September 26, 2008 If the 2009 season were to begin today, Chad Qualls would be the D'backs closer and not Brandon Lyon, according to the Arizona Republic. "But based on what he's accomplished, especially here as of late, I don't see why he wouldn't be considered the favorite going into spring training next year," manager Bob Melvin said.
Our View:Wow, too bad that decision came about two months late this year. Qualls has been the most consistent arm in the club's pen this season, and we've seen how journeyman types can have success in the closers role elsewhere (Kevin Gregg and Salomon Torres come to mind).
September 25, 2008 Reliever Chad Qualls will get the first crack at being the Diamondbacks closer in 2009, according to DBacks.com. "Based on what he's accomplished, especially here as of late, I don't see why he wouldn't be the favorite going in to Spring Training next year," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said.
Our View:Qualls has four saves in four tries since the middle of September when he took the job from Brandon Lyon. Juan Cruz might have been the favorite, but he will be a free agent, and so might Lyon, as the team must decide whether or not to offer him salary arbitration.
September 19, 2008 Chad Qualls returned to the mound Thursday as the D-Backs' closer after sitting out for two days due to fatigue, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View:Qualls got two ground-outs and a strikeout to record his fifth save (against the Giants), and looks to be back on track after getting some rest.
September 17, 2008 Chad Qualls was not available to pitch Tuesday due to fatique, according to the Arizona Republic. He said, "I'm a little tired. I've thrown a lot lately. They approached me and asked if I'd be all right if I had a day off. I said that'd be fine. No injury or anything like that. I was a little sore even yesterday. I'm glad they approached me and asked me if I could maybe take a day or so."
Our View:Tony Pena was set to fill in for Qualls in a save situation. Qualls has not allowed an earned run in 10 straight appearances, and hopefully he will remain strong after getting some rest.
September 13, 2008 Manager Bob Melvin indicated that Chad Qualls has unseated Brandon Lyon as the Diamondbacks' closer, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View:Lyon held a 2.43 ERA and converted 19 saves in 23 chances at the All-Star break but has not pitched well since. In the second half, he has an 11.57 ERA over 16.1 innings. Qualls came in to bail out Lyon on Friday night, getting the final out of a close 3-2 win over Cincinnati by striking out Jerry Hairston Jr. He has been the bullpen’s best pitcher for the past several weeks, as he has not been scored upon in 17 of his last 18 appearances. Qualls is worth targeting for the closing weeks of the season.
