CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Phillies still need a closer, but they could be closer to finding one.
The club has 13 Grapefruit League games remaining following Thursday's game against the Rays at Bright House Field. Plenty of things can happen in that time, but some candidates have emerged from the pack.
Right-hander Andrew Bailey could be the frontrunner. He has allowed one hit and struck out five in four scoreless innings. He struck out the side Tuesday against the Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla.
"Bailey has done it before, so just talking about it, I would lean more towards looking at him as the guy, only because he's done it before and had success," pitching coach Bob McClure said.