Thoughts on MacDougal?

[jeffc_76]

He's going to come off the DL very shortly and is expected to be KC's closer. Leskanic has been quoted as being eager for his return so he can resume the setup role which he feels is a better fit. Should I be concerned that MacDougal got bombed in his latest rehab game at AAA or is he 25-30 saves sitting out on the ww?

[flowbee]

He sucks and will get bombed plenty of times when he returns, but if you dont have any closers then He's worth stashing on IR

[warrick95]

Well, KC doesn't exactly have another decent option at RP. Leskanic hasn't performed all that well. 20+ saves sounds reasonable, but his ratios won't be pretty if he hangs onto the job. He won't be just as bad as he was in the 2nd half last year, though.

[Jivedude]

He got roughed up in his rehab start, giving up 4 runs in 2/3 of an inning.

[baseballboy]

Today from the Kansas City Star newspaper:

"Mike MacDougal is scheduled to rejoin the Royals in time for Sunday's game. Obviously that could change if MacDougal experiences problems in his rehab outing tonight. His velocity is up to 96 and he's gained back the weight he lost with his illness."

Leskanic's value will be next to zilch soon as I also read an article last week how Leskanic himself said he is better suited as a setup man. It dosn't really matter anyway as the Royals starters are showing their true lousy colors - good luck for saves (and wins) from this bunch

[mtarail]

IMO it's too early tell and the picture might not clear up for at least a week after MacDougal is in the lineup. Mac was shelled in the 2nd half of last year and this wierd dengue fever-flu or whatever he has obviously negated any fine competitive tuning he might have been able to accomplish in spring training.

While I agree that Leskanic has looked less than promising in the closer role so far the Royals really haven't given him much of a chance to get his legs under him. It wouldn't surprise me at all to hear that Leskanic kept his "job" for awhile after Mac returns and if Leskanic can settle in he might get a job for the year. On the other hand, it wouldn't surprise me if Pena handed the job right back to Mac once he was in the lineup as a show of confidence. It's too early to tell.