38 total chances. Street now owns a 1.04 ERA (2.55 FIP) with a ~26% K% in 52 frames on the bump between the Padres and the Angels. Tonight’s save, Street’s 270th career conversion, keeps him 30th on the list of career leaders in said category. He’s holds the fifth most saves among active closers, behind Joe Nathan, Francisco Rodriguez, Jonthan Papelbon — and if you count him as active — Jose Valverde.
Trevor Rosenthal fanned one and walked two while facing two over the minimum during his 24-pitch save effort tonight against the Brewers. The Cardinals’ right-hander is now 42-of-47 in save chances this season with a 3.38 ERA (3.08 FIP). Despite being tied for the league lead in saves, Rosenthal owns the highest ERA and WHIP among closers who rank in the top ten of the same category. Some of the concern could stem from his inability to lure hitters to chase his pitches outside of the zone at a similar rate as he did in the past.
The Yankees tagged Red Sox closer Koji Uehara for two earned runs on two hits — both solo homers — to complete the comeback victory in the home half of the ninth, 5-4. Uehara has allowed ten earned runs in his last six outing, has blown three consecutive saves and hasn’t successfully converted a save since August 12th. Following the game, the BoSox skipper indicated that “extended rest or a possible shutdown” were potentially options for the elderly closer. A move to yellow for the Red Sox ‘pen seems like common sense at this point, but I may wait to hear more from Farrell before doing so. For those wondering, Edward Mujica is available in 90% of leagues.
Quick Hits: Last night, Colin indicated that Casey Janssen may be “losing his grip” on the ninth-inning role in Toronto. That could still be the case, but tonight, Janssen converted his 21st save of the year while walking (only) one in a 13-pitch effort. Janssen is now 21-of-25 in save opportunities this season with a 3.72 ERA (4.16 FIP) and a K-BB% under 10%. Zach Britton notched his 33rd save of the year with a 14-pitch effort in a 9-7 victory for the Orioles over the Reds. The southpaw is 33-of-36 in save chances with a 1.84 ERA (3.05 FIP) in just over 68 innings on the hill.
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.
whose the Toronto closer next year? Cecil?