Rauch named closer

[henks]

Announced yesterday. His only other experience was when he was with Washington, he had 17 saves for them.

With Nathan out, Twins name Jon Rauch their closer - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

[catman]

As I expected. Guerrier and Mijares will get the 7th and 8th innings and Crain, Neshek, Condrey and Duensing will be used according to situation.

[brewersfan19]

I smell closer by committee here.

[Kingdom]

What's really not an encouraging statistic here, 26 saves vs. 18 blown saves. Yikes.

[missionhockey21]

If Neshek comes back strong, could he be a leading option if Rauch fails?

[catman]

Could be. I would think that Slama might get the nod if he has a good start in Rochester and Rauch faulters.

[mntwinsfan]

I think there could be a deal in the works. mlbtraderumors had a story about the Twins, trying to deal for Heath Bell of the Padres. From what I was reading it would take out best catching spec in Wilson Ramos.

Do you see Ramos getting anytime at the majors? He is stuck behind Mauer. If Mauer could learn another positon, this would be the only chance I see Ramos in the majors catching.

[henks]

Mauer isn't going to catch all 162 games, plus an All Star game, plus playoffs. What if he or Butera gets hurt? Morales is on the DL right now, and all that leaves is Ramos.

[Kingdom]

You guys have a pitcher named Slama? That guy is guaranteed to own

[catman]

Slama isn't on the 40-man roster, currently. He could be added if Nathan is moved to the 60-day DL, though. Slama is going to be at Rochester, I think.

[Kingdom]

Cue the future Sportscenter Slama Jama jokes