closer

Jeanmar Gomez has been stellar in save opportunities for the Phillies in the early going (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia) After four games, Philadelphia Phillies fans were near restless.  How could a bullpen be so bad?  Through 10 2/3 innings the Phillies bullpen had alarming results.  The bullpen allowed 18 hits, 10 walks, and allowed 15 earned runs, for a […]

Photo: Wikipedia Commons The Baltimore Orioles have a potential mess on their hands.   The team reportedly agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with free agent closer Grant Balfour.  However, the Orioles nullified the deal after Balfour's physical.   The result is a public relations mess on the part of the Orioles as doctors […]

The Phillies and reliever Ryan Madson had a tough breakup.  First, it appeared that the Phillies and Madson had worked out a four-year deal after the 2011 season.  Madson had to settle for a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds.  Madson came down with an injury and never threw a pitch for the Reds in […]

Could Papelbon close for a team that actually needs a closer? As violent storms continue to blow through the Philadelphia area, the Phillies continue to blow.  One Phillies player who has not blown – any saves, that is – could find himself on the trade block when Phillies management starts to face the reality that […]

We will never forget this image.  Brad Lidge falling down to his knees and throwing up his arms in the air.  Carlos Ruiz running up to him for an embrace.  Ryan Howard knocking them over.  The Phillies were World Champions of Baseball. The perfect closer from that season, Brad Lidge, whose 48 for 48 dominance […]

Posted by Frank Klose Back in 2007, the Phillies had two things:  six starting pitchers, and one of the worst bullpens ever assembled. They really had no choice but to make Brett Myers a start.   In 2007 the Phillies had the following in their bullpen: Antonio Alfonseca Joe Bisenius Fabio Castro Clay Condrey Kane […]

Posted by Danielle Wilson It's official. Madson's out, Papelbon's in. Jonathan Papelbon, the 30 year old closer from the Boston Red Sox, is without a doubt one of the greatest closers in the game. Those words are music to Ruben Amaro Jr's ears. Papelbon and the Phillies have agreed on a four-year, $50 million contract […]

Posted by Frank Klose On "Behind the Pinstripes" today Ryan Madson said that he planned to pitch a few games in Clearwater this week and then join the Phillies in New York. This is really good news for the Phillies, whose bullpen currently features Drew Carpenter, Scott Mathieson, David Herndon, Danys Baez, and Juan Perez, […]

Posted by Frank Klose Courtesy si.com The Phillies have placed their closer Ryan Madson on the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 19th, reports several sources, including MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.  The move is the first non-chair related disabled list stint for Madson. The bullpen now looks like this: LHP Antonio BastardoRHP Michael Stutes Then it gets […]