2005 First half in Review

We're still around, but we've been re-focusing the nature of this weblog - more feature stories, less re-capping of Braden Looper's last blown save.

However, some notable stories have taken place over the past couple of weeks, and should be noted:

1. Troy Percival's career may be over.
Percy was a great stopper for a long time, and was ultimately successful in his quest to tally 300 saves. He was also one of the few lucky stoppers to tally the final out of a World Series, in 2002 with Anaheim. However, his fortunes have taken a turn for the worse in the Motor City. After recently suffering a muscle tear in his throwing arm, he noted that the pain had gotten "progressively worse" after the break, and underwent an MRI on Monday. Best-case, he's out 12 months. Worst case, he's hanging up the spikes.

In the meantime, Kyle "Dr. Tightpants" Farnsworth is finally getting the opportunity to step into the closer role that Cubs fans such as myself had hoped he'd fill 3 years ago, and he's experiencing some success. And another Urlacher-style takedown of another pitcher, but who's counting, right?

2. Curt Schilling is serving as Boston's Interim Closer.
As we all know, this didn't start off too well. However, while Curt has yet to tally his first major-league save, he's pitched two consecutive scoreless ninth innings (in losing causes) since his blowup vs. the Yankees. There is some precedent for starters experiencing success in the bullpen, but all indications out of Boston are that Schilling will return to the rotation as soon as he's able.

Which would, of course, leave the BoSox' closer role empty, as Keith Foulke has been alternately mediocre and injured. Rumors are swirling around Phillies' closer Billy Wagner, who would certainly be an improvement for the 9th inning.

3. Trade Rumors
The KC Royals are not a good team. But we're just as surprised as anyone at the success that Mike MacDougal has experienced this season. He's converted his last 11 save opportunities, and has permanently secured the Royals closer role - that is, unless and until he is traded. Rumor has it that the Cubs are interested in either MacDougal or Jeremy Affeldt - and based upon Ryan Dempster's recent success in the closer role, we have to assume that they're interested in those pitchers as 8th inning options.

Danys Baez has been awfully successful of late as the D-Rays closer (well, as successful as the D-Rays' closer can be, anyway), and according to the rumor mill, is as good as gone. It's almost certain that if Baez is traded (the Nats are allegedly interested), he'll serve as a set-up man. Joe Borowski, believe it or not, would take over for Baez as the D-Rays closer. He's been perfect for the Rays so far.

Trade rumors are also surrounding Jose Mesa, but then again, trade rumors always surround Jose Mesa. Frankly, I'll believe it when I see it.

4. Surprises and Disappointments
The first half has brought us the emergence of several new stoppers - some expected (B.J. Ryan, K-Rod, Huston Street), and some unexpected (Derrick Turnbow, Dustin Hermanson, Todd Jones). Chad Cordero's emergence has been particularly exciting (32 saves, 1.09 ERA), while injuries to Armando Benitez, Octavio Dotel and Eric Gagne were particularly crushing.

Mariano Rivera has gotten off to a simply phenomenal start, putting any "over the hill" rumors to rest (24 SV, 44K, 0.91 ERA). Similarly, warhorses like Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner, and Eddie Guardado keep on rolling.

We'll have a full review of the first half shortly.