Is Koch out? If so...who is in?

[callistobass]

MArte and Mr. Zero are waiting in the wings.. any thoughts?

[KULCAT]

He´s not out yet, Not a top of the line closer but had been pretty good until yesterday. Still 8 out 11
In case he goes down it would Takatsu cause Marte is left handed specialist

[John Bonzo]

In case he goes down it would Takatsu cause Marte is left handed specialist

I agree, and I would recommend picking up Takatsu if it be at all possible. Koch has looked terrible lately and 1-2 more bad outings and he will lose the job in my opinion.

[slomo007]

He isn't out officially...but I'd be surprised to see him get the next save opp. If Guillen does give him one more, and he blows it, I would say there is a 99.999% chance it would be his last.

[warrick95]

Committee is possible, too, like Manuel did with Marte and Gordon last year, playing matchups. Since both Taktasu and Marte have great ratios, starting both isn't a bad idea if you have the room to do so (if a committee is the answer).

[slomo007]

Committee is possible, too, like Manuel did with Marte and Gordon last year, playing matchups. Since both Taktasu and Marte have great ratios, starting both isn't a bad idea if you have the room to do so (if a committee is the answer).

There goes warrick again with his Marte lovin'.

[KolbSaves]

What is the reason that Takatsu doesn't get many innings? Just coincidence so far?

[slomo007]

I could be wrong...but I think it was because he had a terrible spring, so the CWS were actually afraid to use him at first. I've noticed he has pitched more innings lately, and has actually become a very reliable setup man. I think he will get the job, and not have to share it very much at all. I mean if they need to get out a tough left-handed hitter, I could see Marte being used then...but I would expect a large majority to go to Takatsu.

Koch sucks, there's no reason for him to be closing, except his contract. In a tight race like Chicago is in though, they don't have the patience to put up with him....despite his contract.

[warrick95]

Committee is possible, too, like Manuel did with Marte and Gordon last year, playing matchups. Since both Taktasu and Marte have great ratios, starting both isn't a bad idea if you have the room to do so (if a committee is the answer).

There goes warrick again with his Marte lovin'.

Slomo, if the posts keep coming up, I gotta keep giving my boy props.

Kolb, the Sox haven't gotten many save opps to hold or save on a whole this year...which is one reason why Koch hasn't lost his job yet. He hasn't gotten the opportunity to blow 'em. Takatsu is a set up man and thus hasn't gotten chances. It's different with Marte, who's used sometimes to get lefties out in key situations (down 1 would work too).

[d18Mike]

By choosing either Marte or Takatsu to close, the WS go against conventional closer wisdom (not necessarily a bad thing). Marte is LH specialist. Takatsu is a soft-tosser, not unlike his countryman Shiggy.

I think the decision to stick with Koch is just plain herd mentaility: he may be performing poorly but he is what a closer should look like on paper. Unfortunately for the Sox, the game is played on the field not on paper.

But with no other options I think they will retreat to the middle ground, CBC.