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The Closer Report » Texas Rangers

Off-Season Closer Analysis: Texas Rangers

Off-Season Closer Analysis: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers made a move we expected them to make last season.  Ron Washington decided to move closer Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation and then they signed veteran closer Joe Nathan.  Nathan is 37 as he enters the 2012 season and enters the 12th season of his career.  He came on strong for Minnesota last season after regaining his closer role and finished with 14 saves and a terrible 4.84 ERA.  The Rangers inked him for two … Read entire article »

Filed under: Joe Nathan, Pre-season Analysis, Texas Rangers

Closers Wanted: MLB Teams On The Hunt

Closers Wanted: MLB Teams On The Hunt

In July and even into August I expect to see several trades involving closers and setup men.   Teams are always in need of good relief pitching and start stacking their bullpens for a playoff run.  I will give you the list of teams that will be on the nut for back-end relievers who will either become closers or be acquired to set up their current closer.  This is critical to pay attention too if it impacts your fantasy baseball … Read entire article »

Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Depth Chart Updates, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Philadelphia, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers

Neftali Feliz Inflames Fantasy Owners; 15-Day DL

Neftali Feliz Inflames Fantasy Owners; 15-Day DL

The Texas Rangers put their closer on the 15-Day DL retroactive to April 21st with rotator cuff inflammation. Feliz reported tightness in his shoulder. This is terrible news closer Feliz and the Rangers. Rotator cuffs are serious issues for hard throwing pitchers and it could be 4-6 weeks before we see Feliz again. With Mark Lowe in the minors and Frank Francisco in Toronto, the Rangers have limited options. First guess would be Darren O’ Day, but he’s just … Read entire article »

Filed under: Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers, Uncategorized

Neftali Feliz Will Close in 2011

Neftali Feliz Will Close in 2011

After two appearances in spring training in a starting role and after talks with Nolan Ryan, Neftali Feliz will stay the closer for the Rangers.  Newly acquired Mark Lowe was prepared to become the stopper, but hasn’t performed at all well so far this spring. In my eyes this was a joke.  Clearly Feliz can be a starter and likely one day he will be.  After saving 40 games last year and with Texas moving Frank Francisco, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers

American League Rookie Of The Year – Neftali Feliz

American League Rookie Of The Year – Neftali Feliz

The American League Rookie of the Year was announced on Monday and Texas Rangers rookie closer Neftali Feliz takes home the top honor for rookie. Feliz received 71% percent of the first place votes taking 20 out of a possible 28. He is the first Texas Ranger to receive rookie of the year honors since Mike Hargrove won the award in 1974. If Feliz played poker games, they would call him the nuts as … Read entire article »

Filed under: Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers

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

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

The Closer Report: April 21, 2010

SAVES:Matt Lindstrom (4) – Lindstrom threw a near perfect 12 pitch inning giving up a lone hit.  His WHIP (1.14) and ERA (3.86) are still a bit high, but both are coming down. Mariano Rivera (6) – Rivera is absolutely unhittable.  He recorded his sixth straight save, but showed a chink in his armor.  He gave up a hit and needed 26 pitches to close out the game.  His season ERA is still 0.00.Jose Valverde (4) – Valverde made quick work of Angel hitters needing only 10 pitches to get his fourth save.   He got one strikeout and lowered his WHIP to 1.00.Joakim Soria (4) – SOria got back on track with his fourth save of the season beating the Blue Jays 4-3.  He had a quite 1-2-3 inning and struckout … Read entire article »

Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, LAA Angels, New York Yankees, SF Giants, Texas Rangers, Washington Nats