Neftali Feliz Locked In As Closer

Finally the Rangers have made their decision..

"The Rangers named their starting rotation for the start of the season on Thursday, and Neftali Feliz was not a part of it. With Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison filling out the spots behind C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis, Feliz will return to the closer's role that he filled last year (CBS Sports)."

It's the right choice, and not just for my love for Derek Holland, but the Rangers didn't have anyone to close if he moved to the starting rotation, and it's a little late to go out and find some one. I think Feliz has the stuff to be a starter, but until the Rangers commit to that, and start molding someone to take over his closers role he needs to stay where he is. Plus, I hate when teams flip flop guys between the rotation and the bullpen (example Joba/Morrow).

Feliz had wen 40 for 43 in save chances with a 2.73 ERA, and rumor is he has added another pitch to his arsenal. He is probably the best closer in the game, and the Rangers are lucky to have him in whatever role he plays.

Now It Sounds Like Feliz Will Start

A week or two ago Neftali Feliz came out and said that he is more comfortable being a closer, but now he has done a complete 180 and sounds like a guy who will be in the rotation. After the Rangers lost Cliff Lee I guess it makes sense. I do always get worried when people start flip flopping guys between the rotation and the bullpen. Plus, I have Derek Holland as a minors keeper in my AL only league, so this pisses me off.

Feliz no doubt has the talent to pull this off. He has been nothing short of amazing this spring. Obviously you will get a lot more innings out of a guy in the rotation then you will out of the bullpen. My worry, if I was a Rangers fan, would be whether or not he can make it through the whole season. Usually with young guys you want to limit their innings. For a team that was in the World Series last year, I wonder if he will have certain level of innings he will be allowed to pitch this year. Feliz is their best arm, so they need to be careful, but if this does workout it could be huge for this team.

The only question now is who will close?