Matt Capps News: Pro Sports Daily

Bucs believe Capps will be closer in '10

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September 28

MLB.com

"Barring a trade, which does remain a realistic possibility, Matt Capps will return to the Pirates as the team's closer in 2010, said general manager Neal Huntington. Management intends to stand by its closer despite the struggles Capps has had in the role this season. And even though Capps is in line for a raise from the $2.3 million salary he made this season, it's expected that the Pirates will tender him a contract this offseason. "There is a lot of thought that this is just a bad year for Matt Capps and that he had a hard time digging out from underneath it but that he should be fine for next year," Huntington said. "It's been a bad year for him, but we think he can bounce back." Capps ..."

Capps will be tendered

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September 26

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates will tender contracts to all three key players -- starter Zach Duke, closer Matt Capps and shortstop Ronny Cedeno -- who are certain to qualify for salary arbitration this offseason. "Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we will," general manager Neal Huntington said last night in his first firm pronouncement on the subject. Management would prefer, as always, to negotiate settlements before cases reach arbitration. That could be especially true of Capps, who will be second-year eligible after making $2.425 million in a down year. "I don't see a situation in which we non-tender Capps unless we get completely unrealistic financial demands," Huntington said. "From the standpoint ..."

Tejada denies accusation

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September 14

Houston Chronicle

"Miguel Tejada called the accusation from Pirates closer Matt Capps that he was working with first base coach Jose Cruz to steal signs "ridiculous" and "unbelievable." Tejada popped out in the ninth inning of the Astros' loss to the Pirates on Sunday and proceeded to engage in a shouting match with Capps, which drew several Astros out of the dugout. Tejada said after the game that he did not know what Capps was yelling about, but Capps revealed that he thought Tejada was getting signs."

Pirates fielding offers for Sanchez and Wilson

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"The Pirates continue to listen to offers for second baseman Freddy Sanchez, shortstop Jack Wilson, left-handed reliever John Grabow and right-handed closer Matt Capps. Moving left-hander Paul Maholm or Zach Duke would be "very tough" for the club, one source says, unless the Pirates acquired a major-league ready starting pitcher plus additional prospects in return. The Pirates like the foundation of their future rotation — Maholm, Duke and right-handers Ross Ohlendorf and Charlie Morton. The Giants are less willing to move left-hander Jonathan Sanchez due to the uncertainty surrounding lefty Randy Johnson, who is on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. Johnson, who turns 46 on Sept. ..."

Phillies' Lidge feels for Pirates closer Capps

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July 13

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Phillies closer Brad Lidge, who has endured some tough times this season, has empathy for Pirates closer Matt Capps, who blew a four-run lead in Saturday's 8-7 loss. "When we won, I was so fired up for our guys, but you definitely feel for a guy the next day," Lidge said. "You hope that it doesn't affect his confidence because he's a good closer. It was just one of those nights. I feel for him a little bit, but I don't want to say I feel bad for him, because we (closers) should be tough enough to bounce back. I know the feeling. I've blown a four-run lead before. I think he'll be fine." Even though Capps clearly was struggling - he gave up five runs in one-third of an inning and took the ..."

Capps regains form in Pirates' win

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May 17

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Matt Capps did not want the Pirates to pad their three-run lead Saturday night against the Colorado Rockies. A four-run edge means it's not a save situation, which would have kept Capps in the bullpen instead of putting him on the field. After coughing up a lead and losing the night before, Capps wanted a quick shot at redemption. He got it. The Pirates stranded a runner at second base in the eighth inning, and the bullpen door swung open. Capps nailed down the ninth, preserving the Pirates' 7-4 victory on a soggy, chilly night. "It felt good to get back on the saddle," Capps said. "I had to regroup and kind of find myself again. It showed up this afternoon, and it's a new day." Capps ..."

Colorado rocks Capps in 9th

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May 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The great hunt for Matt Capps' flaw -- whether it is physical, mechanical or mental -- began Friday night, a few minutes after the Colorado Rockies swiped a 3-1 victory from the Pirates. The Rockies rocked Capps for three runs in the ninth inning. The Pirates' closer yielded five hits, including Brad Hawpe's two-run homer to center field. The blowout, Capps' second in eight save chances, will cost him some extra time in the video room and bullpen with pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. There could be a small bugaboo in Capps' delivery. Perhaps it's a lingering effect from elbow soreness earlier this month. "I'll have to go look at the video," Capps said. "I feel fine. Nothing hurts." Ian Stewart ..."