I love to follow the Twins, yet I know I will never be the most in-depth analyst when it comes to what they will or will not do. Once in while though, I get a few things right:
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said before today's game that he will begin the season with a closer-by-committee plan until further notice.
---- But that could change if the front office trades for a closer.
--- And it could change if they decide to approach Francisco Liriano one more time about closing.
A trade is the only realistic way that we won't see closer-by-committee for the next couple of months, at least. I don't think that Liriano has the mental toughness to be a day after day closer. I'd like to see him settle in as a solid fifth starter or as middle relief, but I think the pressure of the closer role would turn him into a basket case within a month. I also don't see any relievers who are obvious replacements for Nathan at this point. Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson are just going to have to deal with it.
If the starting rotation steps up and provides consistent quality starts then the committee plan will be okay. If not, it will be one hell of a mess.
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