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Tampa Bay Rays Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart
|1st in line
|2nd in line
|2017 Closer
|Alex Colome
|Xavier Cedeno
|Erasmo Ramirez
|Brad Boxberger
Previous updates:
May 27, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays — Injured closer Brad Boxberger, who picked up 41 saves last season, could be closer to returning to the big league club. Boxberger pitched an inning Wednesday for the AA Montgomery Biscuits and will be on the hill on Friday, too. If all goes well, he could be back as early as Sunday or Monday.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Cedeno | Ramirez.
May 21, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays — Enny Romero pitched the 8th for Tampa on Friday and picked up his first hold since April 25. Entering Friday, opponents were batting just .098 against him, which is the lowest among MLB relievers. We'll keep an eye out to see if he continues to get high-leverage work for the Rays.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Cedeno | Ramirez.
April 27, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays — With Danny Farquhar optioned to Triple-A, Erasmo Ramirez has picked up back-to-back holds. Ramirez is a versatile pitcher that can also start, but it seems as if Kevin Cash likes the righty in the late innings.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Cedeno | Ramirez.
April 22, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays — The days of Kevin Cash's closer committee appear to be over, as Alex Colome has picked up a save in three straight games. Thursday, Colome was called upon in the middle of the ninth inning of a wild 12-8 game against the Red Sox. With two men on and one out, he retired Mookie Betts and Dustin Pedroia — and Tampa's asterisk, at least for now.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Cedeno | Farquhar.
April 20, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome recorded his second save and remains the number one option in Kevin Cash's committee, though he and the team have only two saves.
Hierarchy remains: *Colome | Cedeno | Farquhar.
* = closer-by-committee
April 18, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome picked up his first save of the season on Sunday. Though not the official closer yet, he remains firmly in the driver's seat for any saves until Brad Boxberger's return.
Hierarchy remains: *Colome | Cedeno | Farquhar.
* = closer-by-committee
April 7, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays – As the first Vulture Save Watch of the year predicted, Alex Colome was unavailable after a 34-pitch outing on Tuesday. However, Kevin Cash is nothing if not consistent with his bullpen. He has let the reliever who pitched the eighth inning finish the game in each of the last two outings, with Erasmo Ramirez the latest pitcher to do so. Ramirez may return to the rotation when Brad Boxberger returns to the bullpen. Meanwhile, Xavier Cedeno was seen warming up for the ninth, and given that Danny Farquhar has made two straight 7th-inning appearances with the Rays trailing, it seems that Cedeno is being trusted with higher-leverage situations in the early going. Until Boxberger returns from injury, it looks like Kevin Cash will keep his promise to play matchups, which means we will be monitoring the Rays bullpen closely for the next few weeks.
Updated hierarchy: *Colome | Cedeno | Farquhar.
* = closer-by-committee
April 6, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome didn't relinquish the lead in the Rays' committee on Tuesday, although he did get some help from the Chase Utley Rule. Colome also threw 34 pitches over two innings, so don't expect him to pitch on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: *Colome | Farquhar | Cedeno.
* = closer-by-committee
March 29, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays – A lengthy profile published recently in the Tampa Bay Times includes the suggestion that Alex Colome "appears the first choice to fill in for Brad Boxberger" when the season starts. Danny Farquhar has had an excellent spring, but we've learned to trust the local beat writers when there hasn't been an overt declaration from a manager. So we'll bump Colome to the top of the committee until we hear more.
Updated hierarchy: *Colome | Farquhar | Cedeno.
* = closer-by-committee
March 25, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays – Danny Farquhar has had a strong spring, including a nice outing yesterday. But Alex Colome has done just fine himself, and neither reliever has distinguished himself in the race to replace the injured Brad Boxberger. However, the duo have distanced themselves from their nearest competition — Xavier Cedeno and Steve Geltz — both of whom are getting knocked around in spring. Unless your league is especially deep, these are probably the only two relievers worth owning for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Farquhar | Colome | Cedeno.
* = closer-by-committee
March 18, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger will be out at least eight weeks after surgery on his abdominal muscles. Manager Kevin Cash would not name a closer, saying that the team would fill the role with a committee based on matchups and recent usage. Options in the ninth will include Danny Farquhar, Alex Colome, Xavier Cedeno, Steve Geltz, and Ryan Webb. Farquhar has experience closing for Seattle in 2013, while Colome has the best stuff and probably the highest upside. As the team's top lefthander, Cedeno might get more than his share of chances too.
Updated hierarchy: *Farquhar | Colome | Cedeno.
February 29, 2016
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger will hold onto the closer role he inherited last season, but with Jake McGee out of the picture, it's the newly acquired Danny Farquhar who will be his chief assistant. Behind them are familiar names like Xavier Cedeno, Alex Colome, and Steve Geltz, although Enny Romero is a longshot worth watching.
Starting 2016 hierarchy: Boxberger | Farquhar | Cedeno.
Holds candidates: Farquhar, Cedeno, Geltz.
September 25, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in August, will be available to pitch Friday night. After throwing a 30-pitch simulated inning Wednesday, he arrived at the ballpark "feeling good" on Thursday. Meanwhile, Brad Boxberger picked up the save Thursday and has pitched in three straight. Could McGee get thrown into the fire right away?
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Cedeno | McGee.
September 22, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Xavier Cedeno returned to action on Sunday, and pitched again last night against the Red Sox. Cedeno had been nursing a strained oblique muscle since September 5, but with his bullpen brethren Alex Colome and Brandon Gomes both roughed up last night, we like Cedeno to slide right back into his first-in-line spot behind Brad Boxberger for the remainder of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Cedeno | Colome.
September 16, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, a pooped Brad Boxberger got the night off, but it was Brandon Gomes who earned his first career save. Alex Colome pitched the 8th, but he faced the 3-4-5 hitters in the Yankees' order. Colome is the man if Boxberger is unavailable, but by virtue of Tuesday's save and Xavier Cedeno's battle with left side tightness, Gomes slides into the Rays' hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Colome | Gomes.
September 15, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Brad Boxberger imploded in dramatic fashion while trying to hold a 1-0 lead in the 9th inning against the Yankees last night. Following a game-tying double by Alex Rodriguez, Boxberger allowed a 3-run home run by #72 Slade Heathcott. With the Rays season all but lost, we expect Boxberger to continue to get save opportunities, but he has experienced a significant decline this season relative to his dominant 2014.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Colome | Cedeno.
August 23, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome pitched a perfect eighth inning with the Rays down one run last night. After the Rays scored two runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead, Colome came back out for the ninth and pitched another perfect inning to finish the game. Brad Boxberger had thrown 33 pitches on Friday so even though it turned out to be a save opportunity, he was likely unavailable. Colome has been impressive recently in relief, including striking out the side in Houston on just 10 pitches in the eighth inning a couple nights ago, and could be the guy when Boxberger is unavailable moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Colome | Cedeno.
August 21, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Sometimes-closer Jake McGee has a torn meniscus and will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery. Xavier Cedeno and Steve Geltz will be Tampa's next line of defense behind a shaky but secure Brad Boxberger (four blown saves, nine losses).
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Cedeno | Geltz.
August 20, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxbgerger blew the save last night, and the Rays ended up losing in extra innings. However, his job just got a bit safer because primary set-up man Jake McGee was sent back to Tampa after tweaking his knee in a 33-pitch outing on Tuesday. He will be evaluated today, but Kevin Cash said he may not join the team until next week. Look for Xavier Cedeno and Steve Geltz to see some higher leverage spots while McGee is out, and check back to see how serious this injury is.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Cedeno.
August 12, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Kevin Cash got Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee some extra rest by using lefty Xavier Cedeno to pick up the save. The outing was Cedeno's twelfth straight without a run allowed, and Cash has praised him as a "model of consistency."
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | McGee | Cedeno.
August 10, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee picked up his 6th save of the year on Sunday, as Brad Boxberger got the night off after pitching in five of the previous seven games. McGee continues to have tremendous value in holds leagues and is only a Boxberger misstep or two away from full time closer role.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Geltz.
August 1, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — After all the rumors, the only Tampa reliever to get dealt at the deadline was Kevin Jepsen, who will head to the Twins. Steve Geltz (45 K in 48.2 IP, 0.88 WHIP) returns to the hierarchy at second in line. Jake McGee coughed up a lead in the eighth Friday night, but his role should remain secure.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | McGee | Geltz.
July 30, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays are all but out of the race this year, and have been floating Brad Boxberger's name as a potential trade piece. Last night he was used for only the third time in a game the Rays were trailing, which may have been a last-chance audition before the trade deadline. While he's in Tampa, he's still the closer, but if he gets moved, Jake McGee would be worthy of an immediate add (if he's not already taken).
