Texas Rangers looking to decide Neftali Feliz’s fate in rotation
The Texas Rangers have a lot to ponder over as the end of Spring Training nears. Major decisions need to be undertaken with Neftali Feliz’s desire to be in the starting rotation for the team. However, this comes at the cost of losing an able closer. The
hurler has been a magnificent contributor in the bullpen and there are not many players in the mix to get the necessary saves that Feliz has provided to the club in 2010.
Chief Executive Officer, Nolan Ryan is looking for a way in which the squad can be made stronger. The only problem here is the significant level of risk involved undertaking such a decision. With only two weeks of action left in the Cactus League, there
is little the Rangers can do to acquaint a new closer with in Surprise, Arizona. Recently, General Manager, Jon Daniels and Manager, Ron Washington met and discussed the situation with most of the coaching staff.
"Nothing has changed," Daniels said. "We're just trying to put together the best staff we can but we're also taking into consideration, where do we go from here? We've got to balance this year with the next few. Our focus is to win in 2011 but we can't turn
blind eyes to beyond that."
Derek Holland, Alexi Ogando, Tommy Hunter and Mark Lowe can be potential closers but the problem is their lack of form and experience for the role. Feliz may be the future number one starter but he has to set himself in the closer’s role to accommodate the
club’s position in the American League West division.
"It's really getting into the last couple of weeks and see how everything is shaping and how the other pitchers vying for starting spots are doing," Ryan said. "It's still up in the air. In areas where people are competing, they are going to get every opportunity
they can."
The lack of qualified candidates for the slots in the starting rotation is poses risk for the Rangers. The situation is difficult but it is yet to be seen whether a definitive outcome can be identified or not.
Tags: