Joe Borowski

[kariya9]

GETTING CLOSER: With Dempster out of the derby and LaTroy Hawkins better suited for setup work, it's clear Joe Borowski will open the season as the Cubs' closer. He saved 33 games in 2003.

Knowing Borowski was shelved for much of last season because of a partially torn right rotator cuff, Baker has been in no rush to make the title official.

''It's not on my lips,'' Baker said, ''but it has been in my mind.''

Barring a trade, it pretty much a done deal that Joe Borowski the closer.

[wrveres]

Barring a trade, it pretty much a done deal that Joe Borowski the closer.

I agree

[Dawgpound 1613]

If he can show his K rates are what they used to be, I agree. I took him in my NL league on a flyer, but I still took Hawkins in reserve as a fallback.

[Dmville]

An AZ newspaper (http://www.azcentral.com) that requires registration to read articles had the headline "Dusty decides on closer, but won't say who". If it's this early, I have to believe it is Borowski especially as Hawkins has publicly stated he does not want the role.

[pokerplaya]

My money is on Borowski to start the year at closer, but the important thing for everyone to realize is a job that was this hotly contested is still very volatile. If Borowski faulters, Dempster, Hawkins or an import could take the job in a heartbeat. It would be smart not to assume Borowski will be the closer all year and save 30+ because it's probably not going to go so smoothly.

[Spartans Rule]

My money is on Borowski to start the year at closer, but the important thing for everyone to realize is a job that was this hotly contested is still very volatile. If Borowski faulters, Dempster, Hawkins or an import could take the job in a heartbeat. It would be smart not to assume Borowski will be the closer all year and save 30+ because it's probably not going to go so smoothly.

I agree and I don't think he'll crack my top 20 closers.

But I'd feel a lot better about Borowski holding down the job then I would Dempster or Hawkins. At least he's proven himself before.

[CubsFan7724]

If Borowski is healthy like 03, he should be a solid and productive closer. Hes probably a FA, so its not that big of a risk.

[Q]

If the injury is behind him than Borowski will be a good closer. He strikes out about a batter an inning and only walks batters at a rate of .30.