Neftali Feliz is being moved from the Texas Ranger’s closer role, to the starting rotation. To fill the hole left at closer the Rangers signed Joe Nathan whom turns 37 today. Happy birthday! Nathan signed for 2 years and a contract value of 14.5 million, with an option for a third year. From 2004-2009 Nathan was a premiere closer for the Minnesota Twins, in 2010 though he missed the season due to Tommy John Surgery. He came back in 2011, far less dominant than previous to the surgery, but the Rangers will look for him to improve from last year’s mediocre season. In my mind Nathan should be able to get the job done at closer for the Rangers this year, but even if he doesn’t the Rangers have a strong bullpen with other options. I’d throw Mike Adams or Koji Uehara in at closer any day. Perhaps just as interesting as Nathan’s season will be, Feliz who is now in the starting rotation and will certainly be in critics eyes if he doesn’t perfom well. A lot of people are saying that it’s hard to find high level closers, and that Feliz should stay there, but why have a pitcher with so much talent throw 70 innings or less, when he could be throwing 200+. If Feliz can handle the rotation, that is where he will make a bigger impact, if you don’t already know, I think closers are overrated. I want my best players on the field the most innings possible. For all you who say don’t move him to the rotation, are you still mad that CJ Wilson was moved from closer to the rotation for the Rangers not too long ago? Didn’t think so, that worked out quite well. Good move/moves, by the Rangers. They are getting ready for another AL title and are looking like a favorite already. If they re-sign Wilson then they will be my favorite for sure, if not they are still amongst the elite, and this move is only helping them. Nathan’s deal was of good value for the closers market, and I’m sure Feliz will do fine in the rotation; this is why the Rangers win, moves like this.
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