C.J. Wilson is still the closer

The Rangers are sticking with C.J. Wilson as their closer, but that doesn't mean there won't be opportunities for Eddie Guardado and even Frank Francisco to close some games.  "He's my closer, but if I put somebody else out there it doesn't mean C.J.'s not the closer," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. Wilson is working withe new pitching coach Andy Hawkins after Wilson met with Washington. Washington said one of the problems has been Wilson's arm slot. Another could be that Wilson isn't 100 percent healthy, although no one wants to admit it publicly.

- Anthony Andro

Comments

[Don Hansen]

We've all heard the definition of insanity:

"Keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result".

C.J. Wilson should not be the closer. Perhaps we do not have a permanent replacement this year, BUT C.J. Wilson should not be. It's insanity.

[Don Hansen]

The new pitching coach says C.J. is working on mechanics but is still the closer. This sounds like a diversion as shoulder inflammation or tummy ache often is. Not the real reason but more media friendly.

Wilson's breaking ball is flat and easy to hit. His fastball is better than average but not spectacular. And if batters do not have to worry about a late breaking slider, then they'll hit that fastball. Especially since Wilson has trouble locating it.

Sound bites like "mechanics" can delay needed action and postpone the admission that C.J. should never have been annointed as the closer.