|
|
| According to Tom Gage on Twitter, Tigers closer Jose Valverde has returned home to the Dominican Republic due to a death in his family. |
Our View: Details are unspecified and there is currently no return date set. This is unfortunate timing for Valverde as he was pumped impress as the Tigers new stopper. Still, we don't think he'll miss enough time to throw his training schedule off course this spring. He signed a two-year, $14 million deal in January.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde has high expectations for the 2010 campaign with the Tigers, according to the Associated Press. He said, "I am ready. I have that feeling and I am here to have fun and do my job. I have the adrenaline flowing and that will not change. I cannot wait to get this season going because this is a good team and has a chance to do some great things." |
Our View: Detroit blew 24 save opportunities last season, and signed Valverde to provide stability in the closer's role. He racked up 116 saves over his last three seasons, and should continue to succeed with the help of a solid supporting cast in Detroit.
|
|
|
|
| The Tigers have officially announced their signing of Jose Valverde to a two-year, $14 million deal with a third-year option for $9 million, according to the team's official site. |
Our View: Valverde led the National League in saves in both 2007 and 2008. Over the past three seasons, he's tied for fourth overall (along with Jonathan Papelbon) in saves, behind only Francisco Rodriguez, Joe Nathan and Francisco Cordero. As long as he can stay healthy, he should rack up plenty of saves in the Motor City.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde has reportedly signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers that includes a third-year option for $9 million, according to Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown. |
Our View: Valverde will fill the departed Francisco Rodney's void as the team's unquestioned closer. While Valverde struggled to stay healthy last season, he still finished with a fine 2.33 ERA while saving 25 games in 29 chances, this after two-straight 40-save seasons beforehand. While the Tigers lost a lot of star power when they dealt Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson earlier this offseason, they're still very capable of winning games and should provide Valverde with a decent number of save opportunities.
|
|
|
|
| Despite recent speculation to the contrary, the Cardinals are not "actively involved" in the market for free agent closer Jose Valverde, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: While landing Valverde is a nice thought for Cardinals fans, the team just gave closer Ryan Franklin an extension last season, and while he faltered down the stretch in 2009, he will be the man to start 2010.
|
|
|
|
| The Cardinals could emerge as a potential suitor for Jose Valverde, according to Fox Sports. |
Our View: The Tigers still appear to be the frontrunners in the Valverde sweepstakes, though you can take this as a sign that his signing with Detroit is still far from a sure thing. Valverde has apparently received offers from the Tigers, Cardinals and one other team.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde appears close to signing a deal with the Tigers, according to MLive.com. One source has stated the Detroit has offered Valverde a two-year deal worth between $12-$14 million. |
Our View: Having lost both Francisco Rodney and Brandon Lyon this offseason, a signing of Valverde would certainly make sense for Detroit. Valverde would clearly be Detroit's unquestioned closer if he indeed signs.
|
|
|
|
| According to a "source" of Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown, Jose Valverde is mulling over four different contract offers. Two are for more than one season. |
Our View: Brown says the Diamondbacks and Tigers are two of the bidders. In an offsesaon where Detroit lost Fernando Rodney, adding the considerably better Valverde would be quite a coup. Stay tuned.
|
|
|
|
| The Diamondbacks continue to "monitor" Jose Valverde this offseason, according to the Arizona Republic. |
Our View: Even though Valverde is a Type A free agent, the D-Backs would only have to surrender a second round pick were they to sign him since their first round pick is protected. The signing of Bob Howry might make a reunion between the two sides less logical, but Arizona is very much one of his most likely landing spots.
|
|
|
|
| According to the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks would like to bring back former closer Jose Valverde, but it will have to be on their very specific terms. |
Our View: The D-Backs offer is a base salary of $5 million for one year, but they will guarantee not to offer Valverde arbitration after the season. That way he can test the open market and won't cost whatever team that signs him any draft picks. One would think he would explore more lucrative offers.
|
|
|
|
| Updating an earlier item, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that Jose Valverde has actually declined the Astros' offer of arbitration. |
Our View: This, obviously, directly contradicts earlier reports that he had accepted. With Rosenthal being one of the most trusted voices in the industry, it's safe to assume he is correct. The Type A free agent will no doubt seek a big money, multiple year deal on the open market.
