There isn’t much to complain about this week when it comes to closers performances over the last week. With only six blown saves for the entire MLB over the last seven days, its nitpicking time. This week it was very difficult to separate an A from a D, let alone a B. If your closer gave up more than one hit look down the list. If he gave up a run, ha, look waaay down the list.
Grade A
John Axford (Brewers): If you have read my prior Closer Reports you know I am one of the biggest Axford fans on the planet. He impressed yet again with four K’s, one hit allowed, and going 2-for-2 in 2.1 IP. He now has a 2.86 ERA, with five wins (one loss), 12 saves (12-for-12) and 36 K’s in 28.1 IP.
Andrew Bailey (Athletics): One of the most underrated players, coming out of any bullpen, Bailey’s 99MPH heater has helped him to his 1.56 ERA. For the week he went 2-for-2 while adding a win and two K’s in 3.1 IP.
Billy Wagner (Braves): Like his manager Bobby Cox, Wagner says he is set to retire at season’s end. Maybe so, but his current season is certainly making it difficult for fans to believe him (them). Wagner again amazed, and went 2-for-2 allowing no hits and striking four out.
Francisco Cordero (Reds): The good : he is tied for the lead league in saves with 26 and went 2-for-2 during the week. The bad: he has six blown saves, three losses, and a 3.92 ERA. This week he did not allow a hit while striking out two in 3.0 IP.
Grade B
Chris Perez (Indians): In 3.0 IP Perez went 2-for-2 in SVO, striking out two. While he didn’t allow a run and gave up just one hit, he wasn’t impressive enough to receive an A.
Ryan Franklin (Cardinals): Over the last seven days, Franklin went 1-for-1 in SVO (save opportunities) and also picked up a win. As always he wasn’t impressive, but he did his job. He struck out just two batters while allowing two hits and one walk.
Brian Fuentes (Angels): Sure he went 2-for-2 in SVO and allowed only one batter to reach base (walk), but he only got two batters out by way of the K in 3.0 IP.
Leo Nunez (Marlins): Nunez had a very good week with four K’s and allowing just two hits for the week. Nunez add two more saves (2-for-2) and now has 23 on the year with a 2.72 ERA.
Grade C
Brian Wilson (Giants): Wilson was the only player to record three saves last week (3-for-3) and he see’s eight players ahead of him. Reason being, he gave up five hits, a run, and received a loss. He did however, strikeout more batters (7) than any other pitcher.
Grade D
Heath Bell (Padres): Not much you can nitpick on for Bell’s season; however this week was a disappointment considering his competition. Bell went 2-for-2 but allowed a run and two hits in just 2.0 IP.
Neftali Feliz (Rangers): Feliz gave up just one run, but also allowed two hits in just 3.0 IP. He did fan four batters but, as you have read this just wasn’t good enough this week. Feliz’s ERA has been rising steadily and now sits at 3.76 for the year.
Grade F
Huston Street (Rockies): If you didn’t know, Street is playing pretty good right now, with the exception of one outing, Street would have been near the top. The 26 year old, gave up two-earned runs while blowing a save and receiving the loss against the Marlins on Monday. He has a 0.79 WHIP on the season.
Kevin Gregg (Blue Jays): Gregg walked four, blew a save (1-for-2), allowed two earned runs (7.71 ERA) and three hits in just 2.1 IP. It seems we drive down this road almost every week with Gregg. At some point the Blue Jays may look for a new closer.
Carlos Marmol (Cubs): I am one of his biggest backers, but this week it would be difficult for his own mother to be proud of his performance. He walked five batters, blew a save, and finished the week with a 13.50 ERA (four earned). The best part about Marmol’s week was that he allowed just one hit.
Bobby Jenks (White Sox): He only lasted 2.1 innings, let up four earned runs, five hits, blew a big lead in the ninth to the division rival Twins, and had a 15.43 ERA in three games Big time F! The guy has good stuff, but has been inconsistent and hasn’t lived up to his big contract.
Originally published at www.FantasyBaseballSportal.com
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