Florida Marlins Closer

The Marlins look like they may rival the bullpen futility, and by that, I mean the lack of a defined closer and a bunch of saves going to one player, of the 2003 Tigers and the 2004 Royals. That Tigers team was lead in saves by Chris Meirs and Franklyn German with 5 apiece, and the Royals team was led by Jeremy Affeldt’s 13 and several players with 3 or fewer.

Yesterday, Joe Borowski pitched in the 8th inning, after making his first appearance in the 7th the week before. This alone signals serious concerns about whether or not he is the closer. To make matters worse, he gave up three earned runs in 2/3s of an inning yesterday.

In Borowski’s defense, Matt Herges inherited his three runners and proceeded to allow two to score. Herges inspires no confidence, irrespective of this appearance, because he has failed in the role repeatedly when given the chance.

Franklyn German finished off the game by striking out two in the 9th in a 9-3 game. A game that is meaningless, by any definition of that word. However, I am calloused because I saw German begin last season the same way only to crumble the moment the Tigers’ closer role opened up. I have a hard time not believing history won’t repeat itself for this failing “future closer.” it is only a matter of game pressure befre his is walking two batters an appearance.

Carlos Martinez has pitched in meaningful innings. Here this means in the 8th or 9th. Why the floating definition? He is 20-years-old and pitched in A ball last year. He should be pitching mop-up innings not the 10th inning of a tie game. I like him but may be a year ahead of myself.

I don’t know who will close in Florida but I do know that player will not live-up to even the low full-time closer standards established by Esteban Yan several seasons ago in Tampa Bay where he saved 21 games (and went for $25 in my draft along with a $30 Tim Crabtree in Texas.).

As a matter of fact, Joe Borowski, $21 in my NL draft, will take one of those two roles this year.