|
|
|
|
| According to Fox Sports' Jim Bowden, Jose Valverde has accepted arbitration from the Houston Astros. |
Our View: Despite Valverde's dominance, this is bad news for the Astros. The team was almost certain he would depart Houston, and only offered him arbitration because of his status as a Type A player. Now instead of getting compensatory draft picks in return for him signing somewhere else, their 2010 payroll will likely be crippled by his salary, which is sure to be north of $10 million.
|
|
|
|
| The Astros have offered Type A free agent Jose Valverde salary arbitration, according to Alyson Footer of MLB.com. |
Our View: Valverde is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal, so the chances of him accepting any arbitration offer are slim. If that is indeed the case, any potential suitor will likely have to surrender a first round draft pick to the Astros.
|
|
|
|
| MLB.com is reporting that there is a mutual interest in closer Jose Valverde returning to Houston next season. Valverde would be open to returning, but he also plans to test the free agent waters before making a decision. |
Our View: Valverde seems genuinely excited by the prospect of free agency, but he enjoyed his time with the Astros as well. He still has plenty left in the tank, so he should be a solid fantasy closer in 2010 regardless of where he ends up.
|
|
|
|
| Astros' closer Jose Valverde has filed for free agency as expected, according to the Houston Chronicle. Valverde had 25 saves and a 2.33 ERA in 2009. |
Our View: Valverde had a relatively slow season in 2009 with only 25 saves, but he is still capable of being a very effective closer when healthy. His ERA was solid, and he struck out 56 hitters in 54 innings pitched.
|
|
|
|
| The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Astros' closer Jose Valverde has rejoined the team in Milwaukee and will be available to pitch Friday night. Valverde missed the last series against the Reds with an illness. |
Our View: Valverde didn't specify what the illness was, but he said he is feeling much better and will be ready for tonight's game. He should step right back into the closer's role, so play him if you have him tonight.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde is not with the Astros for tonight's game at Cincinnati due to a fever, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: LaTroy Hawkins will handle the closer's role while Valverde is away. He has a 101-degree temperature.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde intends to test free agency after the season, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The Astros' closer is raking in $8MM this season, and would like to remain in Houston, but noted that he needs to test the market and see what happens. He mentioned that the Cubs need a closer.
|
|
|
|
| According to the Twitter page of Astros' beat writer Alyson Footer, closer Jose Valverde will not be available for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. |
Our View: Valvede isn't injured, but he also won't be available tonight after throwing last night. Fantasy owners shouldn't be worried, but you will be without you closer tonight.
|
|
|
|
| According to FOXsports.com, Astros closer Jose Valverde will not be traded this season. |
Our View: Valverde was placed on waivers and claimed by another team, but the Astros pulled him back. He'll almost certainly stick with Houston for the rest of the season and will then become a Type A free agent. The Astros would then be able to obtain draft picks if they offer Valverde arbitration and he signs with another club.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his seventh save of the season on Monday, striking out three while allowing one hit to the Pirates without allowing a run to preserve Houston's 4-1 win. |
Our View: Valverde is healthy and will continue to be used as Houston's sole closer, with LaTroy Hawkins serving as the setup man.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde has been activated from the DL following his recovery from a strained right calf, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Valverde was available to pitch Saturday's game at Arizona, but skipper Cecil Cooper plans to use Valverde once in a non-save situation before putting him back in the closer's role.
|
|
|
|
| The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Jose Valverde will begin his rehab assignment on Wednesday in Double-A Corpus Christi. Valverde is expected to pitch Wednesday and Thursday before rejoining the team for their weekend series against Arizona. |
Our View: Valverde will resume the closer's role upon his return to Houston, so if he is available in your league it would be smart to jump on him now. Keep tabs on how he does in his rehab games, but in all likelihood he will be back in the bullpen for the weekend.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde (calf strain) threw 25 pitches during a pain-free simulated game Friday, according to MLB.com. He said, "My legs are good and my arm is ready to pitch. The thing is I have not pitched in a month. I have to take it day-by-day and see what happens." |
Our View: Valverde will throw again Sunday, and could then advance to a rehab assignment. He expects to make three appearances in the minors prior to rejoining the Astros.
