Is OAK looking @ Justin Duchscherer for closer

[mtarail]

I've wondered the same thing myself.

As near as I can tell, the answer is that Bradford won't get the job and the reason is that he's their most reliable set-up guy by far and they need him in that role. If you go down the line, all the top closers throw heat, so Harden seems like an obvious choice as a possible closer. It may also be--and I don't know if this has happened--that Bradford has already made it clear to A's coaching that he doesn't want to close.

[thehat]

I don't see any possibility of Harden ever being a closer. Zero. I do see the possibility of his being a Cy Young caliber starter inside of two years. He's still got some command issues, but his stuff is filthy. Once he figures it all out, he's going to be great. Anyone who can score him cheap in a keeper league gets a legit potential 2005 monster. The fact he's in the Oakland organization, where closers are not considered to be a top priority (pretty clear from their willingness to let good ones go, as well as the "Moneyball" philosophy), I'd actually say Harden as a closer is a less than zero possibility.

[LBJackal]

Rhodes will probably remain the closer unless he does extremely bad, or gets injured (both possible). I wouldn't count Harden out as a closer either, and definately wouldn't say there is a zero chance he'll become the closer, because nobody knows.

As for Bradford, I don't think he'll become the closer. He hasn't had a good WHIP or K/9 over the past couple years. Those are usually the stats that a closer excels at. The only exception I can think of is Danny Graves.

[mightyian5]

harden would be a great closer, and i really dont think that hell be a cy-young caliber pitcher. hell be a average/good starting pitcher, or maybe a bit above. possibly like matt clement.

rhodes will has been very good, and will keep the role for some time.

if he falters, bradford will get the first shot, and then if that doesnt go well, then POSSIBLY harden will get a look, with no other clear-cut options available.