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
July 25, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee earned his fifth save on Friday, in a game where Brad Boxberger did not appear. A McGee save by itself isn't that unusual, but given the rumors swirling around all three members of the Tampa hierarchy, Friday could have been either an attempt to showcase the lefthander, who boasts 21 straight scoreless appearances, or an early look at life after a Boxberger trade.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
July 19, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee picked up his 4th save of the season on Saturday and has not allowed a run in his last 18 appearances. However, it was Brad Boxberger who pitched in the more important spot, as he faced the top of the order in the 8th inning. Boxberger still appears to be the closer for the Rays but McGee could still see some save opportunities when Boxberger is needed before the 9th inning.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
July 11, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger bounced back from losses in his past two appearances, including giving up a walk-off grand slam, to record his 21st save yesterday. Boxberger owners were happy to see that his recent struggles don't appear to have impacted his status as closer, but Jake McGee, and his sixteen straight scoreless appearances, is still lurking.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 27, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — After yet another conventional Jepsen-McGee-Boxberger use of the Tampa bullpen, we're ready to pull the plug on the closer committee asterisk and acknowledge that Brad Boxberger has earned the job.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 24, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger continues to be the most valuable member of the Rays' bullpen, as he locked down his fourth straight save despite allowing a solo home run. We'll keep the asterisk because manager Kevin Cash can go to Jake McGee or Kevin Jepsen at any point, but Boxberger is the man to own in Tampa.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* = closer-by-committee
June 21, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger ran into a little trouble on Saturday night, loading the bases in the 9th, but he was able to get out of it without allowing any runs, and picked up his 18th save of the season in the process. After recording no saves in the first half of June, Boxberger has now gotten saves in each of the past three games. Manager Kevin Cash has other good options to close out games with Jake McGee and Kevin Jepsen, but Boxberger seems to be re-asserting himself as the guy after a shaky start to the month.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* = closer-by-committee
June 19, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — The committee chugs along in Tampa, where Brad Boxberger earned the save on Thursday night. Boxberger allowed a hit and struck out two in a complete ninth for the save, preceded by Jake McGee in a scoreless eighth, and Kevin Jepsen pitching around two hits and a walk in the seventh. We expect this committee to remain for the bulk of the season, with Boxberger still most likely to collect saves.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* = closer-by-committee
June 15, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Kevin Jepsen picked up another save for the Rays on Sunday. Brad Boxberger had thrown 28 pitches Saturday, while Jake McGee had pitched in three of the last four. Still, the way this bullpen is managed, any of these three guys could get a save on any given night at this point.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* = closer-by-committee
June 14, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee recorded his third save of the season on Saturday after Brad Boxberger pitched the 8th inning. Boxberger replaced starter Chris Archer after he gave up a leadoff walk to start the 8th. After giving up the tying homerun to the first batter he faced, Boxberger was able to get out of the inning without anymore runs. Kevin Cash had good things to say about him since he went through the heart of the White Sox order to finish the 8th and helped them win the game. This looks like a full committee right now, with the Rays using Boxberger in big spots before the 9th if they need to. We will leave Boxberger as head of the committee for now, but if McGee gets the next save opportunity, he would likely move to the top.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 13, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — As foretold by the Vulture Save Watch, Jake McGee was summoned for the save on Friday night, allowing Brad Boxberger to take a night off.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 12, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — It was a bad seventh inning for the Rays bullpen Thursday night. Up 2-1, manager Kevin Cash went with Kevin Jepsen, who allowed the tying run before getting yanked. Brad Boxberger came into the game with men on first and third with one out and the 1-2-3 hitters due up for the Angels — arguably the highest leverage spot in the game, which is how Kevin Cash has said he'd handle Boxberger's use in the past. Boxberger allowed an RBI groundout and an RBI double, allowing two inherited runs to score before he was pulled. Jepsen and Boxberger each recorded only one out, and the Rays went on to lose 6-2. With Boxberger's recent ineffectiveness (6.1 IP, 5 ER since May 26) and his use in non-save situations, we're going to slap the closer-by-committee tag back on Tampa for the time being.
Updated hierarchy: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 11, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee finally earned that elusive first save of 2015, allowing one hit and striking out two in an uneventful 9th inning. Brad Boxberger pitched the 8th, facing the 2-3-4 hitters in the Angels' lineup. It was Boxberger's first appearance in a week after a battle with triceps soreness, and he arguably pitched in a higher-leverage spot given whom he faced. Since a blown save on May 26, McGee has allowed just one hit and lowered his ERA from 8.10 to 3.00. He slides ahead of Kevin Jepsen for now, but those two may be used interchangeably.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 8, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – After a 32-pitch outing on Wednesday, Brad Boxberger has been dealing with some triceps soreness. The Rays don't expect it to be serious, and Boxberger believes he'll be back on Tuesday. In the meantime, Kevin Jepsen picked up another save.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | McGee.
June 6, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Kevin Cash wanted to give Brad Boxberger another day off after his 32-pitch outing on Wednesday, so Kevin Jepsen got the call for a second straight night. He gave up a leadoff triple, but wriggled out of trouble impressively to pick up his third save.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | McGee.
June 5, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Kevin Jepsen — and not Jake McGee — pitched the 9th and earned the save against the Seattle Mariners, his second of the season. Brad Boxberger was unavailable after throwing 32 pitches in a rough outing Wednesday night. McGee pitched a scoreless eighth inning Thursday, but hasn't had a save opportunity since he returned from the disabled list. We're going to slide Jepsen to the first-in-line slot for the time being.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Jepsen | McGee.
June 4, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Brad Boxberger was brought in with two outs in the 8th to protect a lead, which he did, but then blew the save in the 9th inning. He picked up the win after the Rays scored in the 10th, and Steven Geltz secured up his second save of the year with Jake McGee and Kevin Jepsen having already pitched. Boxberger has been excellent, despite a recent rough stretch, and his primary competition, Jake McGee, was used in the 7th inning last night, so his job is probably safe for now.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
June 1, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – If there was ever a time to give someone other than Brad Boxberger a save opportunity, it was earlier this week, after he had consecutive bad outings. Instead, Kevin Cash went back to the righty immediately for the next two save chances, and Box converted them both. We know the Rays have said otherwise all season, but until they actually use someone else in the 9th, we're finally removing the committee asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
May 28, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — After converting nine straight save opportunities, Brad Boxberger has taken losses in his last two appearances. Last night he gave up three runs on two walks and a Nelson Cruz moonshot. Boxberger has been great right up until this recent rough patch, and his primary competitor Jake McGee is coming off his own disaster outing on Tuesday, so its unlikely that he would slide out of his spot as the top guy in the committee just yet. However, if he blows a save in his next loss, it could be McGee getting the next look.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* closer-by-committee
May 20, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee grabbed his first hold of 2015, setting up Brad Boxberger for his 11th save of the season. McGee now has four strikeouts in two innings since his return, and he is the sensible candidate to pitch directly ahead of Brad Boxberger. However, manager Kevin Cash has repeatedly reminded us that he's playing matchups, meaning McGee and Boxberger can swap spots on a whim.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* closer-by-committee
May 15, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Matt Andriese had a rare four-inning save Thursday night against the Yankees, before getting sent down to make room for the returning Jake McGee. Brad Boxberger (2-1, 1.29 ERA, 10 saves in 10 chances, 12.86 K/9) has been excellent in McGee's absence, so for now, Kevin Cash will play the matchups. McGee could grab the job for good later this summer, however.
Updated hierarchy: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* closer-by-committee
May 7, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee may be ready to rejoin the team as early as this weekend, but manager Kevin Cash indicated that when McGee returns he "won't just make him the ninth-inning guy." This isn't the news that anyone who stashed McGee on the DL was hoping to hear, but it is not too surprising. Brad Boxberger has been extremely effective at the top of the committee, and Kevin Cash has already signaled that he will use his best relievers in the most important spots.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Geltz.
May 2, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Steve Geltz struck out two hitters in a perfect 7th inning ahead of Kevin Jepsen and Brad Boxberger. His impressive outing comes on the back of an even better one on Wednesday, when he struck out five consecutive Yankees. The righty now has 16 Ks in 12.2 IPs, to go along with a tidy ERA (2.84) and WHIP (0.87).
Updated hierarchy: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Geltz.
May 1, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Rays reliever Jake McGee said he "felt good" in a rehab outing Wednesday allowing no runs, hits or walks in an inning of work at Single-A. McGee believes he'll pitch again for Single-A on Friday or Saturday before beginning a rehab stint with Triple-A Durham. If all goes well, he will certainly toss his name into Tampa Bay's late-innings hat.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee
April 30, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays –Ernesto Frieri picked up the save in a 13-inning game after committee colleagues Kevin Jepsen and Brad Boxberger had already pitched.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee
April 25, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Matt Andriese gave up his spot in the rotation to Drew Smyly today, but wound up earning a three-inning blowout save instead — and his first Closer Monkey reference. I'd take that deal. While we're here, we should mention that Jake McGee will throw a bullpen session tomorrow and, if all goes well, will start rehab with the High-A Stone
Cutters Crabs.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee
April 23, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Manager Kevin Cash earned a lot of praise Wednesday night for his willingness to use closer Brad Boxberger in the seventh inning of a tie game. The move paid off, as Boxberger struck out the heart of the Red Sox order. This led to Steven Geltz earning his first Major League save. Cash is of the mindset that his best reliever should pitch the most volatile situation, and this means that we're back to calling this a committee for the time being. Boxberger is still the clear favorite for saves, but don't be surprised if he is used in the seventh or eighth depending on the situation.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee
April 21, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee is on his way to the Durham Bulls to begin a rehab assignment after throwing a successful bullpen session on Sunday. Brad Boxberger has pitched well in the closer role to start the season, but expect McGee could potentially compete for save opportunities as soon as he completes his stint in Triple-A.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
April 19, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour gave up 3 runs last night, and the Rays decided they have seen enough. Balfour was designated for assignment after the game.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
April 17, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Injured closer Jake McGee, working his way back after arthroscopic elbow surgery in December, tossed an inning in an extended spring training game on Thursday. The Rays will decide the next step in McGee's recovery process on Friday; he may return to the big club within two weeks.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | Balfour.
April 15, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Brad Boxberger had pitched four of the last five days, and despite an off day on Sunday, was held out for Tuesday's tilt. Kevin Jepsen earned the Vulture Save in Boxberger's stead.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | Balfour.
April 12, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – Ernesto Frieri cleaned up an 8th inning mess and then stayed on for the 9th after the Rays tacked on a run. Frieri allowed a run himself, but picked up a vulture save.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | Balfour.
