MLB News

The Texas Rangers have made some big moves this off season with a new big signing and some moves in the bullpen. With the signing of Yu Darvish the Rangers have filled the huge hole where C J Wilson use to be. But the biggest question that they hold still is what should be done with Neftali Feliz.The Rangers want Feliz to become a starter, but will it be good for them and will he be effective? Feliz is a closer that has in his career already 74 saves and a 2.55 era. Feliz also throws 101mph fastball and has only been in the bullpen. There are three issues with Feliz becoming a starter. The first issue is will this ruin his arm? He is 23 years old and if healthy. The issue is if you start him now instead of close out games how will it affect his velocity? Look at someone like Chamberlin from the Yankees. They took him out of the bullpen and for the first couple of starts he was great. After a while his fastball was no longer hitting 99 and he wasn't effective. Hitters caught up to him and hit him hard. Feliz could face this issue. He is 23 throwing over 100mph, you take him out of the closer role then he will ruin his arm and lose that velocity. The second issue is are you ruining Hall of Fame potential or records as a closer. Feliz in only two full seasons has 74 saves, imagine 15 plus more strong season of 35 plus saves. he will be up in the top 5 closers of all time. The only thing he can hope for is to be like a John Smoltz and get a lot of wins and saves but its highly unlikely. The third issue do you trust Joe Nathan as your closer? Nathan has spent a lot of time on the DL the last couple of years. Is he washed up or is he still effective? You are taking young pure talent and replacing him with old talent who is a big question mark still. We will see what they do in the next couple of months but right now things are still on the board.