Francisco Out, Feliz In

On Friday, I addressed the Rangers bullpen situation:

Frank Francisco has had a rough start to the season. After picking up his first save Monday, he imploded against the Blue Jays on Thursday, giving up 3 runs in two thirds of an inning. He’s got two years worth of performance indicating that he can be a solid closer, so don’t be too worried. Neftali Feliz is likely next in line for saves.

Well, Francisco blew up again, and Ron Washington decided he’d seen enough. Francisco is out, Feliz is in.

I don’t think there’s any reason to believe Feliz can’t handle the job. In 31 relief innings for Texas last season, Feliz struck out 39 batters, walking only 8, for  a 2.48 FIP. Feliz has the skills of an elite closer. If Feliz were to implode any time soon, Daren O’Day would likely be next inline, as he spent some time in the role last season and a relatively good middle reliever. I doubt that happens.

Long term, Francisco could still return to the closers role at some point. I’m not Jon Daniels, but I assume the Rangers still consider Feliz a starter. If someone in their rotation suffers an injury (I’m talking about you Rich Harden), they may be tempted to move Feliz into that spot. Francisco has two years of solid performance to indicate that he is a good reliever, and if he can turn it around, the Rangers may be inclined to move Feliz and put Francisco back in the closers role.