While messy bullpen situations dominated early-season headlines, the Closer’s Corner has been less exciting over the past few weeks. Here’s the latest:
Joakim Soria pitched two perfect innings Monday, earning the extra-inning win and re-gaining his role as the team’s closer. Aaron Crow didn’t see a save opportunity in his one week as the Royals closer, and will return to a setup role...
Kansas City Royals' closer Joakim Soria blew his third consecutive save opportunity on Monday, his fifth in 12 chances. His ERA has ballooned to 6.55, and Royals' manager Ned Yost announced after Sunday's game that Soria would be relieved from his ninth inning duties. Aaron Crow will take his place, and is a must add in all formats.
Soria was thought to be one of the most reliable closers in the game two months ago, but a decline in strikeouts (7.77 K/9 this season, 9.75 career), increase in walks (4.09 BB/9, 2.60 career) and drop in average fastball velocity (90.5 mph, 91.9 last year) have left the Royals and fantasy managers alike with a pitcher that can't get anyone out...
The start of the 2011 season has been filled with surprises, particularly in terms of blown saves. The White Sox's and Cardinals' bullpens have been especially unpredictable recently. Here's the latest...
Opening weekend of the 2011 baseball season certainly was an eventful one, especially in the late innings. At least three closers put their job in jeopardy with rocky outings, sending fantasy managers scurrying to the waiver wire in search of the most suitable backup...
If you read this article posted back in March, you know why it’s important to keep an eye on your league’s waiver wire as save opportunities get shuffled around major league bullpens.
• Just last week, Diamondbacks’ closer Chad Qualls (who saved 24 games in 2009) was relieved of his duties after converting just 12 of his 16 save opportunities with an 8.46 ERA in 22 1/3 innings thus far.
Teammate Aaron Heilman earned the four-out save Saturday night against Detroit, but not before allowing two hits and a run to score. The 31-year-old, who has 11 saves in his eight-year career, has allowed a run in three of his last five appearances...
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
1 Comment