The Closer Report » Toronto Blue Jays
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
Casey Janssen Will Close For The Blue Jays Until Santos Returns
The Blue Jays and manager John Farrell have removed Francisco Cordero from the closers role and Casey Janssen will step in as the closer until Sergio Santos returns. Santos has started a throwing program and is still looking at being out for at least three more weeks. That means that Janssen will close for at least three weeks. If he fails to shut the door in the ninth inning, look for Farrell to turn to … Read entire article »
Filed under: Casey Janssen, In-Season Analysis, Toronto Blue Jays
Off-Season Closer Analysis: Toronto Blue Jays
Welcome Sergio Santos to the Toronto Blue Jays and they continue their streak of new opening day closers. Santos was acquired in the off-season in a trade with the White Sox. The Blue Jays General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has set up the bullpen for another season of high expectations and disappointing results. So far in the off-season, the Blue Jays have added with Santos, Jason Frasor and Darren Oliver. Sergio Santos will see plenty of action in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Pre-season Analysis, Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays
Frank Francisco Activated From The DL
The Blue Jays activated Frank Francisco from the DL and is active from tonight’s game. The Blue Jays traded for Francisco during the off-seaosn and he was slated for the closer job until he strained his right shoulder. It will be interesting to see what the Blue Jays do. They obviously won’t use Francisco out of the gate to close and Jon Rauch has pitched well has the closer with 3/3 in saves and a 2.70 ERA. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch, Toronto Blue Jays
MLB Spring Training Update: Dotel Out, Francisco Hurt, Rauch In
As I expected, Octavio Dotel will not be competing for the closer job in Toronto. Instead, he’ll likely be the setup man or 7th inning reliever. Not only has he been lit up this spring to a tune of a 15.00 ERA, but he is also suffering from a sore right hamstring. The leading candidate for the job, Frank Francisco has been sidelined for over a week with tightness in his right pectoral muscle. He … Read entire article »
Filed under: Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch, Octavio Dotel, Toronto Blue Jays
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
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
Impact Analysis: Frank Francisco Heads to Toronto
This is far bigger news then it is getting credit for. The Blue Jays acquiring Frank Francisco just days after trading for power hitting catcher Mike Napoli has big implications. First and foremost it shows that the Blue Jays don’t have confidence in Octavio “Don’t Tell Me” Dotel and maybe even less then I do. It also shows that the rest off their talented bullpen doesn’t have what it takes to close out games … Read entire article »
Filed under: Frank Francisco, Octavio Dotel, Toronto Blue Jays
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