April 11, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour entered in the fifth inning of Friday's game with the Rays down seven, a solid indication that he's not the first choice for high-leverage setup work in Tampa. Kevin Cash has also shown no indication that he's using a closer committee, with Brad Boxberger getting enough endgame opportunities to shed his asterisk. Boxberger should have another three weeks in the role before Jake McGee returns.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Jepsen | Balfour.
March 29, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays have several options to close while Jake McGee is out. Grant Balfour should be ready for the start of the season after missing a couple weeks due to the passing away of his father. However, it looks like Brad Boxberger will see the most save chances. Boxberger had over 100 strikeouts last year and could thrive in the closer's role to start the season.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger* | Balfour | Jepsen.
* closer-by-committee
March 26, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour made his first appearance of the spring on Monday and expects to be ready for Opening Day. All three of Tampa's current top relievers allowed a run in the game. Jake McGee is throwing curveballs again and should be back to closing in late April or early May.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Boxberger | Jepsen.
March 18, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – In the race to close games in Tampa's sans-McGee bullpen, Grant Balfour had a few distinct advantages. He has the most experience in the role, he had expressed an interest in it, and most importantly, Kevin Cash had mentioned him as a possibility. But Balfour has missed the last few weeks of spring training following the death of his father, while Brad Boxberger has come out of the gate with three scoreless innings. With his strong start, we think Boxberger has pulled even with Balfour, and suspect the Opening Day closer will be largely determined by which player looks better over the next couple weeks.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Boxberger | Jepsen.
March 6, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Joe Maddon is gone, which perhaps means a more stable bullpen in 2015. Jake McGee will lead that group when he returns from elbow surgery, as he impressed as the closer last year when he finally got the role for good. Grant Balfour struggled mightily last season but still wants the closer job. He'll have to compete with newly-acquired Kelvin Jepsen and Ernesto Frieri, as well as Brad Boxberger, who had a strong 2014. In addition, Jeff Beliveau had 28 strikeouts in 24 innings last season, and might be the only lefty on the team's Opening Day roster.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Balfour | Boxberger | Jepsen.
Holds candidates: Boxberger, Beliveau.
September 15, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – After Jake McGee blew the save in the 9th, Jeff Beliveau picked up the scraps once the Rays re-took the lead in the 10th. It was Beliveau's first save.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
September 13, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour pitched a perfect 9th inning last night to record his first save since July 1st. Jake McGee threw a perfect 8th inning and should continue to see the majority of save chances. However, with Joel Peralta giving up 5 runs in his past two outings, Balfour could see more time in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
August 25, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – After Jake McGee pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th inning for the Rays, Brad Boxberger picked up the save after the Rays took the lead in the 10th. We said a little while back that McGee was getting 86% of the Rays save chances — that still seems about right.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Peralta.
August 20, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Lately it has seemed that Grant Balfour pitches only when the Rays are losing. Though that wasn't the case when he entered the game on Tuesday night, it certainly was when he left, three runs and no outs later. Of Balfour's 14 pitches, only two were strikes — and one of those was lined for a hard-luck triple. Grant's struggles (he leads all relievers in walks) make Joel Peralta relevant again, if only by default.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Boxberger | Peralta.
August 9, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee pitched the 8th inning last night with a one run lead and the Rays went to Brad Boxberger for the save in the 9th. Boxberger wasn't able to convert the save, as he allowed a run for the first time since June 27th. The Rays scored a run in the top of the 10th, and again they sent Boxberger out there to protect a one run lead. This time he threw a perfect inning to finish the game. McGee is still the closer but it looks like Boxberger could still see an occasional save chance.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
August 2, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – In his second appearance since coming off the DL, Joel Peralta struck out the side on only 10 pitches. McGee seems to have established himself as the Rays' closer, but Joel Peralta could work his way back towards the set-up role with more outings like that.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
July 29, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – After notching his fifth post-All-Star-Break save on Monday, Jake McGee has now closed out Tampa victories in six of his last seven appearances. Will he get every opportunity for the surging Rays the rest of the way? With Joe Maddon around, probably not. But if he's getting 86% of the save chances, that's good enough to kick our closer-by-committee asterisk for the time being.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
July 27, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Jake McGee picked up his 11th save of the season last night. Boxberger has allowed zero runs in July and has recorded a win, a save, and six holds this month. Jake McGee has gotten the last three save opportunities for the Rays and has converted each one.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
July 24, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger to Jake McGee: two perfect innings with five strikeouts. A fella could get used to this. And get well soon, Joel Peralta; hope you don't have that nasty chikungunya virus.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Boxberger.
July 21, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – We were again getting close to removing the asterisk next to Jake McGee's name — it seemed like he'd finally been established as the one and only 9th inning guy in Tampa. But yesterday, Joe Maddon decided to use him in the 8th, and instead sent Grant Balfour out for the 9th. Balfour struggled, and eventually had to be pulled for Kirby Yates, who picked up his first career save. So we're still in committee mode here, though McGee is still getting the vast majority of save chances.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Boxberger.
July 15, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – You could really play buy or sell with the Rays' bullpen in the middle of the game thanks to Joe Maddon's hijinks. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None
July 14, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays had a nice, civilized 9th inning on Sunday, with Jake McGee taking over for a stellar David Price and pitching a 1-2-3 inning with 2 Ks. Every time this happens, we hope it's a harbinger of some normalcy in Maddon-land, and thanks to the All Star break, we'll be able to live with that blissful vision for the next four days.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Boxberger.
July 12, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour came on for the 9th inning of a tie game yesterday and promptly gave up three runs, while only recording one out. Joel Peralta also gave up two runs in his last time out. Meanwhile, Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless inning last night and hasn't given up a run in his last 9.1 innings of work. Boxberger has already received one save in the Rays crazy committee and could see more chances if Balfour and Peralta continue to struggle.
Updated Hierarchy: McGee | Balfour | Boxberger.
July 10, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Time for our daily look at the bullpen you don't want anything to do with! Use of would-be closer in the eighth inning? Check. Five pitchers called on to get the final seven outs? Check! Rookie Kirby Yates brought in at the highest-leverage moment to yield a game-winning home run? CHECK! The Rays have Thursday off, giving Joe Maddon the chance to take a fresh look at all of his bullpen options, then return to using them in baffling and inconsistent ways.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
July 9, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — After using each of the three other members of the Tampa closer committee in turn, Joe Maddon has now called on Jake McGee in three straight save situations. McGee didn't make it easy on Tuesday, giving up two runs in the ninth, but he got out of trouble in the end. It's still a committee until mad genius Joe Maddon says otherwise, but McGee remains the best guy to own.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
July 5, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Yesterday it was Jake McGee's turn again in the Rays' committee and he didn't disappoint, pitching a scoreless 9th for his 4th save of the season. However, the most important work out of the bullpen came from Brad Boxberger. Boxberger, who picked up the save on Wednesday, came on with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 6th inning. He was able to limit the damage to one run by getting a double play and a strikeout. Boxberger came back out for the 7th and struck out 2 batters in a perfect inning of work. This is still very much a committee, and Joel Peralta pitched a scoreless 8th yesterday so it is hard to put Boxberger on the hierarchy yet, but with 51 Ks in 33.1 innings, he could move ahead of Balfour and Peralta as the primary righty in the committee if he continues to pitch well.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
July 3, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — It's unclear precisely what good deed Brad Boxberger performed to get the latest nod in the ninth from mystic philosopher-king Joe Maddon. All we know for sure is that if you want a reliable source of saves, Tampa relievers aren't for you.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
July 2, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Oh, Joe Maddon. No one was surprised to see him call on Jake McGee to face the Yankees' 2-3-4 hitters in a one-run eighth. A few people were surprised when he summoned Grant Balfour to nail down the save with the same score in the ninth. But everyone was surprised when Maddon revealed his reasoning in a postgame statement and tweet: he was rewarding Balfour for the good "karma" he sensed as the embattled reliever walked his octogenarian Aussie grandmother through the lobby of the team hotel. Some Rays fans called the move brave, but honestly, with the way the Yankees have been hitting lately, Granny B could have taken the mound herself.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
July 1, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Every time we think Jake McGee has creeped closer to claiming the ninth-inning duties for the Rays, Joe Maddon reminds us that he truly believes in his committee. On Monday, he had McGee face the Yankees' 2-6 hitters in the eighth inning before allowing Joel Peralta to pitch to the bottom of the order in the ninth. His plan was foiled, however, when a Brian Roberts' solo shot off Peralta tied the game. It's clear that Maddon wanted his best reliever to face the Yankees' best hitters, and it's thinking like that which will keep the Rays' committee alive and well.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
June 29, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee picked up his second save in two days on Saturday. Grant Balfour worked the 8th inning ahead of McGee in game 1 of the doubleheader on Friday and did it again yesterday. It is also worth noting that Joel Peralta gave up 2 runs in the 7th inning with the Rays losing in game 2 of the doubleheader on Friday. McGee looks to be moving ahead of the other members of the Rays committee and could be establishing himself as the primary closer.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
June 23, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – It seems pretty common for managers to declare "Committee!" after their stopper proves ineffective, but Joe Maddon is actually following through on it. There have been four saves since Grant Balfour lost his full time job, and Balfour, Juan Carlos Oviedo, Jake McGee, and Joel Peralta have all gotten one of them. (Peralta picked his up on Sunday.) We still like McGee the best of the four, but it may take some time for someone to distinguish themselves.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
June 20, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – The best thing Grant Balfour has going for him is a manager hellbent on getting him back to the 9th inning. But he's also put together a modest line since being demoted two weeks ago (4.2 IPs, 1 ER, 3 H, 5 Ks, and 1 BB), and for a guy who spent much of the year with a 6+ ERA and more walks than strikeouts, this constitutes tremendous progress. Last night, he got the 9th inning in a 5-run game (pitching behind Joel Peralta, who got the 8th), and struck out the side.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
June 17, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Committees can be maddening for fantasy owners, and Joe Maddon hasn't helped matters by the way he has gone about the late innings. Joel Peralta pitched the seventh before giving way to Grant Balfour, who struggled through one out of the eighth. Jake McGee, who appeared to be the leading candidate for saves, was called upon to bail him out and instead allowed an inherited runner to score, tying the game. The Rays regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning and it was Juan Carlos Oviedo who picked up his first save since he was Leo Nunez in 2011. After the game, Maddon insisted that there's "no need" to settle on one closer, and that it'll be the opponents' batting order that dictates who enters the game. We still think McGee is at the head of the committee, but at this point it really could be anyone who gets the call at any particular moment.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Peralta | Balfour.
June 16, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – It's been obvious that Jake McGee has been the best arm in the Rays bullpen this year. But even when Grant Balfour began to struggle, there were various reasons — arbitration considerations, usage, his left-handedness — to think that he wasn't going to be the first man to get a save chance in Tampa's new committee. (And, he wasn't.) But despite the lack of save chances, the stars have been aligning for McGee ever since the Rays made the switch. He pitched the 9th inning of a 1-run loss — behind Joel Peralta — in the first day after the Rays declared a committee last week. Grant Balfour picked up that weird, 7-out save on Wednesday, but Joe Maddon went out of his way after the game to point out that McGee was unavailable. Two nights ago, he likely would've gotten a save chance, except that the Rays scored a bunch of runs in the 9th. And yesterday, after David Price turned in 8 solid innings, it was McGee who closed the door in the 9th. There are still way too many dynamics in play to anoint McGee the new full time closer, and after all, this was just his first save. But with that finally out of the way, we're inching him to the head of the Tampa committee.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Peralta | Balfour.
June 14, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays used Joel Peralta in the 8th inning last night with a 3 run lead. They added 2 more runs in the top of the 9th so there was no save opportunity for anyone. Jake McGee did end up coming on for the last out of the game and likely would have gotten the save if the Rays had not tacked on more runs. Peralta was warming up for the save in the 9th the other night so it seems like this is a true committee. We still like Peralta but we would also not be surprised if McGee saw the next save opportunity.
Updated hierarchy: Peralta | McGee | Balfour.
June 12, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — Huh. In a one-run game, Joe Maddon summoned Juan Carlos Oviedo in the sixth, watched him get one out and hit a batter in the seventh, brought in Cesar Ramos as a LOOGY, and then let deposed closer Grant Balfour finish the inning. When the Rays scored two in the bottom of the seventh, Maddon sensed an opportunity to help the embattled Australian regain some confidence — so out he came to pitch a perfect eighth. And though Joel Peralta was up and warming prior to the ninth inning, it was Balfour who finished the game, earning a surprising 2.1-inning save. After the game, Maddon explained that the closer committee is still in effect, but it seems he'd like the Goose Gossage of New South Wales back in the role as soon as possible.
Updated hierarchy: Peralta | Balfour | McGee.
June 11, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — It's fun to talk about, but until the team finally wins a game, the Tampa closer committee will remain a matter for philosophers, theologians, and Seminole medicine men. Juan Carlos Oviedo might get the first shot at breaking the curse tomorrow, since Joel Peralta was used Tuesday in a high-leverage spot in the eighth, and Jake McGee followed him with a 20-pitch ninth. If that happens, we can't rule out the possibility that Oviedo takes the job and runs with it, perhaps earning up to one save per month for the flailing Rays. Watch out for Kirby Yates as a dark horse candidate too; he's been a lights-out closer for the AAA Durham Bulls.
Hierarchy remains: Peralta | McGee | Oviedo.
June 9, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays will go with a closer-by-committee for the time being, announced Joe Maddon this morning. Grant Balfour will be part of that committee, but as mentioned in our previous update, we like Joel Peralta to get the next save chance, with Jake McGee and Juan Carlos Oviedo also involved. Balfour will have to work his way back to the 9th inning, which seems unlikely given his terrible ratios thus far.
Updated hierarchy: Peralta | McGee | Oviedo.
June 9, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Grant Balfour gave up five more runs on Sunday and now has a 6.46 ERA. Joe Maddon wouldn't say if Balfour had finally lost the job that he should've lost a long time ago, but it seems silly to keep running him out there. Until we see evidence that Balfour has lost the job, all we can do is speculate, but the three candidates to take over the job right now are Joel Peralta, Jake McGee, and Juan Carlos Oviedo. Oviedo (the former Leo Nunez) had a better chance at the job before allowing a run in three consecutive outings last week. McGee clearly has the best stuff, averaging more than a strikeout per inning and currently rocking a 1.59 ERA, but just three days ago, he was pitching in the 6th inning. That leaves the veteran Peralta, who despite a rough start to the season, has continued to pitch the 8th inning and has managed to hold the opposition scoreless in 13 of his last 14 outings. Stressing that we don't have any hints from inside the clubhouse about what happens next, we still think Peralta has a narrow lead in the race to replace Balfour.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Peralta | McGee.
May 26, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Joel Peralta has had his problems with the long ball this year, which has led to a high ERA for the usually-reliable veteran, but despite Jake McGee's dominance, Peralta has consistently been the 8th inning guy all year long. However, McGee owners had reasons to feel optimistic yesterday, as Peralta, for the first time, was summoned in the 7th, rather than the 8th. He gave up his fifth home run of the season — a 2-run shot to Jonny Gomes — and saw his ERA climb to 5.24. Though we're not ready to deem McGee the heir apparent just yet, any small shift in the Rays pen is worth mentioning, given Grant Balfour's struggles.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Peralta | McGee.
May 23, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – We've mentioned Grant Balfour's ratios here before, but it truly is incredible to see a pitcher with peripherals this bad continue to get the ball in the 9th inning. After walking two (and getting annoyed with the crowd for booing him) in a blown save on Thursday afternoon, Balfour now has 18 BBs and just 15 Ks in 18.1 innings pitched. He's already on the Hot Seat, though he might hang on to his job in part because the Rays ended up winning their game in extras. But Joel Peralta — and maybe Jake McGee — is definitely worth a speculative pick up at this point.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Peralta | McGee
May 17, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Grant Balfour picked up his 8th save by pitching a perfect 9th inning last night, just one night after being removed from a save opportunity without recording an out. Manager Joe Maddon said that Balfour is still his closer. Balfour may have given himself a little more leeway with his outing yesterday, but we still think Maddon will have to think about changing things up if Balfour has another outing like Thursday.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Peralta | McGee.
May 16, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Summoned to protect a three-run lead, Grant Balfour walked the first two batters he faced (the 8 and 9 hitters) before allowing an RBI single. Balfour was then yanked by Joe Maddon, and watched from the clubhouse as Brad Boxberger gave up a walk off 3-run HR to Mike Trout. Balfour wasn't happy about being removed, but the quick hook shows how little trust Maddon has in him at this point. Already on our Hot Seat, Balfour (15.1 IPs, 6.46 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 11 Ks, 14 BBs) is probably just one more blown save from losing his job — if he hasn't done so already.
Hierarchy remains: Balfour | Peralta | McGee.
April 26, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – Grant Balfour gave up a walk off grand slam last night, and while that's all well and terrible, we're actually even more worried about his ratios so far this year — 10.1 innings with 7 Ks and 9 BBs. There's no shortage of arms in the Tampa bullpen: Joel Peralta has been as reliable as ever, Jake McGee has a 0.90 ERA — heck, there was even a
Leo Nunez Juan Carlos Oviedo sighting this week. With Balfour's health in question even before the year began, we have to think he's on a short leash. Grant Balfour to Hot Seat.
April 14, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays – A day after Jake McGee got an 8th hold inning for the Rays, Heath Bell was called upon to pitch in the 7th of a game that the Rays were losing by four. Bell didn't help matters, allowing two earned runs and raising his season ERA to 5.40. His peripherals aren't great so far, either, and at age 36, he's got to start proving that he still belongs. Hierarchy change: Jake McGee to 2nd in line, replacing Heath Bell.
March 13, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — The irascible Australian Grant Balfour, rejected by Baltimore, will be out to prove something to his division rivals. Ranked #14 in our preseason closer rankings.
March 11, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays –Almost an Oriole, Grant Balfour returns to the Rays this season as the team's closer. He was 38-of-41 in save opportunities last season in Oakland and will replace Fernando Rodney, who departed for Seattle. The Rays feel they have the best bullpen in baseball, and they have plenty of options behind Balfour. Juan Carlos Oviedo, Heath Bell, Joel Peralta and Jake McGee all figure to factor in Joe Maddon's late-inning plans. Bell struggled last season, but if Peralta struggles Bell may see his more high-leverage time. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Grant Balfour, Set-up – Joel Peralta, 2nd in line – Heath Bell.
September 25, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake Odorizzi picked up a three-inning save on Tuesday as the Rays shut out the Yankees. No hierarchy change.
September 24, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays — After nearly three months on the disabled list, All-Star set-up man Jesse Crain was finally activated on Monday. If he's truly healthy, he should soon pass Jake McGee as Tampa's top seventh-inning option. No hierarchy change.
September 4, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays — Starter Roberto Hernandez picked up the first save of his eight-year major league career with 3.2 scoreless innings in a 7-1 win. No hierarchy change.
