The Rangers 2008 closer will be…

…a perfect fit. There are numerous ways the Rangers could go this offseason to fill their need out of the bullpen. They could dip into the free agent market, go the trade route, or use someone from within. There are plenty of candidates so where will they go?

Internally the Rangers really only have one option. Frankie Francisco dropped a 3.13 era last season with an exception k/bb rate. Among all of the candidates he’s probably the safest because the Rangers know that he can perform in Arlington. However he would still have significant value as a power set up man so he isn’t entrenched in the closer role.

 On the trade front the Rangers will be limited when looking for a closer. The highest profile closers on the trade market are JJ Putz and Huston Street of Seattle and Oakland respectively. Neither team is likely to deal such a valuable commodity within the division. Seattle might under Zduriencik, but Beane won’t unless he gets Neftali Feliz, Chris Davis, and Josh Hamilton’s 2nd born son. The main name here is Kevin Gregg. Gregg has posted respectable era’s the past 3 years with elite level strikeout potential at times despite being dinged up a little last year. With Florida looking to shed money he could be a solid bargain for a team like the Rangers.

The free agent market has some names. The Rangers have reportedly talked to the agent for lefty Brian Fuentes. Jon Heyman predicted the Rangers would sign Francisco Rodriguez due to a smaller than expected closer market. I had a similar feeling going into the offseason, but I’m not so sure now. Chad Cordero’s name has surfaced, but he’s openly stated that Texas is at the bottom of his list. Apparently beggers can be choosers. None of these guys feel as if they would fit in Texas as the closer though.

You know who does though? Kerry Wood. It isn’t just because he’s from the area. We know how little that sentiment matters from the Torii Hunter debacle last off season. His power arm is a great fit out of the closer spot. His numbers were roughly equivalent to Francisco, but can you have enough good pitchers? Absolutely not. Ultimately I think it will come back to Nolan. Nolan’s tentacles are everywhere. Nolan wants Daniels to find arms that can get some strikeouts. They want that bulldog mentality on the mound. Thats Kerry. There are very reports linking Kerry anywhere lately. It makes one wonder why he hasn’t signed an extension with the Cubs yet.

Kerry Wood will be the Rangers closer in 2008. You heard it here first. The Rangers haven’t been linked to him once publicly yet, but they play things close to the vest these days. I think this is where you will once again see the power of Nolan. How many Dallas-Fort Worth pitchers that grew up in the Nolan Rangers Era would turn him down when asked to come help the Rangers? Would one that still wears Nolan’s number 34? My vote is no.

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Last post (s) by Josh Lile

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