|
|
|
|
| The Houston Chronicle reports that closer Jose Valverde successfully completed his bullpen session as well as pitchers' fielding practice on Wednesday. Valverde said he threw all his pitches in a 30-pitch session. He added, "Everything's good. I'd be ready to pitch right now." |
Our View: Valverde will not be coming back this weekend, but it seems possible he could return next week. He has been dealing with a strained right calf and will return to the closer's role immediately upon activation.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde, who is recovering from a strained right calf, threw 25 pitches off the mound during a pen session prior to Monday's game against Colorado, according to MLB.com. He said, "I felt good. I will throw again Wednesday and take a couple of ground balls and all of that."
|
Our View: Valverde will throw another bullpen session Wednesday, and could return to Houston in mid-June, barring a setback. The closer shall remain stashed on fantasy rosters.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde is on pace in his rehab after Dr. John Uribe of the UHZ Sports Medicine Institute in Miami confirmed the Astros' diagnosis regarding lingering pain in his right calf, according to the Houston Chronicle.
|
Our View: The discomfort was merely part of the healing process. The Astros expect Valverde to begin running within a few days, but he remains weeks away from returning to the team.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde wants a second opinion on his strained right calf, according to the Houston Chronicle. He is going to meet with Dr. John Uribe and Dr. Thomas San Giovanni of the UHZ Sports Medicine Institute in Miami. |
Our View: Valverde has been making good progress on his ailment, but the Astros encourage him getting a second opinion. He is believed to be close to running again, at which point he would be ready to throw from a mound. He is still believed to be several weeks away from returning to Houston.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde has started playing catch while recovering from a strained right calf, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Valverde is around a month away from returning to Houston. Manager Cecil Cooper noted that he did OK while throwing.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde had 20 cc of fluid drained from his strained calf on Thursday, according to MLB.com. He still has another 60 cc of fluid that will be drained in a follow-up procedure and the closer is expected to miss three weeks in order to recover. |
Our View: Valverde was hoping he would only need to miss the 15 days required by his DL-stint. However, the prognosis of the injury was a little more grim than anticipated. LaTroy Hawkins figures to be the interim closer until he returns.
|
|
|
|
| According to MLB.com, The Astros placed closer Jose Valverde on the 15-day DL on Tuesday with a strained left calf. He will be available to return on May 12th. |
Our View: Valverge just wasn't getting any better and it seemed the Astros didn't have any choice but to place him on the DL. Jeff Fulchino was called up to take his spot, but more importantly LaTroy Hawkins will slide into the closer's role while Valverde is out.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde will not be available for at least the next two games against the Reds while recovering from a strained calf muscle, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He is treating the injury with ice and massages, and it is uncertain if he will land on the DL. LaTroy Hawkins will serve as the Astros' closer while Valverde is out.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde may need to miss more time due to his strained calf muscle, according to the Houston Chronicle. Valverde said, "Maybe I have to take two more days; I do not know. I have to check it Monday." |
Our View: His availability for tonight's game at Cincinnati is yet to be determined. Hold Valverde out of lineups until further notice to be safe.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde returned to the mound after being unavailable four a couple games with a strained calf and a bruised ankle. However, he blew his second save of the season while giving two hits, two earned runs (on a Prince Fielder home run), and striking out two hitters. |
Our View: Facing Fielder in the ninth inning in Houston's park is never an ideal situation. While the outing was a disappointment, we'll let it slide as it was a rough spot and Valverde is probably not 100 percent yet. LaTroy Hawkins allowed two runs in the previous inning.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde is improving from his strained calf and bruised ankle, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cecil Cooper said, "If he can throw by the weekend, I will be very happy." |
Our View: He is questionable for the weekend series against Milwaukee, which starts tonight. We will keep you posted on his status.
