Closer - Rauch or Liriano?

[Chnginthhofl]

Rauch was 2nd to Nathan as far as closer experience goes.

Liriano has all the tools to be a good closer.

[Scott K]

Liriano will start the year as a starter. That is what he wants, and if it works out, it is best for the team. Rauch, or Slama will be our closer come opening day, but if they dont work out, we have other options, including picking a closer up mid season.

[DonBo]

I think it's gonna be closer by committee for a while till someone steps up and takes the job. I see Guerrier as the guy who probably ends up with it.

I like Liriano myself but he's probably gonna be more helpfull pitching 200 innings as opposed to 60.

[B. Amish]

I'd bet that it will be Guerrier.

[JBMasterAngler]

If Guerrier ends up as our closer I'll never watch the 9th inning ever again! My poor heart won't be able to handle the strain Between him and crain I can't begin to count the number of games they've blown over the years.

[First Ice-Mike]

Crain has been lights out this spring - I think he may end up being the guy. He was a closer in the minors and he does have nasty stuff if he can locate it.

FI

[Juneau4]

Neither one will be the closer-the Twins are going to trade for one, probably the one in San Diago. ( Padres) Diago does't look right

[gatorslayer]

diego

[grousehunter]

I doubt they pick up Bell. I think Rauch will be our closer until he looses the job and then we may trade for a closer. Hopefully not giving up to much in prospects.

[Coach1310]

If Guerrier ends up as our closer I'll never watch the 9th inning ever again! My poor heart won't be able to handle the strain Between him and crain I can't begin to count the number of games they've blown over the years.

Just for the record.... last year Guerrier had 33 holds. That is tied for the 6th best season of all time....

I guess I could live with that...

[blue_healer_guy]

A hold could be only 1 pitch, not an entire inning like Joe was used for. He would be scary.

[Coach1310]

A hold could be one pitch..... but a save could be one pitch just as easily.

Most closers have two things in common... good stuff and they throw that stuff for strikes...

Guerrier has pretty good stuff AND he throws it for strikes. He isn't a flame thrower, but I'll take the guy who throws it over the plate and down over a flame thrower who always leaves it up like Crain.

[Dahitman44]

Guerrier - -actually I really think he is going to go well. I hope4 he gets the job. Rouch and Liriano scare the [PoorWordUsage] of of me with their wildness.

[zepman]

Liriano allows too many walks and base runners to close right now...once he grows up and matures a little, his "stuff" is perfect for a lights-out closer.

[Harmonica Bear]

I think his stuff is perfect for a staff ace as well. I say keep him a starter. The closer option should be a last resort.

[bgreen82]

If liriano is nasty we absolutely need him in the rotation. I like guerrier as closer, or trade for one.

[mrklean]

i dont want to see crane or guerrier ever in the closer role, my heart hurts when i see them on the field, yea they are good somesimtes and other times its like watching a little leaguer pitch to barry bonds. i would rather see rauch out there

[greebs]

Rauch and think he will do ok in that role

[mr_jman]

Don't mind the thought of Guerrier closing for now. I think Rauch is a likely candidate or they will trade for someone but probably not before the season starts.

As long as Crain and Liriano aren't closing I think I could live with it! Crain has scared me since day one even when he is pitching well I still feel like he will blow it.

I'm a Liriano fan but he scares me and I don't think he is mentally ready to take on that role. I think he has the stuff to be a dominant closer because he does very well facing batters the first time through a lineup its the 2nd and 3rd at bats that usually give him troubles. Could he be a closer...? YES, but I hope they give him a chance to take the #5 starter and hopefully he'll run with it!

MAYBE THE TWINS CAN JUST SCORE A TON OF RUNS AND WE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SAVES!

[DonBo]

MAYBE THE TWINS CAN JUST SCORE A TON OF RUNS AND WE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SAVES!

That's waht I'm hoping for. Score 6 or 8 runs a game and don't worry about it!

[DonBo]

Rauch sure upped his odds today. A perfect 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout.

[Scott K]

Originally Posted By: mr_jman

MAYBE THE TWINS CAN JUST SCORE A TON OF RUNS AND WE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SAVES!

That's waht I'm hoping for. Score 6 or 8 runs a game and don't worry about it!

That will only work if our pitchers dont give up 7-9 runs a game

[pinkfloyd4ever]

I prefer Liriano with Rauch as set up. Interesting to watch the transition, if any, from April games to September games and see who is on the mound

[Chnginthhofl]

I don't mind the idea of Rauch vs. Righties and Liriano vs. Lefties in the closer role.