Chris Perez or Ryan Franklin

[howie789]

Who will be the Cards closer out of these two- if it is one of these two?

[dave knight]

I've heard it will be either Perez or Jason Motte. Both are risky because Chris Carpenter could become closer if he can't handle the starting role.

[TheDudeAbides]

The closer battles is for sure between Motte and Perez.

I think it is impossible for it to be anyone but Motte after this spring, considering what he has done and the little Perez has worked.

LaRussa has made no indication who it will be (even declaring he wont name anyone at least until opening day) so it might even be a closer by committee.

If I had to draft one, it would be Motte though.

[aravtrain21]

Motte is the man. Perez was just optioned to AAA.

[TheDudeAbides]

Though he was optioned down to AAA, the St. Louis Post reports that LaRussa will try to bring Perez back as soon as he can.

It is clear Motte has the job solo right now, I would not be surprised to see Perez come in later on and see a closer by committee, especially if Motte has a rough patch.