Feliz: Starter of Reliever?

The more volatile the Ranger's relief pitchers have grown the greater my anxiety upon their entrance to the mound has become. I no longer have faith in C.J Wilson the way I did earlier in the year, Frank Francisco seems to be a hit or miss, and for the first time, the stalwart in the bullpen, Darren O'Day, seems to have weakened ever so slightly. The decent of the bullpen raises much concern, but one thing is for certain: I hold a steadfast conviction that Neftali Feliz is most trustworthy pitcher in the pen right now. And that raises a major question: will the Rangers consider keeping Feliz as a relief pitcher? Personally, I want to see him start. I want to see if this kid can mow down hitters for an entire game rather than just an inning or two. But going into next year, let's say hypothetically the Ranger rotation has Ben Sheets as the ace, Kevin Millwood, Scott Feldman, Tommy Hunter, and Derek Holland. And even if the Rangers don't acquire Sheets or someone else, they may still want to see what Brandon McCarthy and Matt Harrison have to offer. I know the Rangers envision Feliz as a starter, but with so much depth in the rotation already, and with arms like Blake Beavan and Kasey Kiker on the rise (though Beavan has been mediocre to say the least while Kiker has been solid but not brilliant), it's certainly a possibility that the Rangers will keep Feliz in the bullpen, perhaps as the closer, for next year.

In eight games, Feliz has a 0.63 ERA and an astounding 19 strikeouts in 14.1 innings. Almost as impressive is the fact that Feliz has only walked one batter. There's nothing better than a strike throwing machine with a 100 MPH fastball. It also looks as if Feliz' off speed pitches have improved greatly since he was moved to the bullpen in AAA. Now, as a young pitcher, Feliz is liable to make mistakes. He will undoubtedly have a bad outing eventually. But for now, I feel relief rather than angst when he comes in to pitch. I take it for granted that he will issue the shutdown inning when he's called upon. These numbers are the reason we may see Feliz still in the bullpen next year, perhaps as a closer. Frank Francisco is nice to have, but can he really stay healthy for a whole season? And what about C.J Wilson? I know the Rangers see him as a potential closer, but when he's been ain that role he's reminded me of Mitch Williams, which scares the heck out of me. And so, going into 2010, the best choice for the closer role may be Feliz. If the Rangers could keep Francisco and Wilson as setup men, then I think Feliz would definitely solidify the back end of the bullpen.

In the end, what I think will happen is Feliz will be given a chance to start in Spring Training. He'll likely be battling for a spot with Hunter, Harrsion, McCarthy, and maybe Holland. If the Rangers love what they see from Feliz, then I think he starts, if they don't feel impressed, then Feliz goes to the bullpen. But one things for sure: Feliz isn't going back to the minors. His arm is too valuable.