CLEARWATER, Fla. - The first step in the process of finding a Phillies closer this spring involved discussions between the coaching staff and at least six potential candidates. A heavy emphasis will be placed on performances over the next six weeks. First, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin wanted to check his pitchers' mind-sets.
"Without naming names, one guy said he would probably be more comfortable as a seventh- or eighth-inning guy," Mackanin said. "So that tells you right there that might eliminate him."
Cross him off, then.
Yes, it is a brave new world for the Phillies bullpen, which does not feature an established closer for the first time since 2000.