Hawkins vs. Walker...

[Chuckles]

Does anybody see Latroy being the closer with Walker's recent struggles? He struggled in the role at Chicago, but what are your thoughts here? Thanks all!

[washubeek]

I think that they brought Latroy in to be the setup guy. Walker's current problems have been during non-save situations, although at least one of them was with the game tied.

Walker should have the job unless he falters more.

[theskaboss]

Hawkins needs to be the set up guy, I think he has proved time after time he cannot close...

[thehat]

No clue, although this has all the earmarks of eventually turning into a CBC in SF, in which case Hawkins will perhaps glean some saves. I do think they want him the eighth inning role, but necessity may cause that to change.

As lousy as Hawkins has been in the closer role, he still might actually be the best option on that team.

[strong]

I agree that it needs to be noted that Walker has not blown a save since getting the closer role. However, his three previous outings have been pretty bad. And although he only took one loss, all three games were tied when he entered and he allowed the deciding runs to cross. That's three straight times... He has earned some job security by not blowing any saves, but it's tough to know just how much. Personally, I think he has been downgraded to "short-leash" and I don't think he can afford many more bad outings with Hawkins in the pen.
To do: Watch his next two outings closely and if there is some shakiness, I would suggest picking up Hawkins if you need saves.

[eftda]

They might try it, but Latroy will blow it and SF will be forced to trade for a closer in July.

[davus]

I agree that Walker has gone from potential stud after those 6 straight saves to short-leash in just 3 more games. I can't see Hawkins being too in the picture though. Everybody knows that he is missing the closer chromosome...

[Darkie Satchels]

LaTroy is simply setup for now. He will probably get a closer opportunity here and there and he has shown flashed of good in the past - but he's so inconsistent that he will always be stuck in the middle.

Again, this goes back to the Trade-Rape theory of the Cubs/Giants deal that sent him there.

[Yoda]

They might try it, but Latroy will blow it and SF will be forced to trade for a closer in July.

It boggles my mind why they would trade Williamns/Aardsma and not get a closer type reliever in return.

[Chuckles]

They might try it, but Latroy will blow it and SF will be forced to trade for a closer in July.

It boggles my mind why they would trade Williamns/Aardsma and not get a closer type reliever in return.

My thought too...they gave up a lot!