Who Will Be the Eventual Phillies Closer?
By Tal Venada
Responding to a question in a recent interview, the skipper named four ninth-inning candidates for the Philadelphia Phillies including two firemen with 95-mph smoke, a ground-ball inducer and hurlers with multiple saves in previous campaigns.
A Brief Detour:
At times, decisions can be difficult to the point of a coin flip, while other issues appear to resolve themselves.
When players begin their spring routine for the new 162, clubhouse comments find their way to fans via many media outlets. Usually, managers like Pete Mackanin reply to a dozen familiar questions, and one remark can create a buzz among the locals. Recently, the mention of Jeanmar Gomez as the probable closer created a stir on many Phillies-related sites, and what was the most frequently posted response? No!
Even though Mackanin named three other relievers besides Gomez, Pat Neshek wasn’t one of them, which means he will work as a setup man. In fact, this is a bigger role than Gomez had expected last March. But keep in mind, Neshek had six saves for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, so he could occasionally record the final three outs.
Barring a major surprise or an unpredictable chain of events, Edubray Ramos will not be the ninth-inning hammer, but – remember – Hector Neris showed less in 2015 than Ramos last summer. By current standards, however, a blazing fastball gets front-of-the-line consideration by execs, and Ramos is a perfect example of a fireballer receiving a generous opportunity. But most of his outings will be in the seventh frame if he’s effective.
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “You have to be mentally ‘there.’ Your talent is there, but you have to be mentally there, too.” – Billy Wagner"
On many sites, some posters believed Joaquin Benoit would be the ninth-inning fireman, and they pointed to his acquisition as proof. But others didn’t agree. Of course, doubters noted that Benoit had notched 24 saves for the Detroit Tigers three summers ago. Eventually, one correctly replied he’s here to bolster the pen.