Alberquerque or Villarreal?

[hoog]

I don't think Jim trust Randon, even before all the hype and push started for him to be the closer. Now that he's faltered a little bit I think Jim has it in his mind that he will not keep him on our roster. Which BTW, I agree with at this point. Let him go down to Toledo get things going and then bring him up.

In the meantime, I think we have two pretty decent candidates to contend for the closer role. No I don't like the Dotel/Coke dual closer role idea that Jim is trying to pass on to us. I think it should be a battle between Alberquerque and Villarreal. Both have electric arms and both (for me anyway) are more one inning guys than longer relief roles. For the start of the season, I think I would roll out Alberquerque as the closer and see how he does.

To me, the role fits him perfectly. He can come out of the pen do his thing and be done. I think it would save on his arm also. Hopefully, Jim was there to view his 1 inning 3 strike out game yesterday. I will say, however, that Villarreal was just as dominant in the game. It will be a tough choice but I favor Al.

[ahoda]

I want Bryan. Al is better suited to come in late in the game with lots of guys on base and get us that K. He's the only bull pen arm we have that can do that.

[LionsFan..LOL]

I'd go with Brayan as well.

[rellime]

I want Alberquerque. I just really ike the stuff that he brings to the table. If he's already good enough in stressful situations striking people out he seems like the ideal candidate for it.

[sc8581]

Neither

[vader817]

Neither

then who do you suggest. Its a coin toss for me.

[GuySir]

Scherzer to the rescue!

[jlisec01]

I'd have to go with neither as well. Although, Villarreal did get the job done against Houston looking past that error. To me he just seems too wild. As for a closer I'm not sure, but I guess that explains why we're seeking a closer.

[Dekker]

Scherzer to the rescue!

obviously this lmao

[sc8581]

Scherzer would be ideal, he could probably pitch 2 innings every outing which would be nice since we don't have a reliable 8th innings guy either lol. I say we bring back Valverde for a year though to be honest, other than the playoffs he got the job done.

[Dekker]

rumor around the camp is they might be looking to use Porcello in the 9th inning. I don't have an opinion on this one

[MotownWebGuy]

rumor around the camp is they might be looking to use Porcello in the 9th inning. I don't have an opinion on this one

I do not believe that rumor on Porcello to the bullpen. Bullpen members are former failed starters and actually Porcello looks better this spring, than he has since 2007. He is far-from a failed starter.

I also don't believe it's Villarreal versus Al-Al. We could see a host of closers this April. Maybe even names like Putkonen, Marte, Mercedes, Coke, Benoit, Downs and Dotel.

[ahoda]

Yes, the guy that can't anyone out when he starts and lefties hit .330 off of should be the CL.

[JackB]

As far as Porcello looking better. Who is he facing? Many of the good players are playing in the Classic or maybe get one at bat.Plus we are talking 2-3-4 innings. Its not like most pitchers are bad for short stints. If Porcello pitches this way two weeks when pitchers are throwing 5-6 innings then I'll jump on a say he's pitching better.
So for right now too small of a sample size. I would consider him for the role until we get things starightened out. Closing in always about blowing the ball past hitters. Its about locating . Being around the plate close enough that hitters have to swing. Valverde is an older Rondon. He's all over the place.I hope we don't feel pressured into resigning him.

[sc8581]

Other than the playoffs Valverde was just fine last year, bringing him back on a one year deal seems like the best option to me at this point. DD might just be saying they're not interested because of the money he was asking for, now that he realizes he's not getting that or anywhere near it, a one year deal could be best for him right now as well.