Greg Burke (AAA) - Potential SD Closer?

[Triplec223]

Does anyone think this guy could get called up this season and take over as San Diego's closer? He closed in AA last year for the San Antonio Missions and went 2-7 with 23 saves, a 2.24 ERA, a 9.8 K/9 and a 1.8 BB/9. He also had a 1.10 WHIP

He is in AAA Portland this year in the same role from the looks of it. With the Beavers, he is 2-0 with two saves, a 1.29 ERA, 7 K's and 2 BB in 7.0 innings.

His stats made an outstanding jump from his 2005-07 seasons in A ball to what he did last year in AA. It looks like they used him more as a starter during those years before deciding to put him in the pen last year. I guess he is better suited to be a reliever with his fastball-slider combo.

From what I've read, he is low to mid 90's with a good slider combo. He has been working on his changeup, but I'm not sure how good of a pitch it is. Is it possible that Heath Bell could be dealt this year to a contender as a set-up man? If that's the case, would Burke be a candidate to fill in?

[chadlincoln]

I don't think Heath Bell has done anything to lose his job. I don't see him being dealt either.