|
|
|
|
| According to MLB.com, Astros' closer Jose Valverde is not available for tonight's game against the Dodgers, but could return this weekend. He is suffering from a strained calf muscle. |
Our View: Valverde is trying desperately to get back in the lineup, but the team doesn't think he's ready yet. He's close though and will likely be back closing games this weekend
|
|
|
|
| The Houston Chronicle reports that closer Jose Valverde will not be available for Wednesday night's game against the Dodgers. He is dealing with a bruised ankle and pulled calf muscle suffered on the same play off the bat of Orlando Hudson. |
Our View: LaTroy Hawkins may see ninth inning duties if needed tonight, although he threw last night as well. Valverde is day-to-day but it sounds like he could miss more than tonight's matchup. Keep him on your bench until he is deemed ready for action.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde sustained a bruised right ankle and pulled calf muscle while nailing down a save in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He is being evaluated, but feels he will be available for Wednesday's game. LaTroy Hawkins is a candidate to serve in the closer's role if Valverde is held out.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde had a chance to close out a 1-0 game on Friday night, but he served up a two-run homer in the top of the ninth. Valverde was unavailable on Thursday due to a sore back. |
Our View: Valverde has yet to pick up a save this season, and he has allowed a homer in two straight games. It's too early to panic, but you can feel free to be miffed.
|
|
|
|
| Closer Jose Valverde is available on Friday if the Astros get into a save situation. He did not appear on Thursday due to a sore back. "[Thursday] night, when I got home, I put ice on it and then a heat pack," Valverde informs MLB.com. "I feel better today. I'll play catch, and if I still feel this good, I'll be in the game." |
Our View: Fantasy owners are upset that they missed a save chance on Thursday, but let's just be happy his injury isn't more serious.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde was unable for Houston on Thursday due to a sore back, resulting in Latroy Hawkins picking up the save for the Astros, according to the team's official site. |
Our View: Valverde's back soreness does not appear to be serious and he could be available as early as tomorrow, so there's no need to worry that he is in any danger of losing his closing role.
|
|
|
|
| The swelling has subsided on Jose Valverde's right forearm after receiving an injection to fight an infection, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "It is good, good. It is a bit there, but not much. I am good." |
Our View: The infection was caused by an insect bite, and he is safe to draft as a top-5 fantasy closer.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde has returned to work after sitting out with an infection on his right arm, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The infection is believed to be from an insect bite, and is of no concern. Valverde is safe to draft as a top-5 fantasy closer for 2009.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde is not expected to represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cecil Cooper said, "He is a big part of what we do. He is the stabilizer. He is the anchor. That is great that he wants to be here and be a part of this and not be concerned with going to pitch over there. That is great. He is committed to us and our season, and that is great. He looks in pretty good shape, too."
|
Our View: Valverde inked a one-year deal for $8MM back in January, and the club is pleased their investment won't risk getting hurt in the WBC. He is safe to draft as a top-5 fantasy closer for 2009.
|
|
|
|
| The Astros have signed Jose Valverde to a one-year, $8 million deal, according to TSN. |
Our View: Valverde has been viewed as a trade option for some teams, but it's unlikely that he will be traded now that a deal has been agreed on.
|
|
|
|
| The Cardinals inquired about Astros' closer Jose Valverde, but talks did not progress and ended earlier in the week, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. |
Our View: Valverde nailed down 44 saves with a solid 1.18 WHIP with Houston in 2008, and team GM Ed Wade does not intend to trade him, although remaining open to proposals. As of now, the top free agent closer still available is Brian Fuentes, who the Cardinals talked to.
|
|
|
|
| A day after Astros' GM Ed Wade said that Jose Valverde would not be traded, he came back by saying he would do everything possible to not trade him, but wouldn't rule it out, according to Yahoo Sports. |
Our View: Valverde racked up 44 saves for the Astros last year and went 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 74 games.
|
|
|
|
| The Houston Astros have said that they are not interested in dealing closer Jose Valverde, according to ESPN.com. "I can assure that Valverde is not being traded," Astros GM Ed Wade said. |
Our View: That takes one of the closers off the market, but there are plenty more to be had in trade or free agency.
