Manager Ozzie Guillen didn’t specify if Sale would become the White Sox closer or be used in a setup role. For Williams, late-inning relief is all about getting important outs. So, if Matt Thornton is chosen as the closer but is needed in the eighth, then the roles will have to be adjusted.
“It’s a great scenario if Matt Thornton is the guy because of what he has been doing for the White Sox,” Guillen said. “Sale has great stuff to be the closer. A couple of guys out there have closed before. Right now, it’s too early for me to say whether this guy is going to be the closer or not.”
UPDATE: Gonzo has a quote from Kenny:
“Sometimes that means in seventh inning if Moreau and Mauer are coming up, maybe the guy you have tabbed as your ‘closer’ is better for that situation versus the ninth, when you have the No. 9-1-2 or 8-9-1 (hitters) coming up,” Williams explained. “Right now, we have a situation where people have earned right to pitch the last inning or last couple of innings. Fortunately we have some candidates.”
I really don’t want to see sale or thornton close. if it had to be one of them, I would rather sale close. but regardless, we can’t lose what thornton does in the 7th and 8th innings because it would weaken our bullpen.
Comment by Anonymous — February 18, 2011 @ February 18, 2011 8:47 pm |
I hope Kenny sticks to his guns on this!
Comment by The Wizard — February 19, 2011 @ February 19, 2011 10:11 pm |