Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
April 16, 2008
Old Oswalt, New Closer

The Houston Astros defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 as Roy Oswalt shakes off his poor start to the season. Roy gives the Astros seven strong innings, allowing five hits and two walks. That lowers his ERA from 9.00 to 6.65.

The calls to move Doug Brocail into the closer role were answered tonight as he pitches the ninth to record the save. He did give up a two-out single to Rollins pinch hitting, but that was it as he struck out two in the inning. We'll see how long this arrangement lasts. My guess is until Doug blows a save in dramatic fashion.


Posted by David Pinto at 09:34 PM | Games | TrackBack (0)
Comments

My guess is that, for better or worse, Valverde will be back in the closer role for the next save opportunity. Valverde threw a lot of pitches in his melt down Monday, and apparently threw more today to work on his mechanics. That probably was the reason he wasn't used, which turned out conveniently to get Roy a win.

Posted by: C Johnson at April 16, 2008 10:36 PM

valverde will be back as soon as another oppurtunity to save or close out a game presents itself. He came in early today and worked on some stuff and threw some pitches, keeping him out of the role tonight.

Posted by: jason C at April 16, 2008 10:48 PM

Valverde has the edge on Brocail in career stats, about a half-run better in ERA and fourteen points better in WHIP. Valverde also pitched in a tough park for hurlers. So he'll probably be back in there...until he blows a few more saves.

Posted by: Casey Abell at April 17, 2008 08:22 AM
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