August 28, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays — After Joel Peralta struck out the side in the eighth inning, Fernando Rodney entered and blew his eighth save of the season. The Rays fell to 3-12 in games where they have blown leads in the seventh inning or later. With the Rays in the heart of a pennant race, they can't afford to keep losing this way. Fernando Rodney to Hot Seat.
July 30, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays took a gamble on Jesse Crain; if he's able to return from his injury with the same form he exhibited earlier in the season, he'll be in the thick of the bullpen mix with Joel Peralta and Jake McGee down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Jesse Crain to 2nd in line (DL).
July 17, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays — Fernando Rodney isn't the most reliable closer in the league, but the Rays are still likely to stand pat at this year's trade deadline. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.
July 12, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney had the night off on Thursday, and Jake McGee who got the save in his absence. The opp likely would've gone to Joel Peralta, but Peralta had to be summoned in the 8th inning to bail the Rays out of a sticky situation. But McGee has been pitching very well lately, having only allowed 3 runs in his last 24.2 innings, and his usage over the past week suggest that he's basically sharing the set-up role with Peralta at this point. No hierarchy change.
June 1, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – Cesar Ramos went three innings for the save on Friday. No hierarchy change.
May 26, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – Joe Maddon on Saturday gave Fernando Rodney yet another vote of confidence after the closer's fifth blown save of the year. But with his ERA now at 6.05 on the season, Rodney remains on the hottest of Hot Seats, and Joel Peralta's continued efficiency makes him a great speculative add, if he's available. No hierarchy change.
May 18, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – As predicted in yesterday's vulture save watch, Joel Peralta recorded the save last night. Fernando Rodney was warming up in the 9th but Joe Madden did not need to bring him in as Peralta pitched a perfect 9th. No hierarchy change.
May 17, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – After another dreadful outing, Fernando Rodney now has a 5.28 ERA and 3 blown saves in 10 tries this year. Joe Madden gave him a vote of confidence after the game, saying: "I'm not really concerned yet. I'm not running away from Fernando. We'll get him right." We are, though, especially with reliable set-up man Joel Peralta (1.96 ERA) having another solid season. Fernando Rodney to Hot Seat.
May 13, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee picked up his second 7th-inning hold in the past week on Sunday. McGee has an extremely high ERA, but it's mostly due to one horrible outing he had in early May. On the rare night when both Fernando Rodney and Joel Peralta were unavailable, he'd likely get the save opp. Hierarchy change: Jake McGee to 2nd in line, replacing Jamey Wright.
May 2, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – An ugly April for the Rays bullpen has spilled into May, as 7th inning man Jake McGee gave up 5 runs on Wednesday against the Royals. McGee's ERA jumped from 6.48 to 11.00 after the shellacking, and with hard-throwing righty Kyle Farnsworth struggling, the Rays may have to start leaning on journeyman Jamey Wright to get a few high-leverage outs late in games. Wright has been one of the few reliable arms in Tampa, with a 1.54 ERA in 12 games so far. Hierarchy change: Jamey Wright to 2nd in line, replacing Jake McGee.
April 11, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee pitched the 7th inning last night, a role he has settled into nicely. Kyle Farnsworth, meanwhile, hasn't pitched in many high-leverage situations in the early going. Hierarchy change: Jake McGee to 2nd in line, replacing Kyle Farnsworth.
February 24, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Fernando Rodney, Set-up- Joel Peralta, 2nd in line- Kyle Farnsworth.
July 13, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney's dominance has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, and with Kyle Farnsworth recently returned from the DL, the Rays are unlikely to add any bullpen arms. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.
July 1, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays – Kyle Farnsworth pitched his first inning of year on Saturday, logging a scoreless frame in the 7th inning. The former closer immediately slots in to the Rays late-inning hierarchy, and could push Joel Peralta for the 8th inning role. Hierarchy change: Kyle Farnsworth to 2nd in line, replacing Jake McGee.
June 14, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee pitched a perfect inning in a losing effort on Wednesday, lowering his ERA to 1.69. JP Howell, meanwhile, has not rediscovered the velocity that made him such a dynamic reliever two years ago and has struggled, particularly in recent weeks. Hierarchy change: Jake McGee to 2nd in line, replacing JP Howell.
May 5, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays – Joel Peralta recorded a one-out save on Friday. As noted in the vulture save watch, Fernando Rodney had been used a lot lately, so he was given a night off. No hierarchy change.
April 20, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays – JP Howell pitched the 7th inning yesterday while the game was still close. Joe Maddon seems more willing to use Howell to pitch to both righties and lefties, while Jake McGee has settled into more of a LOOGY role. Hierarchy change: JP Howell to 2nd in line, replacing Jake McGee.
April 9, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays- Fernando Rodney closed out Sunday's game against the Yankees, notching his second save in as many days. It seems that Joel Peralta's leash was at short as it could be, as Rodney will close until Kyle Farnsworth returns from the DL. Hierarchy change: Fernando Rodney to Closer, Joel Peralta to Set-up.
April 8, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays- Joel Peralta was brought in to stop the Yankees rally yesterday, but only faced two hitters, the second of whom hit a HR off him. Jake McGee was then brought in for one batter before Fernando Rodney came in to close it out. Based on Peralta's success filling in as closer last year, he figures to get another shot, but could be in danger of losing the job should he falter again. Joel Peralta to Hot Seat.
April 5, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays- Kyle Farnsworth was on the Rays' 25-man opening day roster yesterday, but today, he's been placed on the disabled list after complaining of elbow soreness. Joel Peralta will see save opportunities in his absence. Hierarchy change: Joel Peralta to Closer, Fernando Rodney to Set-up, Jake McGee to 2nd in line, Kyle Farnsworth to DL.
March 20, 2012
Tampa Bay Rays- Joe Maddon's 2012 group looks much like the 2011 version of the bullpen – and that's a good thing for the Rays. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Kyle Farnsworth, Set-up- Joel Peralta, 2nd in line- Fernando Rodney.
Sept. 26, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays- Kyle Farnsworth pitched his first inning in several weeks on Saturday, so the Rays gave him Sunday off and turned to Joel Peralta for the save. No hierarchy change.
Sept. 19, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays- Kyle Farnsworth is still out for at least two more days, and Joel Peralta picked up another save in his absence on Sunday. No hierarchy change.
Sept. 18, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays- Joel Peralta picked up the save last night with Kyle Farnsworth still on the shelf. Farnsworth is due to return on Wednesday or Thursday, so Peralta may get one or two more opportunities to close. No hierarchy change.
Sept. 13, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays- Kyle Farnsworth will be out a few days as he recovers from some shoulder soreness. Joel Peralta picked up the save last night and will close until he gets back. No hierarchy change.
Aug. 28, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays- Joel Peralta got the save last night as Farnsworth was unavailable due to a sore elbow. Madden said Farnsworth should be able to pitch tomorrow. No hierarchy change.


text:
Hi everyone, I've roamed this site for nearly a year as a guest and was always able to solve my problems with my own box by reading others' posts, now I've backed myself into a corner with a new (used) box.
I picked up a second XBox lately with the intent of making a media centre for my parents, and at first it seemed like a good starting point but it's looking more and more like a complete train wreck by the hour.
It's a V1.0 box, that at some point had an Xecuter 2 chip in it (main XBox splash says "Xecuter2" under the logo), and had EvoX installed. Upon opening the box, I found there's no chip in it at all. I even checked under the motherboard just in case. It also has Evox installed as the primary dashboard. I tried to put the latest XBMC version on it, but I can't connect through FTP. Well, it connects, but it can't get the directory structure and my client gives up.
It has a dodgy Thomson drive that won't always read discs (in case you ask, but I can deal with that).
My real question is, how can I get this to run cleanly? Ideally I'd like to get rid of the Xecuter reference in the splash, and have XBMC running as the dashboard instead of EvoX. The system came with an original copy of Splinter Cell, but there's no "Run Linux" save on the hdd. I'd appreciate any advice you could offer.
As a side note, I have a fully functional softmodded 1.5 crystal edition if linking them would help.
Evox Won't Connect Through Ftp?
Started by Shmingers , Nov 30 2008 02:43 PM
2 replies to this topic
Posted 30 November 2008 - 02:43 PM
Posted 30 November 2008 - 08:26 PM
The box has been TSOP flashed. The Xecuter2 logo is the BIOS, not the remnants of a chip!
Try a different FTP client. Try turning off the firewall on your PC - it might be interfering with the EvolutionX ftp operation. Try booting with Frosty's rescue disc. Try booting with AID.
Try a different FTP client. Try turning off the firewall on your PC - it might be interfering with the EvolutionX ftp operation. Try booting with Frosty's rescue disc. Try booting with AID.
Posted 04 December 2008 - 04:40 AM
Thanks Heimdall, I used Slayers' newest EvoX disc, and I pulled the dvd drive from my own XBox, and used it to repair the system. I realized it was the Xecuter bios, but I figure I'll leave that alone. I changed the dashboard to UnleashX, and now I can FTP to it again. Problem is, I'm not familiar with the Slayer setup, as I used the Krayzie installer on my other one. Would you happen to know how I set XBMC as the dashboard instead (without using the Slayer disc again)? I'd rather install my latest version of XBMC.
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subset: commoncrawl


text: I newly bought a new HP laptop and the wireless worked very well for concerning a week. At the moment when I attempt to attach to some network all I obtain is that the link has imperfect connectivity. I have spoken through HP and they were zero help and I ended up doing a system reboot and behind all of my documents. I have attempted to turn off the firewalls but to no benefit. From what I have read this is a ordinary subject through the windows 7. When I make use of an Ethernet connection it works just well. I really do not desire to have to drive an hour and a half to take my computer to where I purchased it and I think there must be somewhat in the settings that I am unaware of that is preventing me from making use of my wireless card properly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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Home Depot's Behr brand is among the best house paint you can buy, Consumer Reports says.
