The Closer Report: June 12, 2009

Saves: 3

Save Opportunities: 4

Only three saves and few appearances make for a slow day.

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Today was a bad day for closers, but a good day for starters—who threw four complete games. There were only three saves, and one wasn't even by a closer.

Daniel Bard came in and shut the door on the Phillies in the 13th inning by striking out the side. The Red Sox were resting Papelbon today and they were trying to Saito, as well.

The only blown save of the day was Ramon Ramirez of the Red Sox, who gave up a blast to Ryan Howard in the bottom of the ninth.

Ryan Madson pitched a one-two-three ninth inning, and struck out the side for his third appearance in three days. It was mentioned that scouts around the league feel that Madson has the stuff closers need, which includes three great pitches. His changeup was nasty tonight.

Fernando Rodney got a big and overdo in a 3-1 win over Pittsburgh. Rodney had a quiet 12 pitch innings and struck out one.

Joe Nathan is on a roll, racking up saves nearly everyday. He recorded his 14th save of the season, dispatching of the Cubs in 10 pitches.

Other Appearances:
Joel Hanrahan: Blew a save today by allowing an inherited runner to score on a ball that Nick Johnson misplayed, but didn't get an error.