With Reed gone, the closer spot is unoccupied. Who do you give it to? I'd like it to go to Nate Jones, but if not him, then Lindstrom.

Daniel Webb an option as well.

Edited December 16, 201312 yr by Jose Abreu

Jones has to be the leader, though Webb might be the closer in training.

Jones out of the gate, Belisario, Lindstrom could be fillin options if he struggles, either Webb or Petricka could be set for that role long term.

I don't think it matters if the club isn't competitive. I think you have the freedom to give several tryouts to see what you have.

I don't think it matters if the club isn't competitive. I think you have the freedom to give several tryouts to see what you have.

 

Yeah, this will shake out over the course of the season. Jones gets first shot in ST, but I wouldn't be surprised if Lindstrom gets some reps too. If either falters, Webb is in the picture.

Im guessing Jones starts the season as closer, then Lindstrom, and the season will finish with Webb as closer

Jones has closer stuff, so he should be the man by default.

I think Jones has a chance to be really good as a closer. Both his fastball and slider can get swing and misses, and when he's pitching he's all arms and legs.

Rock did mention something about bringing a vet in to compete for the job...not sure if that is something he heard or just something he would do.

 

The closer markey is still pretty deep...

 

 

Andrew Bailey (30)

Grant Balfour (36)

Joaquin Benoit (36)

Rafael Betancourt (39)

Kevin Gregg (36)

Joel Hanrahan (32)

Ryan Madson (33)

Chris Perez (28)

Fernando Rodney (37)

Jose Veras (33)

Carlos Marmol (31)

Brandon Lyon (34)

Brett Myers (33)

Francisco Rodriguez (31)

 

 

All those guys have some kind of closers experience.

 

If you're one of those who don't believe the Sox can compete, then at the very least whoever they pickup could be traded at the deadline(assuming they succeed).

 

I'd sign Andrew Bailey to a two year deal and groom Webb for closing in '15. Bailey puts it together this year and you move him at the trade deadline or in the offseason.

 

I would take Perez or Madson as buy low candidates and try to flip them at the deadline and give the younger guys some more time at AAA. Also give you a chance to ease Jones into the role, he wasn't very good to start the season last year and I dont think you want to put a lot or pressure on him again out of the gate to perform.

I think Jones has a chance to be really good as a closer. Both his fastball and slider can get swing and misses, and when he's pitching he's all arms and legs.

 

Seriously. I don't think some folks on here appreciate how good he can be.

 

He slashed more than a full walk off of his walk rate last year. What if that continues to improve?

How much can you depend on Bailey health wise? Seems to be breaking down already.

Rock did mention something about bringing a vet in to compete for the job...not sure if that is something he heard or just something he would do.

 

The closer markey is still pretty deep...

 

 

Andrew Bailey (30)

Grant Balfour (36)

Joaquin Benoit (36)

Rafael Betancourt (39)

Kevin Gregg (36)

Joel Hanrahan (32)

Ryan Madson (33)

Chris Perez (28)

Fernando Rodney (37)

Jose Veras (33)

Carlos Marmol (31)

Brandon Lyon (34)

Brett Myers (33)

Francisco Rodriguez (31)

 

 

All those guys have some kind of closers experience.

 

If you're one of those who don't believe the Sox can compete, then at the very least whoever they pickup could be traded at the deadline(assuming they succeed).

 

Each one of those guys is going to be as expensive as all get out...We don't need them.

Each one of those guys is going to be as expensive as all get out...We don't need them.

This. I know we have money to spend but I'm not wasting it on a closer. Jones or Webb or Petricka or Shingo or Hermanson or Jenks will do.

I am definitely in favor of signing a veteran if the Sox can get a deal. I think Webb is the next closer of the White Sox but I'd love to sign a veteran specifically to flip him for prospects at deadline.

Either they go closer by committee in Lindstrom and Jones or they outright name Jones the closer for 2014.

I'd give to Jones to start the season. Hell...he's 27 so it's not like you're throwing him into the fire. Guy's got some gas and a filthy slider....

Hell if Jones has a solid year closing and piles up 40 saves we might be able to get a big return for him next year too.

Hell if Jones has a solid year closing and piles up 40 saves we might be able to get a big return for him next year too.

This. I'd do it every year, if it was possible.

This. I'd do it every year, if it was possible.

 

Yea you figure a new name will emerge from AA this year as well. The White Sox organization is quite impressive in some areas.

Jones is too wild at times for me to trust him as a closer. Still think he would do better in a setup role.

Jones out of the gate, Belisario, Lindstrom could be fillin options if he struggles, either Webb or Petricka could be set for that role long term.

 

 

Possibly this will be decided by a trade or FA signing? I do like Jones though. Will Jesse Crain return?

If Jones is promoted we'll still have a serious need for a LHP in the bullpen

Possibly this will be decided by a trade or FA signing? I do like Jones though. Will Jesse Crain return?

I really don't like the idea of bringig in a right handed vet for this pen. I really want to I've one of the rookies the last spot.

 

But a lefty veteran, I'm game.

Yea you figure a new name will emerge from AA this year as well. The White Sox organization is quite impressive in some areas.

 

Churnin' out closers since 2005.