The magazine tested exterior paints and stains against sun, rain and snow conditions that speed up the natural effects of the elements.
Behr is the best in both the flat and satin paint categories, which people often use on siding, CR says. Behr's Premium Plus Ultra Flat ($37 per gallon) and Satin ($39) had superior resistance to cracking, fading and mildew after the equivalent of nine years of weather damage.
Kilz worked very well against mildew, but wasn't as good against cracking and dirt.
In the semigloss trim paint category, Lowe's Valspar Duramax ($40) proved the best, CR says. But Behr's Premium Plus Semi-Gloss was still ranked a best buy, and the best value at $29.
For stains, Behr's Solid Color Waterproofing ($29) was ranked a best buy that put more expensive competitors Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams and Sikkens to shame, CR says. Behr's also had the best semi-transparent stain, Behr's Premium Semi-Transparent Weatherproofing ($37). It was the only one that survived the equivalent of two years of weather damage on a deck.
Clear finishes? "Thompson's WaterSeal Advanced Waterproofer is the only colorless finish that looked presentable after a year," CR says.
Even the best deals on paint pale in comparison with getting the right person to apply them. Shady contractors or shoddy work can cost you much more. If you're looking to hire someone for the job, make sure to check out this video before choosing:
And if you do hire a pro, "be sure the contract specifies the brand, line, and number of coats; for paint we generally recommend two top coats plus a prime coat over bare surfaces if paint is not self-priming," CR says.
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text:
A 46-year-old Bladensburg woman died Monday night after being struck by two vehicles while crossing Kenilworth Avenue.
Mary Katherine Harding, of the 2400 block of 57th Place, was attempting to cross the road outside of a crosswalk at about 7:30 p.m., Prince George's County police said. She was struck by a gold Chrysler 300M and a white Nissan Altima. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.
Drivers of both vehicles stayed at the scene after the collision.
Police are investigating the incident, but say they do not believe speed or alcohol were factors for the two drivers.
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text:
Hampton Inn Milwaukee-Northwest
Hampton Inn Milwaukee-Northwest
Hotel Guest Rating: 8.0/10
5601 N Lovers Lane Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Welcome to the Hampton Inn Milwaukee-Northwest
A bountiful buffet breakfast is on the house, along with high-speed internet access and plenty of parking at the Hampton Inn Milwaukee - Northwest.
Hotel Features
At the four-story Hampton Inn, the 107 spacious rooms have free Wi-Fi and TVs with premium cable channels and video games. You can get down to business at the large desks with ample lighting and ergonomic chairs. There are also complimentary lap desks you can use while relaxing in an easy chair. Start your day right with the complimentary breakfast buffet, served in the homey dining area. It includes a variety of hot and cold items. A pot of freshly brewed coffee is always ready, even when breakfast is long done. If you have to hit the road early, grab one of the bags of breakfast goodies put together by the staff. There are an attractive indoor swimming pool and hot tub, as well as a fitness center packed with cardio equipment. Parking is free.
Hotel Location
With easy-on/easy-off access to Highway 45, the Hampton Inn is northwest of downtown. If you're here to tour the Harley-Davidson Factory, the facility is two miles south. Milwaukee County Zoo is seven miles south, and Miller Park, the stadium of the Milwaukee Brewers, is 12 miles southeast. General Mitchell International Airport, the city's main gateway, is about 20 miles southeast.
Guest Favorites
The location, near enough to downtown but far from the crowds and traffic, is one of the main draws at the Hampton Inn Milwaukee - Northwest. It has affordable rates and plenty of freebies.
Hampton Inn Milwaukee-Northwest Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Air conditioning individually controlled in room
- Alarm clock
- Buffet breakfast
- Business center
- Cable television
- CNN available
- Complimentary buffet breakfast
- Complimentary in-room coffee or tea
- Exercise gym
- Express check-out
- Fire safety compliant
- Fitness center on-site
- Free high speed internet connection
- Free parking
- Hairdryer
- Heated guest rooms
- Interior corridors
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Laundry/Valet service
- Meeting rooms
- Non-smoking
- Non-smoking rooms (generic)
- On-site business center
- On-site business center is staffed
- On-Site parking
- Parking
- Parking lot
- Photocopy center
- Public area air conditioned
- Safe deposit box
- Secured parking
- Security
- Valet cleaning
Hotel Information
Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Hotel Guest Reviews of the Hampton Inn Milwaukee-NorthwestOur hotel ratings and reviews are from real hotel guests. Priceline.com ensures that its reviews are guests-only by proactively sending hotel surveys to customers after they've completed their hotel stays. In the post-stay surveys, priceline.com hotel customers are asked a number of questions about their stay and the hotel. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best, the survey asks guests to rate their overall experience and specifically rate the hotel's cleanliness, staff and location. Priceline.com does not allow site visitors to post unsolicited hotel reviews.
May 17, 2016
October 6, 2015
September 30, 2015
August 12, 2015
Group Traveler
Not as good as some Hampton Inns I have stayed at. No refrigerator micro wave or safe in room.
June 6, 2015
Family Traveling with Young Children
October 12, 2014
for the price, all in all it was most pleasant. beds were very com- fortable. rooms were quiet, and staff was great!
July 28, 2014
Solo Traveler
decent enough for the money.
January 28, 2014
Business Traveler
October 22, 2013
Business Traveler
staff was very attentive to the guests at all times that I observed. breakfast area was ran very well with over 20 guests eating at the same time. room was kept and fresh towels very well. I would recommend this hotel to anyone
September 5, 2013
Group Traveler
The price that I bargained for was worth it considering I got two rooms with two beds each. The gym was small but appropriate (no complaints there). The check in and check out time was convenient. I appreciated the staff and the hotel cleanliness (even though our housekeeper was a bit pushy). Overall I had a pretty fantastic experience! Thank you!
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text:
I'm Katie O'Connor. No, that's not my real name, just in case you wondered! *GRIN*
I live in a large city in Western Canada. I am a wife, and the mother of two kids who have finally moved out, and two cats who still live at home. I believe in dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies.
I have dabbled in writing since just after high school. There is some part of me that drives me to create stories and write them down. It is impossible for me NOT to write. I think my head would explode if I kept all those ideas trapped inside. I even dream story lines. I have thought about keeping a notebook beside my bed so I can start writing the ideas down. But then again, maybe not because some of those dreams seem like fabulous stories while I am dreaming, but are a little suspect on closer examination under daylight.
My mind is a very busy place and the ideas just keep on coming. I have to jot them down somewhere, so my laptop is full of partially completed stories, stories in progress and dozens of idea files. For me, the most difficult part of the writing process is choosing names. Recently I went through some old files looking for a particular story. I had ten heroines with the same first name, so much for being creative. Okay, maybe I need a baby name book.
I've tried my hand at writing poetry, science fiction, adventures and romance novels. But my passion is, and always has been erotica. I just had to dig deep and give myself permission to write it. My parents know what I do, but I have told my mother that she will never-ever-ever read my erotica. Can you just imagine? I would die.
I married my high school sweetheart and I am living my happily ever after. My husband tells me that I have a devious, sexual mind, and I have to admit that I like sex, a lot. (Shh, don't tell my kids, or my mother!)
Here's hoping you enjoy my stories and that they jazz up your sex-life because we all deserve to have a fabulous one!
Review by:
on June 09, 2013 :
This is a short, hot read. I really enjoyed it.
City girl meets Cowboy and hot, spontaneous sex ensues all over the midway... and the taxi.
To be honest I liked it for what it was. There was no pretense of love or commitment. Something just drew them to each other and they did what felt right. Awesome.
(review of free book)
Review by:
Jen G
on Dec. 15, 2012 :
One of my favorites on the site. Would love to see a second book with these characters
(review of free book)
Review by:
Brenda Sinclair
on July 03, 2012 :
Ms. O'Connor's short story packs a ton of fun for her sexy, fun-loving characters. Instead of heading home to his ranch, Joe arranges to meet city girl Alex accidentally on purpose. Sparks fly between them at the rodeo, and their shared passion could light up the darkening midway. Their sexual attraction for each other overtakes them in the most unlikely places, and their steamy adventures kept me turning the pages. A very entertaining, very HOT read. Good job, Ms. O'Connor!
(review of free book)
Review by:
Becky Griffis
on June 20, 2012 :
the author wrote this story where you felt like you were there. this is awesome book. can't wait to read more from her
(review of free book)


text:
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Keeping your active advert up-to-date will take you to the top of the latest updates for the locations you are active in
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In its history, Clydebank sat within the boundaries of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, the Parish of Kilpatrick and the Mormaerdom of Lennox, all on the north bank of the River Clyde.
Clydebank houses the remains of the Antonine Wall and the one of the forts at the site of Hardgate/Duntocher. The Antonine Wall was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2008; it as part of the multinational Heritage Site incorporating the borders of the Roman Empire.
The Clydebank Museum gives you the chance to learn more about the history of the town, and what Clydebank was like during the industrial revolution. Not only does the building hold regular exhibitions for you to peruse, but you can also see old transportation boats on the river nearby. With a tea room on site, it is the perfect place to go with one of the escorts in Clydebank.
From May until September you can have the chance to see one of the most spectacular views on all of Scotland from the Titan Crane in Clydebank. The crane is found in what used to be the John Browns shipyard, where HMS Hood and QE2 were constructed. It is all that remains of the shipyard, and so is a unique opportunity to get a taste of what this historical and once world famous site was like. You can actually go up the crane and with cheap ticket prices it is one way to impress an escort in Clydebank.
