The Inside Pitch Closer Watch Report Archive |
Monday, February 11, 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks Brandon Lyon to Closer in place of Tony Pena Tony Pena to 1st in line in place of Brandon Lyon Chad Qualls still 2nd in line D'Backs' manager Bob Melvin named Lyon the teams' closer last week with Spring Training right around the corner. The 28-year-old Lyon had a 1.24 WHIP in 74 IP last year with 40 K and 35 holds. The right hander opened the 2005 season as the D'Backs' closer and recorded 14 saves before falling to a season ending injury. Pena will remain in a setup role, but the hard throwing right hander still has high future closer value. The 26-year-old had a 1.10 WHIP in 85+ IP last year with 63 K and 30 holds. Baltimore Orioles George Sherrill to Closer in place of Greg Aquino Greg Aquino to 1st in line in place of Jamie Walker Dennis Sarfate to 2nd in line in place of Chad Bradford Sherrill could emerge as the O's closer this Spring after coming over in the Erik Bedard deal. The 30-year-old left hander had an impressive 0.99 WHIP in 45+ IP last year with 56 K and 22 holds. Sherrill was just as tough on right handers as left with a sub .600 opposition OPS against both. Toronto Blue Jays B.J. Ryan to Closer in place of Jeremy Accardo Jeremy Accardo to 1st in line in place of Casey Janssen Jason Frasor still 2nd in line The Blue Jays believe Ryan could be ready for Opening Day, which will be 10 months after Tommy John surgery. The 32-year-old appeared in 5 games last year before season ending elbow surgery. Ryan saved 38 games in 42 opportunties for the Jays in 2006. If Ryan does began the season on the DL, the team can turn to Accardo who proved to be a capable closer last year. The 26-year-old saved 30 games with a 1.11 WHIP in 67+ IP. Janssen emerged as a reliable reliever last year with a 1.20 WHIP in 72+ IP, but is expected to compete for the Blue Jays' 5th starter spot this Spring Training. Seattle Mariners J.J. Putz still Closer Brandon Morrow to 1st in line in place of George Sherrill Mark Lowe to 2nd in line in place of Brandon Morrow Morrow will remain in the bullpen with the acquisition of Bedard. The hard throwing right hander had a 1.66 WHIP in 63+ IP last year with 66 K and 18 holds. Closer Watch Report Archive: Jan 28, 2008 Jan 14, 2008 Dec 17, 2007 Dec 10, 2007 Dec 3, 2007 Nov 26, 2007 Nov 12, 2007 2007 2006 |
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Email: dwilliams@theinsidepitch.com |