The Closer Report » Oakland A’s
Why I Don’t Care About Brian Fuentes
So the Oakland Athletics names Brian Fuentes closer last week. Yippie! First off, I thought that Balfour was a terrible call to start the season with the young guns Jordan Norberto, Ryan Cook, and Fautino De Los Santos ready to take a shot at the closer role. Then there is the aging veteran and pseudo-closer Brain Fuentes. The 36-year old relief pitcher is in his in his second season with the Athletics and taking … Read entire article »
Filed under: Brian Fuentes, Fautino De Los Santos, Grant Balfour, In-Season Analysis, Oakland A's
The Latest On The Closer Carousel/Circus: 5.12.2012
This has been without a doubt the worse year on record for major league closers. The amount of closers lost to injury times the number of closer with terrible starts, divided by the number of closers who have just lost the job is a formula even a Sabermetrics wannabee with a degree from MIT couldn’t compute. Since spring training has wrapped up, at least 17 closer jobs have changed hands due to any of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Addison Reed, Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Bailey, Andrew Cashner, Boston Red Sox, Brian Fuentes, Bullpen Reports, Carlos Marmol, Casey Janssen, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Closers Rise and Fall, Colorado Rockies, Daniel Bard, Drew Storen, Fernando Rodney, Francisco Cordero, Francisco Rodriguez, Grant Balfour, Heath Bell, Hector Santiago, Henry Rodriguez, Huston Street, In-Season Analysis, Javy Guerra, John Axford, Jordan Walden, Kenley Jansen, LA Dodgers, LAA Angels, Mark Melancon, Matt Thornton, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Oakland A's, Ryan Madson, Santiago Casilla, Sean Marshall, SF Giants, Toronto Blue Jays
MLB Off-Season Closer Analysis: Oakland Athletics
The Oakland A’s and General Manager Billie Bean did their normal off-season sell off to get ready for a championship run in 2012. Part of that sell off was trading away former ROY closer Andrew Bailey to the Boston Red Sox. That now leaves the A’s with filling the closer role with someone on their roster or by signing a player. The possible current roster pitchers that could close are: Joey Devine Brian Fuentes Jordan Norberto Neil Wagner Going into spring training … Read entire article »
Filed under: Brian Fuentes, Oakland A's, Pre-season Analysis
Andrew Bailey Hurting Again, But He’s OK!
It’s becoming a broken record, but the 2009 rookie of the year closer for the Oakland A’s felt some tightness in his right forearm. He was examined and according to D.J. Short, Bailey was diagnosed with a strained right forearm following an examination by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. In other words, no structural damage was found and he will not require surgery. According to the release, Bailey “experienced no swelling and can resume throwing when … Read entire article »
Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Oakland A's
2011 Draft Closer Debate: Mariano Rivera Vs. Andrew Bailey
Mariano Rivera vs. Andrew Bailey 2011 Fantasy Draft Debate Here is the first in a series of 2001 draft debate articles I will write in the off-season. The goal of these articles is to debate two closers and which would be the better pick based on draft value and projected stats. I open the first debate with the best closer in MLB Mariano Rivera vs. The 3rd year closer Andrew Bailey. Mariano Rivera Team: New York Yankees Age: 41 Rivera … Read entire article »
Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Oakland A's
10 Value Pick Closers For Fantasy Drafts
2011 offers a surplus of value pick closers. Here are ten closers you need to eye in your fantasy draft for the best value for your pick. (No particular order) ADP statistics provided by www.mockdraftcentral.com. Craig Kimbrel, Atl – ADP: 282. Kimbrel is going on average in the 24th round. We are talking about the flame throwing Braves closer. A Braves closer should never go that late in the draft. Steal him in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Arizona D-Backs, Atlanta Braves, Brandon League, Chicago White Sox, Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians, Craig Kimbrel, Drew Storen, Frank Francisco, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Jonathan Broxton, LA Dodgers, Matt Thornton, Oakland A's, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nats
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
A’s Sign Fuentes agree on 2-year deal
Todd Farino, The Closer Report “Sources” tell us that former closer Brian Fuentes has signed a 2-year deal with the Oakland A’s pending the always dubious physical. He will be added to a bullpen that also added Grant Balfour and resigned Brad Ziegler. This is likely bad news for Fuentes as a future closer. The A’s aren’t set at closer, but they aren’t going to give up on Andrew Bailey. He went on the DL multiple times … Read entire article »
Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Brian Fuentes, Oakland A's
The Closer Report: April 22, 2010
SAVES:Andrew Bailey (2) – Bailey ruled the New York Yankees with a 12 pitch save. He didn’t record any strikeouts, but one hit. His ERA is still at 0.00 and he’s healthy.Francisco Cordero (6) – Cordero nailed his sixth save of the season. He gave up a hit and a walk, but no runs. Franklin Morales (3) – Morales recorded his first save in 11 days Darren Oliver (1) – Looked good, recording two strikeouts. He got the save because Frank Francisco and Neftali Feliz needed rest. Francisco Rodriguez (1) – KROD finally recorded his first save of the season. He pitched 1.2 perfect innings and struck out three batters. This was an excellent appearance for the stud closer. His ERA and WHIP were lowered 1.17. Jose Valverde (5) – I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Oakland A's, Texas Rangers
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