Closer Watch Report 03 11 08

Monday, March 11, 2008

Chicago Cubs
Carlos Marmol to Closer in place of Bob Howry
Kerry Wood to 1st in line in place of Carlos Marmol
Bob Howry to 2nd in line in place of Kerry Wood

Manager Lou Piniella has not named his closer yet, but the hard throwing Marmol may be at the top of his list.

The 25-year-old right hander has 3 scoreless appearances on the Spring, with all 3 outings coming in the 9th inning including 1 save. Marmol had a break out dominant season last year with a 1.10 WHIP in 69+ IP and 96 K.

Wood has pitched well of late in Spring while showing plus velocity. However, there remains concern over the former phenom's ability to pitch on consecutive days.

Howry has struggled in the early going of Spring Training with 10 baserunners allowed in 4 IP.

Atlanta Braves
Rafael Soriano still Closer
Peter Moylan still 1st in line
Manny Acosta to 2nd in line in place of Mike Gonzalez DL

Soriano has yet to pitch in a Spring Training game, due originally to a stomach ailment and then elbow discomfort. The arm injury is not expected to be serious, but there could be concern until the hard throwing right hander appears pain free in a game.

Moylan is the next in line closer here, who has also had elbow discomfort this Spring. However, the right handed Australian appeared in a game on Sunday with a perfect 1 strikeout inning. Moylan had a 1.07 WHIP last year in 90 IP with 63 K.

Acosta had a 1.14 WHIP in 23+ IP last year with 22 K and dominated right hand hitters in the small sample with a .357 opposition OPS vs. 43 batters.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Takashi Saito still Closer
Jonathan Broxton still 1st in line
Scott Proctor still 2nd in line

Saito is another closer yet to appear in a Spring Training game due to injury. The former Japanese League player is dealing with a calf injury. Saito is expected to be OK for the start of the season, but potentially could begin the season on the DL if there is a setback with the injury.

Broxton is the next in line closer here coming off a 1.15 WHIP season in 82 IP with 99 K and 32 holds.

Texas Rangers
C.J. Wilson still Closer
Eddie Guardado still 1st in line
Joaquin Benoit still 2nd in line

Wilson has been sidelined with a bicep injury, but could still open the season as the Rangers' closer barring a set back. The left hander had a 1.21 WHIP last year in 68+ IP with 63 K, 12 saves and 15 holds.

Guardado could be the next in line closer here with Benoit nursing an injury of his own (shoulder). The veteran Every Day Eddie missed most of last season coming back from Tommy John surgery.

Closer Watch Report Archive:
Feb 25, 2008
Feb 11, 2008
Jan 28, 2008
Jan 14, 2008
Dec 17, 2007
Dec 10, 2007
Dec 3, 2007
Nov 26, 2007
Nov 12, 2007
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