Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz may become starter in 2012
The idea was on the table in 2010 when the regular season ended and now it has cropped back up on the forum again. The question is: will Neftali Feliz pitch in the next season as a starter?
For the Texas Rangers, the answer will never be clear. General Manager of the club, Jon Daniels, talked to the press on Monday, October 31, and talked about the issue in brief.
Feliz has been the Rangers’ best closer in the last two years. Starting off his career in the top flight, Feliz impressed many experts in 2009 when he played 20 games and ended the season with an earning runs average of 1.74. In 2010, he played 70 games,
harnessing an earning runs average of 2.73 and 40 saves from 43 opportunities.
In 2011, the story was almost the same. From 64 game features, he posted an earning runs average of 2.74. Furthermore he maintained his form to convert 32 saves from 38 saving opportunities. Replacing the hurler at the Closer’s mound will be the toughest
task for the club and there are unexpected situations that may come up, aiding the player to the starter’s rotation.
"It's on the table," Daniels said. "We talked about it at our end-of-the-season staff meeting on Saturday. It will come down to what's best for him and what's best for our club. He's one of the most talented pitchers in the game. It comes down to how we
want to deploy him.
"He's probably more valuable to us achieving his potential at the front end of the rotation than the back end of the rotation. We'll talk about it."
C. J. Wilson is the club’s first choice pitcher but he also happens to be a free agent. If he moves out of the club, the Rangers may look to the likes of Roy Oswalt to come in from the agency. However another option could come in the form of Feliz’s move
to the starter’s role. With Colby Lewis coming in from an option exercise, the player could have the right veteran guidance to assist him on his new role.
Pitching is one hard rock for the Texans to deal.
"And always will be," Daniels said.
The Rangers are looking to sort their positions and roster up fast as they look to train the players in accordance to their roles, early, this off season.
Tags: