Closer Update: Randy Choate
Right now the Rays bullpen is a mess. With Percival on the DL and likely to retire, Joe Madden has said that he will use the committee approach. However, the last two save opportunities have gone to ex-Yankee prospect Randy Choate who was recently called up from AAA.
Since being called up he has made 4 appearances and the last two were save chances. Both were less then an inning and he was called in to bailout the pitcher before him. I've investigated this everywhere and nowhere has Joe Madden said that Choate is the closer. However, Tampa's bullpen is a mess and if Madden can find a steady closer that isn't Howell or Wheeler he will be very happy. So far Choate has the lead on the job and will be given more chances.
We recommend taking a flyer on Choate and if you have the roster spot, pick him up. It's no guarantee, but if he ends up being the closer for the Rays he could be quite valuable.
Since being called up he has made 4 appearances and the last two were save chances. Both were less then an inning and he was called in to bailout the pitcher before him. I've investigated this everywhere and nowhere has Joe Madden said that Choate is the closer. However, Tampa's bullpen is a mess and if Madden can find a steady closer that isn't Howell or Wheeler he will be very happy. So far Choate has the lead on the job and will be given more chances.
We recommend taking a flyer on Choate and if you have the roster spot, pick him up. It's no guarantee, but if he ends up being the closer for the Rays he could be quite valuable.
I'll keep you posted on the latest developments.
Labels: closers, randy choate, tampa bay
