March 23, 2014
Houston Astros — Manager Bo Porter has said that he will go with the dreaded closer by committee to start the season. Chad Qualls has the experience, so we still expect him to see the most save chances, at least at the beginning of the season. Josh Fields, Matt Albers, and lefty Kevin Chapman should be in the mix, and Porter also recently said that Anthony Bass has emerged as an option. Hierarchy remains: Fields | Qualls | Albers.
New York Mets — Kyle Farnsworth is not expected to make the Mets roster. Jose Valverde has closer experience, and manager Terry Collins has been impressed with him so far, so he could handle the set-up role. Vic Black pitched well for the Mets at the end of last season and should also see time in the later innings. Another guy to keep an eye on is Jeurys Familia. Familia is a young flame-thrower who recently broke catcher Taylor Teagarden’s glove with a fastball in spring training. Hierarchy change: Parnell | Valverde | Black.
Detroit Tigers — Bruce Rondon will have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2014 season. Al Alburquerque and Joba Chamberlain should see time in the 7th and 8th innings ahead of closer Joe Nathan. Hierarchy change: Nathan | Alburquerque | Chamberlain.
Chicago White Sox — The White Sox are not ready to name their closer yet. Nate Jones has thrown five scoreless innings in spring training and still looks like the best bet to get the job. However, Matt Lindstrom finally appears to be healthy, and if youngster Daniel Webb is able to make the roster out of spring training, they could both challenge Jones. Ronald Belisario could also factor into the late innings. Hierarchy remains: Lindstrom | Jones | Webb.
Oakland A’s — Ryan Cook is expected to start the season on the DL. Veteran Luke Gregerson should take over for Cook while he is out. Hierarchy change: Johnson | Doolittle | Gregerson.
