AAAAHHH!!!! Who are you picking up to close in Texas?????

[Irish]

Otsuka is my initial instinct, but judging by all reports he could either have Tommy John or be back in a week, nobody knows.

It looks like it's between him or Benoit, but I can only pick up one. Does anyone have info on Otsuka that better clarifies who the better option to get saves in Texas is?

Quickness is much appreciated......

[ScrappyDoo]

Pick up Benoit, Otsuka will be out till late Aug. Even if he takes over you would have both for only a month. Benoit will be at least a month in the closer role, maybe permanent.

[Nat Uralice]

Otsuka saw James Andrews and Lewis Yocum last week and no ligament damage was found, so Tommy John shouldn't be necessary (Rototimes for source). Benoit seems to be the man until he's back, if he's back. I'd personally take a chance on Otsuka, who is assured the spot if/when he returns. Also, Benoit doesn't really have much, if any, closing experience.

[Irish]

The only reason i mentioned Tommy John is because of the latest (not so up-to-date) rotoworld notes on Otsuka:

While the Rangers are saying he has inflammation in his forearm, there are rumors that Akinori Otsuka will require Tommy John surgery.

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal says the White Sox are still interested in trading for Otsuka, so obviously they don't believe he'll need surgery. Otsuka's arm problems give the Rangers one more reason to try to sign Eric Gagne to an extension.

[skapur20]

so is Otsuka the long term plan at closer you guys think?

in my dynasty im pretty much out of it for this season, but i need closers and looking more long term. i picked up Otsuka and am hoping hes the long term solution, unless of course TJ surgery goes down. is there really any chance he wont be closing when he gets back? benoit, cj wilson.. do those guys actually have what it takes?

[converge241]

ive had benoit for over a week..thats who im going with

[slomo007]

so is Otsuka the long term plan at closer you guys think?

in my dynasty im pretty much out of it for this season, but i need closers and looking more long term. i picked up Otsuka and am hoping hes the long term solution, unless of course TJ surgery goes down. is there really any chance he wont be closing when he gets back? benoit, cj wilson.. do those guys actually have what it takes?

Depends on what you mean by long-term plan.

If you mean next year, then yeah. If you mean in a few years, then no.

[Shadow of the Sun*]

I'm betting on Benoit to keep the closer's role for a good amount of time this year. I think Otsuka will be out for a while, and might not be put back in the closer's role when he comes back...

[BitterDodgerFan]

well if otsuka undergoes tommy john surgery which is possible, then no otsuka is not the closer in 08.

[dooz]

Do you have DL space? If you do, pick up Otsuka, stash him and pick up whoever you think will be featured in the Closer-by-committee. I personally picked up Benoit.

If you are looking for next year in a dynasty, obviously take Otsuka and dump him if he has the TJ.