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Choosing the right person to enjoy an hour or two in the company of can be a challenge. You may have certain tastes, or even the desire to find a stunning dark-haired local lady to spend some good quality time with. Here on Escort Scotland we have the advanced escort search which lets you take control. You can look for the right escort in Clydebank based on your own preferences, meaning you can find the perfect partner at the click of a button. Try it now and see which of the Clydebank escorts is right for you.


text:
Jim Fennell's Just Checking In: Disabled man plans to run again
Dubois recently lost in the Republican primary for state representative in Nashua's Ward 5. He said he will run again and feels good about the lessons he learned in campaigning.
'It was interesting,' Dubois said. 'It taught me a lot for the future.'
We first met Dubois a couple of years ago, when he was getting ready to graduate from Southern New Hampshire University with a business degree. He was 34 at the time, and earning his degree was the culmination of years of learning how to live with Becker muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease that primarily affects voluntary muscles.
Dubois cannot walk, has little use of his arms, needs the aid of a breathing tube and is diabetic. He needs constant care, and just getting out of bed and ready for the day can take hours.
He has seen firsthand how people with disabilities can get lost in the system if they don't advocate for themselves, and that has been his motivation to run for office.
'One of my purposes was to deal with the disability issue in the state,' Dubois said. 'I feel there is a disconnect. They are taking services away from people in need.'
Dubois has fought his own battles and has been a tireless advocate for himself. He is in an ongoing fight to keep the state from cutting benefits that could force him into a nursing home.
He hasn't always succeeded, but he never stops trying. He also has seen that there are people willing to help when the government is not. Home Depot and Wilkins Mechanical, a plumbing and heating company based in Bedford, recently teamed to donate and install a generator for the Dubois home after being approached by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
'They didn't have to do it,' Dubois said of the charitable businesses. 'They took it on their own initiative.'
Dubois already is thinking about future runs for political office, to help other people with disabilities be free from relying on the charity of others to be able to live a full life. He sees Tuesday's setback in the primary as temporary.
'I learned a lot, and it will definitely help me going forward,' Dubois said.
- - - - - - - -
IF THAT slight woman running around Manchester's Livingston Park this Wednesday looks familiar, well you might have a Joan Benoit Samuelson sighting.
The one-time Olympic gold medalist will be in Manchester as part of a partnership with Hannaford Supermarkets to promote the 'There is No Finish Line' program.'
A screening for the Nike-supported film of the same name, a documentary about Samuelson, will take place Tuesday night at the Palace Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults (free for children 15 and younger), and proceeds will help benefit the Manchester Invitational high school cross-country race.
Samuelson will run Wednesday with participants in the 'There is No Finish Line' program, which is aimed at inspiring 'back-of-the-pack' athletes.
Participants submitted stories of their motivations for living a healthier lifestyle; Samuelson will share some of those stories, as well as her own, during Tuesday's show at the Palace.
'Setting goals and believing in yourself is as important to maintaining your health as it is to competing at the highest levels of a sport,' Samuelson said in a news release. 'With the support of Hannaford, 'There is No Finish Line' provides individuals with tools and inspiration for achieving their own fitness dreams.'
- - - - - - - -
LACONIA Harley-Davidson held a summerlong raffle to benefit the ongoing expansion of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith. The raffle raised $25,000 for the project, and a matching donation from an anonymous benefactor doubled that amount.
Supporting nonprofits is nothing new for Laconia Harley-Davidson, which has raised more than $120,000 in the past four years for organizations such as the Loon Preservation Society and the New Hampshire Food Bank. In this case, however, the motorcycle dealership wound up being even more generous than it initially intended.
There were 2,500 tickets sold during the raffle, and the winners were announced at an event earlier this month. The first ticket drawn was announced as the grand-prize winner of a 2012 H-D Street Glide. Problem was, the rules said the first ticket drawn would win a $100 gift card, the second ticket drawn would win a $500 gift card and the third ticket drawn would be the grand-prize winner.
Anne Deli, owner of Laconia Harley-Davidson, ended up giving a bike to both the planned grand-prize winner (Adam Wilson of Massena, N.Y.) and the unintended winner (Sarah Tillotson of Richford, Vt.).
'While it was an honest mistake, we felt that it was important to maintain the integrity of this raffle and future nonprofit partners, and award two motorcycles,' Deli said.
- - - - - - - -
USING the Kickstarter funding platform, the 'Who Cares About Kelsey?' project (www.whocaresaboutkelsey.com) met its goal of raising $20,000.
'Who Cares About Kelsey?' is a documentary that examines the risks of teens with emotional and behavioral disabilities through the eyes of Kelsey Carroll, who was a senior struggling to graduate from Somersworth High.
Dan Habib, the Concord filmmaker and guiding force behind WCAK, said the money would be used to expand online educational material about the project and help distribute the WCAK educational DVD kit to low-income schools.
Habib, who also produced the award-winning documentary 'Including Samuel,' is the filmmaker in residence at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability.
The film will be screened at Rivier College in Nashua (Tuesday), Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook (the next two Wednesdays) and Keene State College (Oct. 2).
- - - - - - - -
Jim Fennell may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
saaad medic :C
Awee.. If I could hug him. I feel much like him right now..
Poor Archimedes ;-;
Poor Archimedes ;-;
Medic needs cuddles... ;0;
Sad medic is sad
I like the feathered motif on the right of the picture.
Oh no, my feelz... ;.;
I just wanna hug him, tell him that everything will be alright and then gut him! XD
Sorry that's harsh! :C
Sorry that's harsh! :C
Don't cry medic i save you anyway...... hugs medic
Don't cry Medic my love I am always here for you *hugs Medic*
*closes eyes and looks down*
*remains silent, respecting my lost friend*
*tries to hold back tears, but then, realizing I can't, I let them flow*
Ah, forgive me, doktor, for such a late response... but... I-I feel you may need this... even if you won't see it for awhile.... *wraps arms around your waist in a hug* ....
D'awww :c
I-I'm crying ;-;
I just realised he was crying ;_; ohgodohgodohgod
so beautifull... ;__;
Bad Medicene?
I love the bird and the feather detail on his collar. It was a clever touch. I also like the way his face fades into black, and the selective coloring of the red details on the right side of his face. But the face itself is kind of unbalanced.
Yay you upload it on DA! NOW I MUST FAVVVV
*flips switch* Happy Medic,
*flips switch* Saaaaad Medic. D:
*flips switch* Saaaaad Medic. D:
It's so lovely, though! What with the cooring and shading @ v @
It's so lovely, though! What with the cooring and shading @ v @
Interested to know what is going on in the inner world of the character. Art is so beautiful, you invested so much emotion in there.
(Sorry for my bad English + _ +)
(Sorry for my bad English + _ +)
Who's the ghost? Archimedes or the medic?
I suppose Archimedes, since the medic just respawns...
I suppose Archimedes, since the medic just respawns...
This is ... sad... but.... totally increddible x3
Love the style
Love the style
the medic should toataly make this face when the person who he is healing gets killed
do i smell metal gear 3 references?
You're so good at this stuff. >.<
I'm a bit jealous.. >0<
I'm a bit jealous.. >0<
Looks very good.
Medicc !!
wooooooow awesome detail!
I know this sounds pretty damn cheest but, your art is such an inspiration to me :3
for science......you monster.
I love this, such beautiful composition and lighting
I just-
I have nothing to say about this
Other than you have to be the best Medic artist on the planet.
I have nothing to say about this
Other than you have to be the best Medic artist on the planet.
Why so sad? WHAT HAPPENED
Oh man, that's fantastic.
Beautiful i must say your art is ALWAYS beautiful my dear
oh my god this is BEAUTIFUL
This is freaking gorgeous.


text:
Industrial Overcapacity
Does overcapacity get a bad rap in China? Are the government's continuous crackdowns on this opaque issue actually a symptom of the broader dichotomy of private versus public commerce?
Fashions change fast. Sometimes so fast that ordinary consumers are struck with déjà vu as often as inspiration. Economics too has a cyclical feel to it. Over the past decade, China's economy succumbed to a trend towards overcapacity in a vast range of industries, with output often exceeding demand by multiple percentage points.
Although policymakers and analysts have done their best to derail the fad for prioritizing production targets over efficiency and marketization, China's overcapacity problem has got worse as economic growth has slowed.
On July 19, 2013, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China's primary industrial agency, waged another attack. Hundreds of enterprises operating at overcapacity were given 4 months to shut selected projects down permanently. The 19 industries hit included iron and steel, cement, electrolytic aluminum, coke, paper, lead batteries and, unusually, flavor enhancers.
Most of these sectors had already been named and shamed for overcapacity problems since the government began to take the problem seriously in 2001. However, as MIIT minister Miao Wei acknowledged in a recent interview with the Economic Daily, newly installed capacity in these sectors has "far exceeded what has been eliminated" in over a decade of crackdowns. Miao added that more lists would follow, raising hopes that, unlike during previous crackdowns, the name and shame strategy might actually pay off.
However, others have called into question the government's official perspective on overcapacity. Some have even questioned whether the government and State-owned enterprises, themselves the inadvertent architects of China's overcapacity problem, are the best people to be assessing and attempting to rectify it.
Popsicles and Pig Iron
In the late 1990s, Chinese people, most of whom had grown up accepting scarcity and want as a part of life, suddenly discovered surpluses of almost everything. Particularly plentiful were the products of State manufacturing – first textiles, then iron, with other products to follow. The government responded with sporadic cutbacks, censuring industries operating at overcapacity and waiting until equilibrium returned before removing restrictions.
