Closer Roll in Baltimore

[kretz330]

I read reports before the season started that James Hoey was a possibility to be the closer by the end of the season. I know he has been on the DL all season and is slated to come off this month. What are the chances he'll be in a closer roll in Baltimore this season? next season?

[A Fleshner Fantasy]

Well, Hoey is the closer of the future, but as for when he will actually become the closer, it's hard to say because it depends on a couple of things. As long as Sherill continues to be effective, he will remain the closer (if the Orioles deem Hoey ready they can bring him up to be in a setup role at first). Also, if they are not in the playoff hunt by the end of the year, which most people presume they won't be, then there is a decent chance that Sherill gets traded, which could open the door for Hoey. It also depends on what they decide to do with Chris Ray, who will be back next year. He was the closer before he got hurt, and although he was relatively ineffective in his most recent season, he was lights out the year before. As a result, he could be a contender for the job as well. As of right now (at the beginning of this year), the Orioles have decided that they are going to keep prospects in the minors until they believe they are fully ready. One example of this is the fact that Trascsel continues to get starts, even though Hayden Penn would probably be a better option, even though he is not completely ready yet. Just like the Orioles are keeping Penn down for now, they will probably do the same with Hoey until they believe he is ready to be a truly effective MLB pitcher. Look for him to get some innings by the end of the year, but as for being the closer, I would guess that it won't happen until next year at the earliest, most likely later than that though.