Submitted by TotalAccess on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 03:36
Saves: 11
Save Opportunities: 11
Rivera finally gets another save, while Rangers sweep two from Athletics
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com
After a few quiet saves days, closers gave us a nice Friday. There were 11 saves in the league today, starting with Trevor Hoffman's 12th save. The old-timer continues to sizzle in 2009 with his 12th straight save in as many chances.
He has yet to give up a run and has a stellar 0.49 WHIP. Hoffman is making a lot of the young closers look bad.
Another oldy but goody, Mariano Rivera recorded his 10th save of the season. Rivera struck out two to preserve the 3-1 win for the Yankees. It was Rivera's first save in eight days ending a long drought.
Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts to get his 10th save of the season. Lidge is still a closer I wouldn't want, but today he earned his stripes. At this point it is touch-and-go for Lidge owners every time he goes out there.
Frank Francisco also continued his scoreless streak, capping a 6-3 win for the Rangers. He has yet to allow a run this season and his WHIP remains very low at 0.85.
We were high on Francisco coming into the season, and he hasn't let us down. His setup man, CJ Wilson, got the save in the nightcap of the doubleheader.
Huston Street continues to prove he is the closer in Colorado, and frankly they have no one else. He closed out the 3-0 win over the Padres Friday night with a perfect inning.
It was his eighth save of the season and his seventh straight since returning to the closer role.
Over in Chicago, Kevin Gregg also earned his eighth save in an almost effortless inning against the LA Dodgers. Both closers looked strong today.
Other Appearances:
Scott Downs (6) - The Blue Jays finally won and Downs closed out the game nicely.
Randy Choate (1) - Got the call for the Rays. Is he the next closer in Tampa? I doubt it. Madden will go with whoever he feels the best with.
David Aardsma (7) - Wasn't the prettiest save, but he got it. Morrow should be ready for the job soon.
Brian Wilson (11) - A perfect inning from an underrated closer.
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