So, who do you think the Astros closer will be this year? And will that person hold the job all year? We signed Jose Veres basically for that role, but he certainly hasn't had the look of a closer so far this spring. I think he begins the season as the closer but loses the job after about a month to Chia-Jen Lo. I would prefer they go with Lo from the beginning and see how he does. It's really hard to say also cause we have no real background info on how Porter will handle situations like these. Coming from Washington you would certainly think he is a guy who isn't afraid to throw a rookie into a big role though.
Veras is the closer. I think Fields, Lo, and Cruz all have a chance to supplant him during the season.
Maybe, I know that is why they signed Veres in the first place. I just don't think he is gonna hold the job very long, if he indeed does start with it. I think Porter, coming from the Nats, isn't going to be a manager that thinks a "veteran" guy has to have certain roles. To me, Lo has been the best guy we have for that role so far this spring.
Don't get too much into Spring stats. At this point, Lo may not make the big club, even though he clearly deserves a spot. Nothing will shock me. I actually really like the combination of Cruz/Lo/Fields/Veras. Would be our best bullpen in terms of pure stuff in a long time.
Yea don't worry about that man, I have been following baseball for decades and I know all about spring stats. I just don't think Veres is a guy that if he is put in the closers role he can pitch himself into trade value. If i'm right about that, I don't see a whole lot of reason to have him as the closer. Lo was sent down today though, I don't think there is any doubt left that Veras is going to close to begin the year.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...chi-tazawa-koji-uehara-joel-hanranan/2141019/ Houston Astros: Jose Veras had a bad week. He went from "hold" to "automatic lose" status in one week...
Not sure it matters too much, but I see Fields being "the guy" by season's end. Sure, he's young, but I think him getting healthy and his skill set should allow for him to have a chance.
