In
Reyes has upped his game a bit for the Rays this season goosing his K rate from 8.8 over his career to 10.0 this season. Similarly he has lowered his BB rate to 3.4 (4.2 career although he posted a 1.5 BB rate in 2005 and a 2.8 walk rate in 2006).
There are a few red flags here. Al is giving up 1.5 HR/9, up from his 1.0 career rate and 0.7 in 06. He is cashing in on a very favorable .206 BHIP% (.261 career) but suffering from a 67.7% strand percentage.
This all adds up to what we already knew, namely that Al is not your classic closer. He is however a reasonable facsimile. Al is also 17 of 18 in save opps and the Rays are comfortable with him at the end of their bullpen.
In
The Astros will force a final determination here with Brad this month. They need to know if he can be their closer going forward, but they would also happily entertain any trade offers that a good showing by Lidge would attract.
There were a lot more options when Dan Wheeler was doing well in the closer’s role but he stumbled. Dan however has gone 7- of -8 outings now without allowing a run and he seems to have settled down a bit. Many in
Right now Dan fans enough hitters (10.4/9 this year and 8.1 career), and controls his walks well enough (2.1/9 this year, 2.8 career) to close. He is suffering from an unfavorable strand% and a slightly unfavorable .316 BHIP% as well (.285 in 06, and .250 in 05) .
In short, if the Astros get the right offer for Lidge, they are unlikely to hesitate. In the meantime, they will do what they can to showcase him to help increase his value.
It is not time to tear up your Dan Wheeler ticket just yet.
In Philly Tom Gordon says he is pitching with a worn labrum. The slight tearing is supposedly typical of a pitcher with his mileage. There are no plans for a surgical solution and Gordon says he plans to get through this year and next at less than 100%. Meanwhile he has resumed closing duties for the Phillies, replacing Antonio Alfonseca who has blown two straight saves.
Brett Myers is schedule to begin a rehab assignment in single-A on Friday as he returns from shoulder issues. Chances are that he will be close to week away once he throws his first rehab pitch. Myers has been out since May 23rd
And the Dodgers have been kicking the tires of Octavio Dotel. They would use him in a set up role in LA but it doesn’t appear the Dodgers and Royals are close to a deal as the Royals think they can get a top-shelf prospect for Dotel … and nobody else does.
Elsewhere … Eddie Guardado threw 30 pitches in a “live session” with hitters on Tuesday and will likely repeat the exercise again today. There is no ETR for Eddie at this point … Joel Zumaya says his finger is feeling fine. He is now in an arm rebuilding program that should keep him out until mid-August … Brian Fuentes could come off of the DL as soon as today but he is not expected to return to the closers role which is currently held by Manny Corpas … Huston Street (elbow) threw in a simulated game earlier in the week and is on pace to return from the DL on Monday …
