The Closer Report » Baltimore Orioles
MLB Spring Training: Fantasy Closer Battles
Here are some early returns for some tight closer battles during 2011 Spring Training. Craig Kimbrel Vs. Jonny Venters – So far, at least stat wise the job is going to Venters. He’s thrown four perfect innings, while striking out three. Kimbrel has also struckout three in 2.1 innings, but has a ERA at 15.43 on 4 ER thanks to a bad outing. In my opinion it’s Kimbrel’s job to lose, not Venters to win. Kevin … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, Frank Francisco, Jake McGee, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta, Jon Rauch, Jonathan Broxton, Jonny Venters, Kevin Gregg, Kyle Farnsworth, LA Dodgers, Matt Capps, Matt Thornton, Octavio Dotel, Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
2011 Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 Closers To Avoid Drafting
As it is every year, closers come and go throughout the season. Whether it is performance based or injury, they will be replaced. Here are 10 closers that despite their ADP, career numbers, or Closer Report Draft Kit ranking, I’d avoid at all costs. 1. Ryan Franklin, STL- Ok, wasn’t his 15 minutes up two years ago? Give credit where it’s do to the steroid survivor that he’s lasted this long. He will LIKELY open as the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Brad Lidge, Brandon Lyon, David Aardsma, Houston Astros, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta, Jon Rauch, Kevin Gregg, Kyle Farnsworth, Mariano Rivera, Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Octavio Dotel, Philadelphia, Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays
Top 10 Sleeper Closers For 2011
1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves – This guy is the right-handed version of Billy Wagner. With a 98MPH fastball and a propensity to strikeout batters, Kimbrel has what it takes to close. He’s on a great team that will provide him with plenty of save opportunities. He also lacked any serious competition in the Braves bullpen, though Venters is slightly capable. 2. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals – Last year I felt some heat with discussing … Read entire article »
Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Arizona D-Backs, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Brandon League, Chicago White Sox, Chris Perez, Chris Sale, Cleveland Indians, Craig Kimbrel, Drew Storen, Featured, Frank Francisco, Houston Astros, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Jonathan Broxton, LA Dodgers, LAA Angels, Oakland A's, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nats
Baltimore Orioles Team Report – 1.18.2011
The Baltimore Orioles have revamped most of their bullpen and the closer for this team at this point is uncertain. It’s unlikely that Alfredo Simon will be back after the tragic shooting on New Year’s Eve. Then there was his replacement last year, Koji Uehara who actually did very well. He saves 13 out of 15 games and finished the season with a WHIPERA (WHIP + ERA) under 4.00. He will be in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Kevin Gregg
Orioles New Closer: Will Ohman
Tonight WIll Ohman pitched the ninth inning of a 5-1 game and continued is outstanding 2010 campaign. In 15.2 innings of work he has not allowed a run and struck out 17. His WHIP is at an acceptable 1.15 and even though his role for the Orioles as their lone lefty in the bullpen was well defined, it’s his turn to close. The 32-year old lefty is the most expereinced arm in the Orioles bullpen and deserves the shot. PICK UP Will Ohman as a temporary closer for your fantasy team. Listen to Todd “The True Guru” Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles
Orioles closer Alfred Simon goes to the DL
Alfred Simon is the latest causality for the Orioles after injuring his hamstring covering first in the 10th inning of Sunday’s game. It is retroactive to May 24, but this is likely the end of Simon as the closer with Mike Gonzalez on his way back from the DL. Right now Dave Trembley has no idea who he will make his closer. Odds are Will Ohman will get the call, but he is their lefty specialist and will be needed in the role. My candidate is David Hernandez. He has been demoted from stater, but has the best stuff of anyone in that bullpen and could get the first look. Listen to Todd “The True Guru” Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles
New Orioles closer Alfred Simon closes first game
Alfred Simon was recently bought up to shore up the Orioles bullpen and rumors were rampant that he would get a chance at closing. Trembley wasted no time getting his hot hurler into the, making his first appearance in majors since undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery last May. Before being called up, Simon was 1-1 with 1.59 ERA in four games with Norfolk this month. I would have figured he would get time to adjust, but Trembley put him in the first chance he had and against the Yankees. It didn’t start off to well for the 28-year old pitcher. He gave up a single to Swisher and walked Nick Johnson. He then egained his compose by striking out Derek Jeter, but then suffered an error C. Izturis that allowed a run to score. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles
The Closer Report: April 23, 2010
CLOSER NEWS:N/ASAVES:Brian Wilson (3) Wilson finally recorded a save. It was his first save since April 6, and he went out there with a vengeance. Besides a simple single, Wilson struck out the side for his third save of the season. His ERA remains at 0.00. Jonathan Papelbon (4) – Paps had another tough outing. He did get the save, but in the process looked wild walking two batters and giving up a hit. To put a positive spin on the save, he did intentionally walk Wiggington and he struck out Lugo to end the game. That is how expereinced closers do it. Francisco Rodriguez (2) – Recorded his second save in as many days. He is still lacking his trademark sharpness that we haven’t sen in awhile. He needed 22 … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arizona D-Backs, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, LAA Angels, New York Mets, SF Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays





