Brandon League gets holiday demotion
Here's a quick post to add to your holiday grilling and sipping pleasure:
Brandon League is out as the Seattle closer, at least for the moment. He's been rocked for seven runs (six earned) and two blown saves over his last four appearances, with the latest mess coming Friday night.
Let's to go the Tacoma News-Tribune:
After losing a ninth-inning lead and the game to the Los Angeles Angels last night, manager Eric Wedge decided this morning the Seattle Mariners would 'pull back' closer Brandon League and attempt to finish games off with other pitchers.
Who specifically?
"We'll match up with what we think works," Wedge said. "We've only got seven guys in the bullpen, and Hisashi Iwakuma is the long guy and League will work in other roles for now. Other than them, it could be anyone, depending upon the situation."
The obvious candidates are setup men like Tom Wilhelmsen and lefties Charlie Furbush and Lucas Luetge, but right-handers Shawn Kelley and Steve Delabar might also find themselves working in the ninth inning.
I like Tom Wilhelmsen and Steve Delabar the most, big-strikeout arms and right-handed options. Place your bets, save chasers.
We should also note that League lost his job last May after a rough patch, but he eventually got it back and all was fine. He's not an automatic drop right now; this could be a temporary demotion.
