Closer Watch Report 03 21 08

Friday, March 21, 2009

Toronto Blue Jays
Jeremy Accardo to Closer in place of B.J. Ryan
B.J. Ryan to 1st in line in place of Jeremy Accardo
Jason Frasor still 2nd in line

Ryan, coming back from Tommy John surgery, felt arm soreness after pitching on Monday and will be held out of Spring Training games indefinitely. This puts Ryan's status for Opening Day in jeopardy and may lead to Accardo serving as the Blue Jays' closer for at least April.

The 26-year-old Accardo recorded 30 saves last year and had a 1.11 WHIP in 67+ IP with 57 K.

Philadelphia Phillies
Brad Lidge to Closer in place of Tom Gordon
Tom Gordon to 1st in line in place of Brad Lidge
Ryan Madson still 2nd in line

Lidge pitched in a minor league game yesterday as he works his way back from minor knee surgery. The former Astro is hoping to be ready for Opening Day, and may just be a week behind if he isn't.

The 31-year-old Lidge recorded 19 saves last year and had a 1.25 WHIP in 67 IP with 88 K. The right hander had off season knee surgery, but had a setback earlier in Spring Training which led to another procedure on the knee.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Baltimore Orioles
George Sherrill still Closer
Greg Aquino still 1st in line
Dennis Sarfate still 2nd in line

Manager Dave Trembley officially named Sherrill the teams' closer on Tuesday, confirming what was already expected.

The 30-year-old former Mariner set J.J. Putz up last year recording 22 holds with an impressive 0.99 WHIP over 45+ IP with 56 K. Sherrill has had the reputation as a lefty specialist, but was just as dominant against right hander hitters as left last season with a sup .600 OPS versus both.

Chris Ray isn't expected back from Tommy John surgery, barring setbacks, until the final several weeks of the season. The O's could return Sherrill, assuming he has a successful season as a closer this year, to a setup role in 2009 with Ray closing. (Similar to what the Blue Jays are attempting to do with B.J. Ryan and Jeremy Accardo this year).

Monday, March 17, 2008

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

Manager Lou Piniella hinted on Sunday that Wood is close to being named the teams' closer; "Woody's making [the decision] easier, not tougher," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "Let's wait on that decision. But he's making it easy." This comment followed Wood recording a save on a perfect 1 strikeout outing.

Wood needs to pitch back to back games before Piniella names the veteran the closer; "He's really been throwing well this spring. We just want to see him back to back." The official announcement on the Cubs' closer is expected later this week.

The 30-year-old Wood returned in a relief role last year to post a 1.27 WHIP in 24+ IP after missing significant time due to injury over the past few seasons as a starting pitcher.

Texas Rangers
C.J. Wilson still Closer
Eddie Guardado still 1st in line
Kazuo Fukumori to 2nd in line in place of Joaquin Benoit

Wilson is expected to be named the Rangers' closer prior to opening day, barring a setback from a previous bicep injury.

Fukumori has had an effective Spring, not allowing an earned run and just 4 baserunners over 5 outings. The 31-year-old righthander was a closer in the Japanese League.

Benoit has yet to pitch in a Spring Training game due to a shoulder injury.

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