but I think it is silly to have a rookie come in and close next year. Wilson should stick there until he is dethroned by a proven pitcher. Who knows, Warner might come in next year and light it up forcing CJ out of the closer role. But until that happens, CJ sticks there.

Lets give CJ one more shot at starter…

he needs to show he can be a successful reliever in the majors before being given the closers role. If he can pitch well out of the ‘pen for 1-2 years then we can talk closer.

But it sure would be nice if he became a solid closer for us the next 5 years to stick it in the face of the Angels. Considering JD actually stole him from their farm system.

In 2002, K-Rod came up and was dominant but they kept Percival in the closer’s role.

They have an article projecting the closers for the next three years for each team. Here is the Rangers portion:

Texas – The Rangers’ closing situation is as up in the air as any in baseball. C.J. Wilson was handed the job this year despite his control issues, but has twice been on the cusp of being replaced. Joaquin Benoit, who isn’t viewed as having a closer’s mentality, has been battling a troublesome shoulder since spring training. Eddie Guardado and Jamey Wright have actually been the Rangers’ most reliable relievers, and Guardado could get a chance to close later this season. However, neither is a likely option in 2009. The Rangers would love to see Frank Francisco show the same kind of potential he did as a rookie in 2004, but while his stuff has come back after Tommy John surgery, he’s too wild to be trusted at the end of games. He currently has 35 strikeouts, 17 walks and a 4.23 ERA in 27 2/3 innings.

The best hope in the system for a closer of the future is Warner Madrigal, who was stolen away from the Angels in December. The converted outfielder has a 3.27 ERA and a 38/15 K/BB ratio in 33 innings between Double- and Triple-A. Besides him, the Rangers lack pure relief prospects. 2007 draft picks Neil Ramirez and Tommy Hunter are possibilities to shift to the pen, and Hunter might be of use as soon as next year if he’s moved. Former top starting pitching prospect Thomas Diamond remains a candidate to make it as a starter, but he might have a better chance of a career as a setup man at this point.

While Wilson is young and could improve, my guess is that the Rangers’ 2009 closer isn’t currently in the organization. They could come up with the money to make a run at K-Rod or Lidge if they feel they’re close enough to contending. Brandon Lyon would be less expensive, and his sinker would make him a nice fit in Texas. Also, the Rangers could consider bringing back Akinori Otsuka, assuming his rehab from Tommy John surgery goes well.

2009: (Free agent), Wilson, Francisco, Benoit
2010: (Free agent), Wilson, Madrigal, Francisco
2011: Madrigal, Wilson, Diamond, Francisco

Rotoworld Projected Closers

He’s having a good amount of success in high A and AA. If he finishes the year as strong as he started it, I don’t see why his name shouldn’t be in the mix for potential future closer as well.

With that said, I think CJ finishes the season and proves to the doubters that he is a good closing option for the next few years and Warner will have to wait it out no matter how well he does.

With a lead every single pitcher is the “Closer”

A 1 run lead in the 7th is the same as a 1 run lead in the 9th.

Quit using the word closer, its the worst word in baseball. If you have the 3-4-5 hitters coming up in the 8th inning and then 6-7-8 or 7-8-9 hitters in the 9th who do you want your best pitcher pitching too? But of course its the “8th inning” guy that gets the call because thats “his spot”

Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb.

Being a rookie doesnt matter, being a veteren doesnt matter. You either make good pitches and get hitters out, or you don’t.

At the end of the 2007 season, the Angels made a decision to protect Madrigal from the Rule 5 Draft by putting him on their 40-man roster on November 6th. However, because Madrigal had spent 6 years in the minor leagues with one team, he became a free agent at the close of the 2007 World Series on October 29. The Texas Rangers subsequently signed Madrigal to a contract on November 18, 2007.