|
|
|
|
| The New York Mets need a closer, and before deciding to give huge dollars to Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes, the team has had discussions with the teams that employ Jose Valverde, Huston Street, J.J. Putz and Bobby Jenks, according to the New York Times. |
Our View: Fuentes and Rodriguez are going to ask for a ton of money, though if the Mets bow out of the bidding, their contracts may be much less than initially anticipated. One way or another, the Mets will acquire a closer this winter.
|
|
|
|
| The Rangers are not believed to be interested in Astros' closer Jose Valverde, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Valverde is on the trading block, but it seems doubtful that the Astros can deal him for one of the Rangers' several catchers, which is an area of need for Houston.
|
|
|
|
| The Indians would be interested in Jose Valverde if the Astros offer him on the trading block as expected, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Indians' GM Mark Shapiro said, "If Valverde is available, he's be a guy we'd explore." |
Our View: The Indians top needs for 2009 are a closer and third baseman. Valverde would be a strong addition to fill one of those voids, as he nailed down 44 saves with a 1.18 WHIP for Houston in 2008.
|
|
|
|
| According to the New York Post, Houston closer Jose Valverde, one year away from free agency, is available via trade. However, the Mets say they will not give up a significant package for a pending free agent. |
Our View: The Mets' search for a closer continues. Valverde would almost certainly cost an arm and a leg after his big 2008 season.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde saved his first game since September 10th on Thursday while protecting an 8-6 lead against the Reds. He struck out two and allowed one hit while getting the final two outs of the game. |
Our View: The lack of save production hasn't exactly been his fault as the slumping Astros simply have not put him in many situations. 2008 has to be considered a great success for the closer who was traded away from Arizona in the offseason. His 43 saves are a result of 82 strikeouts in 70 innings and a 3.34 ERA.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his league leading 42nd save on Wednesday night as the Astros won their fifth straight and 13th in their last 14 games. |
Our View: Valverde has converted each of his last 15 saves, a club record, and his bodacious antics on the hill are easy to take when he is hurling like this. Overall, Jose has 78 K in 67 IP to along with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in a fantastic first season in Houston.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde was perfect in his 10 save opportunities in August and has been honored with the Delivery Man of the Month Award (presented by DHL), according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Valverde only surrendered one earned run and five hits over 14 innings in August, and is yet to allow an earned run over four appearances in September.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde got save number 41, pitching a perfect ninth inning as the Astros beat the Pirates 3-2 Monday night. |
Our View: Valverde hasn't blown a save in the last month and has only allowed one earned run over that time. Simply put, he's been untouchable.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde got save number 40 on the season, striking out the side when closing out the Astros 7-5 victory over the Rockies. |
Our View: Valverde has been as solid as advertised for the Astros, and his good control has been a benefit to fantasy owners, as his BB/9 is under 3.00, helping him to a solid WHIP that is under 1.20.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his 34th save of the season as the Astros beat the Reds 4-1. |
Our View: Valverde collected three strike outs as he closed out the victory for the Astros Wednesday night.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his thirtieth save of the season as the Astros beat the Giants 7-4. |
Our View: Valverde has an ERA and WHIP that fantasy owners would like to see shrink a little, but he has otherwise been solid.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde was handed a one-run lead on Monday against the Pirates, and he allowed five hits and six runs over 0.1 innings. The closer served up two homers, three singles, and a walk before handing the ball to Tim Byrdak, who allowed an inside-the-park dinger. |
Our View: Valverde has had a roller coaster season of sorts, and Monday was an obvious dip. His job is not in jeopardy.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde allowed one hit in the top of the ninth inning but secured the victory for Roy Oswalt with one scoreless inning and his 22nd save of the year. |
Our View: The Astros have hit left-handed starters hard this year and that continued on Monday night with a 4-1 win over the Dodgers and Eric Stults.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde earned his 21st save of the season on Sunday, and we're happy to report that he didn't give up a run. The closer did walk a batter, but he also worked a hitless ninth inning. Valverde had allowed at least one run in four of the last five appearances. |
