Gregg for Closer

I can’t believe I’m writing this because a month or two ago I felt the opposite, but I’m hoping that Lou Piniella names Kevin Gregg to the closer role and keeps Carlos Marmol as the set-up man.

And it’s not just because Kevin Gregg’s spring has been so strong, it’s really not as Lou Piniella might say. Gregg has pitched 8.1 spring innings, given up just 4 hits, struck out 10 and he has not allowed a single run. But Carlos Marmol’s stats, while not as stellar as Gregg’s, have been fine— 7 innings, only two earned, 9 Ks— and it seems like he gets into games a touch earlier than Gregg, which might suggest he’s facing a bit better hitters.

It’s also not because Marmol blew the save and lost that infamous game to the Netherlands for the D.R. in the World baseball Classic, though obviously that isn’t a feather in Marmol’s blue cap.

No, I think Gregg should start the season closing because I’m not sure Marmol really, truly, awesomely wants the job right now, at least not to the degree Gregg does, and I think that gives Gregg the slight edge. Compare these two quotes:

Gregg: “I want it, I want to close. I have no qualms about saying that. I’m comfortable there. I’m comfortable with what I’ve done the last couple years, especially now that I know my knee’s healthy.”

Marmol: “I think someday I’ll close. Maybe this year.”

I’m sure this isn’t the only thing Carlos has had to say on the subject of closing, but this line from right before his departure to the WBC has stuck with me this spring.

Am I crazy? Feel free to let me know…