Closer Watch Report 12 10 07

Monday, December 10, 2007

Milwaukee Brewers
Eric Gagne to Closer in place of Derrick Turnbow
Derrick Turnbow to 1st in line in place of Guillermo Mota
David Riske to 2nd in line in place of Greg Aquino

The Brewers have signed Gagne to a 1 year deal, pending a physical, to be the teams' closer. The 31-year-old saved 16 games for Texas in the first half of 2007 posting a 2.16 ERA over 33+ IP. However, Gagne struggled in the second half in a set up role with the Red Sox with a 6.75 ERA in 18+ IP. The former dominant closer missed time in September with a shoulder injury and will enter 2008 as an injury risk.

The Brewers signed Riske to a 3 year deal last week. The 31-year-old had a 1.26 WHIP in 69 IP with Kansas City last year with 52 K and 16 holds. Before the Gagne signing it appeared Riske was brought in as closer insurance behind Turnbow, but now appears to be further down the depth chart.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Matt Capps still Closer
Damaso Marte to 1st in line in place of Salomon Torres
Romulo Sanchez to 2nd in line in place of free agent Shawn Chacon

The Pirates traded Torres, who's now comtemplating retirement, to the Brewers for 2 minor leaguers last week. The Pirates are short on late inning relievers after Capps. Marte had a solid season in 2007 with a 1.10 WHIP in 45+ IP with 15 holds. The 32-year-old dominates left hand hitters with a .352 opposition OPS, but had a not as impressive .765 mark versus right hand hitters.

Sanchez is a 23-year-old rookie who had a 1.33 WHIP in 18 IP with 11 K and 2 holds in the second half. The hard throwing right hander had a 1.04 WHIP in 57+ AA innings with 52 K prior to the call up.

Closer Watch Blog Archive:
Dec 3, 2007
Nov 26, 2007
Nov 12, 2007
2007
2006