Our View: We've been worried about Valverde, who basically admitted recently to feeling overworked. Fantasy owners should continue to use him, as the Astros don't really have a better option.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde gave up a solo homer to Mike Lowell in the ninth, but struck out Jason Varitek to secure his 20th save in the Astros 11-10 win over the Red Sox on Saturday night. |
Our View: Valverde has had his moments with his new team and that's evident by his 4.34 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his 19th save of the season Tuesday, but he didn't do so without a little drama. Houston's closer allowed two runs on a hit and walk but was able to escape with the save thanks to three strikeouts. |
Our View: Valverde has a 5.79 ERA this month after a dominant month of May. He's now had one terrific month and two horrible ones thus far. That said, Valverde is not in danger of losing his closer role.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde returned to action after being given a day off because of a heavy workload of late and he held the Rays scoreless to earn his 18th save of the season. |
Our View: Valverde is often the proverbial high wire act, but the bottom line is that he has converted 18 of 22 chances this season, and his fantasy owners will take that.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde was unavailable for Saturday's save chance because he had either pitched or warmed up the previous four nights, according to the AP. As it happened, Doug Brocail got the save opportunity and promptly blew the game. |
Our View: Jose has struggled this month, but don't worry. His job is secure.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde, pitching a meaningless inning with the game well out of reach, did what many closers do in such situations, he imploded. Valverde allowed three hits and a walk which led to two runs allowed. |
Our View: Why is it so hard for closers to pitch when it isn't a save situation? The plate is still the same size, and the ball still has the same number of stitches on it, but runs seem to follow in this situation nonetheless.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde was walking around with a slight limp on Sunday, but he said it's nothing to worry about, according to MLB.com. The closer has had mild soreness in his left knee since spring training, but it hasn't affected him on the mound, and Valverde doesn't anticipate it affecting him in the future. "I'll be OK," Valverde said. "I can run on it. I'm always ready to pitch." |
Our View: Valverde has been arguably the best closer in the game since mid-April, so it doesn't appear that this is anything to sorry about.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde took a line drive to the jaw on Friday, but is said to be fine, and is available to pitch on Sunday, if needed, against the Phillies, according to MLB.com. Manager Cecil Cooper said, "He was walking around yesterday with one of those goalie masks on, having fun. I'm banking that he's OK."
|
Our View: This is good news for fantasy owners, as he has 15 saves, and 32 strikeouts over 26 innings of work.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde said his face was "a little sore" Saturday but that he was otherwise OK after getting hit in the face by a line drive Friday, according to the AP. The Phillies' Pedro Feliz hit a pitch that glanced off the closer's glove and then the side of his face, but Valverde was able to stay in the game and pick up a save. Valverde said he was ready to pitch today, but manager Cecil Cooper was leaning towards holding him out. "That was pretty amazing stuff he did last night," Cooper said. "He might just need a night to just think about it all." |
Our View: It sounds like Valverde will be just fine, and with the way he's pitched lately (save for last night), that's terrific news for his owners.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde dodged a bullet Friday - in one respect. Pedro Feliz hit a liner back at the Houston closer that glanced off Valverde's glove and then hit him in the face, according to MLB.com. The righty was able to stay in the game and recorded his 15th save in 18 chances. |
Our View: Valverde got off to a rough start this year but hadn't given up a run since April 17 before tonight. It appears he has escaped any serious injury.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up two strikeout to close out the Giants on Thursday on his way to his 11th save. |
Our View: May has started out in spectacular fashion for Valverde who has one win and six saves while posting a 0.00 ERA in 8.2 innings as he is once again asserting that he can be a dominating presence on the hill.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde saved his eighth game of the season as the Astros scored a 8-5 win and a three-game sweep over the Dodgers on Sunday afternoon. |
Our View: Valverde only had to record one out to get the save. The Astros' closer has a 4.55 ERA and 1.32 WHIP on the season, and the right-hander has lost four times.
