Lopez replacing Politte?

[CJT]

I read on ESPN that Toronto is considering replacing Politte as their closer with Lopez. Anyone have any more info on this?

[slomo007]

If Pollitte keeps blowing saves he will be replaced....just as any other closer would be. Don't read too much into it right away, the ESPN writer was just saying who WOULD replace Pollitte if he keeps struggling.

[jdh]

I doubt the Jays would resort to that unless Politte totally melts down. Lopez has been decent so far, but really his numbers are no better than Pollitte's before he was given the closer's role and he walks way too many batters. Politte has been a solid setup guy for a couple years before this year and the Jays have wanted him to be their future closer for some time now so I think they will give him every chance to suceed and won't have a Jerry Manuel-esque short leash. I think he'll come around; every pitcher seems to go through at least one rough period a year.