However, China's official protocols to determine the existence and extent of overcapacity have been somewhat ad hoc. Typically, investigators first try to establish the capacity utilization rate – the ratio of real output to installed capacity – a figure notoriously difficult to verify without multi-layered parallel investigations. In China's case, analysts typically cite poorly sourced and defined "international standards" or "the US experience" to declare a utilization rate below 75 or 80 percent "unacceptable."
The second principle determining factor for overcapacity is summed up as "poor profit margins," a nebulous term which means completely different things depending on the industry under investigation.
Even the IMF, in a report published last year, claimed that the bulk of industries in China were operating at overcapacity, but provided no detailed data on how they reached this conclusion.
The manifold flaws in reasoning are exemplified by the way the State has treated its iron and steel industry. In a recent interview with State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), Executive Deputy Secretary-general of the China Iron and Steel Association (Chinaisa) Li Xinchuang admitted that his industry's utilization rate was currently well below the 75 percent red line.
Li's interviewer cited industrial data to prove that for some time in the first half of 2013, the profit made on one ton of iron was not enough even to buy a cheap popsicle. A few years ago, the profit on one ton of iron was enough to buy, according to the same interviewer, "a US$200 cell phone."
While China's iron and steel industry has been blasted for its inefficiency for over a decade, senior executives with Chinaisa, including Li himself, claim that there "was no such thing" as overcapacity in the sector between 2001 and 2011, when China's iron and steel concerns were operating at an average 80 percent capacity. This was thanks largely to the central government's massive expansion of infrastructure, particularly railroads, and a booming property market, which also allowed the cement, timber and glass industries to all enjoy similar prosperity.
However, in an economy as fast-changing as China's, the business cycle is very difficult to predict. Coal, for example, has been on the government's overcapacity hit list for years, even during the coal rush of the early 2000s. This has led to a number of shortages, most recently in 2010 when local governments in some coal-rich areas restricted transportation to secure a local supply. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's most powerful macroeconomic planning agency, ultimately had to intervene to prevent an embarrassing shortfall in the national fuel supply.
In 1999, the central government, worried about overcapacity in the power industry, declared a three-year moratorium on "big power projects" policy. In 2003 power shortages that had begun in 2001 led to rolling blackouts across the country, again, to the embarrassment of the central authorities.
From a broader perspective, the government's persistent and prevailing aversion to excess capacity in China is confusing. The US Federal Reserve's own monthly data on the industrial utilization rate shows that at most times since 2000 the industrial portion of the US economy has operated well below 80 percent of full capacity, even falling below 75 percent in sectors like chemicals, computers and transportation equipment.
Even when it comes to profit margins, overcapacity is often wrongly pilloried ahead of more important problems. China's integration into the world economy has naturally led to squeezes in sectors which previously had little or no domestic competition. China is heavily reliant on imported iron ore, which has retained a consistently high price tag which has prevented manufacturers from cutting costs. China's iron and steel products are also now subject to anti-dumping investigations and tariffs in the EU and the US, further depressing growth in the sector.
Domestic coal prices, too, have been hit hard by falling international demand for coal in the wake of the shale gas revolution beginning in 2012, as well as the EU shift towards renewables. Domestic coal producers had to reduce their prices to compete with cheaper imports. As a result their returns could hardly cover their costs.
Statistics released at the end of 2012 by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimated that China's iron and steel making capacity utilization rate stood at 78 percent, one of the highest rates in the world, putting China ahead of the EU and Japan. Despite this, neither the EU nor Japan has ever launched countermeasures in response to industrial overcapacity, instead trusting the market to absorb excess and supplement shortage. Officials in these countries might well wonder why overcapacity is such a sensitive issue in a country with a growth rate like China's.
While the US also red-flagged overcapacity in some industries from the 1960s onwards, blaming the problem on rising overseas economies undercutting American manufacturing – first Germany, then Japan – little was made of the overcapacity problem outside of government committees. China's somewhat overzealous persecution of industries at overcapacity has confused analysts and, seemingly, policymakers, in its severity.
Selective Targeting
Others have questioned why other sectors, many of them notorious for their overcapacity problems, have not made the list even as minor offenders have had their names dragged through the mud.
Before China ascended to the WTO in 2001, countless surplus made-in-China consumer products, particularly apparel, shoes, refrigerators and TVs simply piled up in domestic warehouses, yet manufacturing barely faltered. While China had a decade in which to flood the international market with cut-price consumer products, these industries never saw capacity as a concern.
Even as the world economy has contracted and demand for these goods has fallen even further, no apparel or electronics companies made the government's overcapacity hit-list. Indeed, it is hard to find sectors that are not operating below capacity, and yet the State seems concerned with only a handful of industries. Why?
Perhaps it is to do with State interests. Nearly all the sectors on the Chinese government's overcapacity blacklist are those in which investment decisions are subject to the approval of various central government agencies, in particular the NDRC.
Agencies with approval power don't want to lose this lucrative and influential status. Because a lot of capacity in China is installed without approval, enterprises, particularly small, private concerns tempted by favorable land and tax policies, were accused of conspiracy with GDP growth-hungry local governments.
He Keng, vice chairman of the Finance and Economic Committee of the National People's Congress, said in an interview with CCTV on August 6 that it is time to let the market, not the government, determine the direction of capital in China's vast industrial network. While some continue to justify government meddling in China's marketplace on the basis that the economy is still not fully developed, this mindset, according to Professor Lu Feng, Director of the China Macroeconomic Research Center at Peking University, is "based on the assumption that the government is smarter than the market, something which may not necessarily be true."
At a June forum sponsored by the NDRC, honorary chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce for Metallurgical Enterprises Zhao Xizi complained that the most serious surpluses in China's iron and steel sector capacity were in the production of steel sheeting, the only product which can be produced in the massive blast furnaces mandated in all State steel plants by the NDRC. This is one isolated example of the State attempting to direct the market – and misjudging demand at a cost to both the government and enterprise.
While academics like Lu agree that governments can and should use their considerable resources to take the lead in areas such as data collection, this data should only be used to inform and assist – not to govern and control – investment.
Professor Lu's research has proven that the sectors targeted in crackdowns on overcapacity are mostly areas in which SOEs compete directly with private concerns. In the iron and steel industry, for example, private manufacturers account for a full 50 percent of total output. Once a sector is labeled as at overcapacity by the government, private investors are normally the first to suffer.
In 2002, Dai Guofang, an ambitious private investor in Jiangsu Province, launched an iron and steel project which continuously expanded with the full support and encouragement of the local government. Two years later, the project was suddenly defined as illegal by the central government. The local officials involved in the project were dismissed or penalized by the central government, and Dai was stripped of his assets and jailed for five years.
With smaller projects easier to liquidate, SMEs and their non-Party personnel are easily pillaged or forcibly assimilated into SOEs in the name of environmental protection, employee safety or industrial restructuring. In short, the government can, when suitable, deploy a "crackdown on overcapacity" to swiftly appropriate huge volumes of private assets.
Professor Lu is particularly opposed to overcapacity being equated with problems relating to environmental protection and health and safety. While overcapacity is a logistical issue and should be dealt with according to market principles, Lu argues, environmental protection and health and safety issues should be dealt with according to the law. This simplistic, scattershot approach to economic regulation only serves to exacerbate China's already massive industrial inefficiencies, and is often little more than a smoke-screen for seizures of private assets by a rapacious and underperforming State sector.
In 2008 and 2009, several provinces nationalized coal mines entirely at the expense of their former investors. In 2009, a profitable private steel maker in Shandong Province was forcibly sold to the loss-making State-owned Shandong Iron and Steel Group. Not only do such actions as these do nothing for the efficiency of the seized enterprises – indeed, they often make them less efficient – they undermine competition and often further exacerbate existing problems in the vast State sector.
Analysts like Lu believe that only the efficiencies of marketization can eliminate the overcapacity problem as well as force the far more important reform of the inefficient State sector.
However, for the government's overcapacity watchdog, for now, it is business as usual.
November 2013
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- The Top's Priorities


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In the city's most sought-ever address, you're always welcome to call W Atlanta - Buckhead home where the heart is, with indulgences in retail therapy, an education in gastronomy, the call of the nightlife and Southern livin' at your doorstep. If that's not enough to sweep you off your feet, step into our exterior glass elevator and be whisked from ground level to rooftop in an exhilarating ride featuring panoramic views of Atlanta.
Available to guests 24/7, FIT is an energy-charged fitness space boasting state-of-the-art equipment for cardio, strength training, Pilates and more. Accessed easily with a room keycard, find your balance, boost your stamina and push yourself at FIT.
|WET® Outdoor Pool
Soak up the hot Atlanta sun while you lounge at our rooftop pool. More >
NOTE: The WET DECK will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 21st to Monday, April 25th. Please visit the Welcome Desk for alternative accommodations.
|Living Room
Enter the Living Room, where we've knocked down the walls of traditional lobby design to create a place where you can open your mind and feel alive while indulging in salon socializing. More >
|WHEELS Valet Parking
Pull right up. We are pleased to provide underground valet parking for a fee. Unlimited in/out privileges are included.
|WIRED Business Center
Our WIRED Business Center offers a range of office and technical services for every function imaginable. More >
|Farewell Kiosk
When you're ready to leave: Take advantage of our FareWell kiosk, which allows you to check out and print your boarding pass. Avoid long lines at the terminal and give yourself a little more time to delight in W Hotels.
|P.A.W. - Pets Are WelcomeTM
Woof/Meow! We think the furry friend you love should travel in luxury with you. That's why Pets Are WelcomeTM at W Atlanta - Buckhead. More >
|Whatever/Whenever® Service
Whatever/Whenever® (really)! Whether you're looking for skybox seats at the Braves game, priority tee time on a championship course, a romantic dinner on a historical plantation, or simply a reservations in town, we're on it. Just push a button on your room's phone to reach us More >