Rangers Bullpen

Over at the Ask Rotoman discussion board, lewp asks:

Should C.J. (Wilson) continue to have problems, who do you think has the better chance at the majority of saves in Texas? (Eddie) Guardado? (Joaquin) Benoit?

I may have mentioned this in one of my off-season write-ups, but I was wary of C.J. Wilson (and more wary than I was of George Sherrill) as a closer. And it wasn't because I didn't believe that a situational left-hander couldn't be a closer. It was because I didn't believe this situational left-hander could close.

Wilson's career lefty/righty splits were not favorable. Putting a pitcher like that in a role where he'd face more right-handers than left-handers, in all likelihood, was going to make for some tough sledding.

Of course, Wilson's been fine against right-handers this year. His problem has been with a lack of command (10 walks in 19 2/3 IP) and power (10 Ks). Despite the high ERA, his batting average against has actually held up to last year's paltry number, but that trend won't hold if he can barely strike out a batter every other inning.

Guardado is probably the short-term choice. His numbers have been OK, and he's the guy the team went to for a save chance already, which Guardado converted. At the age of 37, he doesn't excite me, and his K/IP aren't so good either, but I do think Steady Eddie would be the guy if Wilson struggled.

After a slow start, Benoit has picked it up in May, posting a 1.74 ERA and a lights out .184 BAA. His problems with his command are gone, and the results are impressive.

I do wonder, though, whether or not the Rangers see him as a future closer or not. They seem more comfortable with him as a two inning bridge guy, getting the ball to the stopper, and not as the final option at the end of the game. For Roto players who are waiting on Benoit to be the closer, that's too bad. You might have to wait at least another year, even if Wilson does falter.