Always Be Searching for Closers
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| Image courtesy of RickShangle.com |
Up until a few weeks ago, I had never watched Alec Baldwin’s infamous “Always Be Closing” speech from Glengarry Glen Ross. So the phrase “coffee is for closers” has flown over my head these past few years.
Oddly enough, it turns out “Always Be Closing” is actually very pertinent for the Toronto Blue Jays as their search for a closer continues. Yesterday, Alex Anthopoulos spoke on the Fan 590 about how the team’s primary concern is to get a “ninth inning guy”.
We’ve heard about all kinds of closer candidates, from Chad Qualls, to Mike Gonzalez, and even Trevor Hoffman – but the fact remains, the Blue Jays do not have a closer for 2011.
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Part of me believes it’s all part of “The Plan” as the trend of multi-year deals for relief pitchers continues, yet there are many closers who have yet to sign on the line which is dotted
Understandably, AA didn’t want to be the first GM out of the gate because signing a closer at that point would set the precedent for the market. Unless you’re an executive gunning for the top free agents like Cliff Lee or Carl Crawford, there’s no benefit to inking a player early in the offseason.
After all, the Blue Jays waited until February 15th to sign Kevin Gregg, and he wasn’t even handed the closer job off the bat. Only because Jason Frasor faltered in the first few weeks of 2010 was Gregg thrust into the closer’s role.
I can just picture Alex Anthopoulos sitting back and waiting for somebody like Jon Rauch or even Brian Fuentes to get anxious near the opening of Spring Training camp to finally sign a contract with the Blue Jays. Come January or February, maybe the price will finally be right.
So let’s not panic that the Blue Jays don’t have a closer just yet. If coffee is for closers only, the Jays shouldn’t have much difficulty finding somebody to step up and pour themselves a cup.
I'm with you. I think we'll see somebody come on board just before spring training.
Unlike you, however, I hope and pray that it is NOT Chad Qualls…
Jeremy, I know Chad Qualls isn't the sexiest choice for closer next year, but I think he's one of the better options out there that would be willing to sign for less money.
But you know what, even if they give the ball to Frasor in the 9th again, I'm cool with that because I think he kind of got shafted out of the closer's job last year anyway.
I Stand by The Hoff!
The "Knight Rider" References alone would be worth it!
You close or you HIT THE BRICKS
Although I'd rather see him start if McGowan ever makes his way back to the majors, but he's the perfect 9th inning guy. Maybe his durability issues wouldn't be as apparent with a much lighter workload.
5th Starter, Hoffman definitely has the experience but I don't see him coming to Toronto for a one year deal, plus he'll want a crapload of money too. But yes, the Hasselhoff references would pay for themselves eventually.
sadp, I tried to find a link to the SNL Christmas version of the "Always Be Closing" sketch, but it was nowhere to be found. Baldwin actually messes up and says "Always Be Closing" instead of "Always Be Cobbling", it's actually pretty funny.
Mattt, I could definitely go for McGowan as closer. It's not like the team is hurting in the starting pitcher department anyway. But that's IF Dusty ever comes back, I certainly hope he does!