|
|
|
|
| The Houston Chronicle reports that Jose Valverde appears to be in a groove again. After reviewing hours of film from his 47 save season, and then Aprils mound work, the right-hander found a flaw almost immediately. "When I figured out what I was doing wrong, it was easy to fix," he said. |
Our View: Valverde didn't share what flaw he saw and corrected, but he made good on his fifth straight save chance Tuesday night.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde returned to his normal ninth inning role on Sunday recording three outs for his second save in four chances this season. |
Our View: Doug Brocail vultured a save this weekend, leading many fantasy owners to fear that Valverde might have lost his closer role. Valverde is going to have to find an injury before the team trusts Brocail as their primary ninth inning option. The Sunday save was Valverde's 100th of his career.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde had another rough outing on Thursday as he allowed two runs in one inning for the Astros. |
Our View: Valverde now owns a 12.27 ERA and horrible 2.53 WHIP as he has looked terrible this season thanks to an amazing four home runs allowed in 7.1 innings.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde is still chasing a milestone as he remains one save shy of 100 for his career, according to MLB.com. Perhaps it will come tonight against the Phillies, with ace Roy Oswalt set to take the hill. |
Our View: He has allowed eight earned runs over 6.1 innings so far.
|
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his second victory of the season on Monday, this after he suffered a blown save in the ninth inning. So is the life of a relief pitcher. Valverde was awful on the night allowing three hits, two walks and three runs in one inning, but when Miguel Tejada homered in the bottom of the ninth inning, Valverde picked up a totally unwarranted victory. |
|
|
|
| The next save that Jose Valverde records will be the 100th of his career, according to MLB.com. He has one save so far this season. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde picked up his first save of the season on Friday, although he also served up a solo homer. Luckily, the Astros were up by two runs when Jose entered in the ninth inning. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde rebounded nicely from his stiff back as he held the Braves without a hit over one inning of work on Wednesday, with two strikeouts. That was a good day for the Astros' closer. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde will skip his scheduled Friday appearance due to a stiff back, according to the Houston Chronicle. "I'll take two or three days off and after that things will be OK," Valverde said. Assuming that holds true, this should have no effect on his preparation for the beginning of the regular season. |
|
|
|
| The Houston Chronicle reported Friday morning that the team was victorious in their arbitration case against newly acquired closer Jose Valverde. The ex-Diamondback will receive $4.7 million instead of the $6.2 large he was seeking. |
|
|
|
| Right after acquiring Dan Haren from Oakland, the D'Backs shipped Jose Valverde to Houston in exchange for Chad Qualls, Chris Burke and Juan Gutierrez, according to the AP. Valverde, who posted 47 saves with a 2.66 ERA for Arizona in 2007, will step in as Houston's closer. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde played catched Friday and should be ready to start the season on time, the Diamondbacks official site reports. Valverde slammed his finger in a car door Thursday, but the nick is not considered serious. "Hopefully, we get an inning out of him (Saturday), and if that's the case, than we're in good shape, and I expect that to be the case," manager Bob Melvin said. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde slammed a finger on his right hand in a car door and has a blood blister, but the Diamondbacks don't consider it serious, the Arizona Republic reports. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde will be the closer the rest of this season, and manager Bob Melvin says Valverde is the favorite to land the closer's gig next year, according to the Arizona Republic. "Absolutely. If he finishes up the way we saw him finish up last year and the way he's pitched earlier this year, he's definitely the front-runner going into next year," Melvin said. "He's been up and down, but in the time that he's been on he has been absolutely dominating. He's been as good as anybody in the National League. A few months into the season, you'd be looking at him as maybe making an All-Star team." Valverde has posted a 1.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 12 innings since returning to the closer role. |
|
|
|
| Jose Valverde earned the save for the Diamondbacks on Sunday. It was his first save since May 24. Valverde was promoted back into the closer role a week ago. |
|
|
|
| Manager Bob Melvin said that Jose Valverde will return to the closer role that he held earlier in the season, according to the AP. "Since we've seen him come back, he's used his off-speed stuff a little bit better," Melvin said. Valverde's last save came on May 24. |
|
|
|
| The Diamondbacks recalled former closer Jose Valverde from Triple-A Tucson to replace the injured Greg Aquino on the roster. Valverde had a 3.06 ERA in 15 relief appearances with Tucson. He will work in middle relief. |
|
|
|
| Since being optioned to Triple-A Tucson in early July, former closer Jose Valverde has posted a 3.06 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings, according to the Arizona Republic. In fact, he hasn't allowed a run in 11 of his past 12 appearances. He could be recalled when rosters expand next month. |
|
