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Ask Joe: Worried without a true closer?

Tribune file photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Rays manager Joe Maddon thinks his pitching staff can be successful without a clear-cut closer.

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TBO.com Staff

Published: June 24, 2009

Editor's Note: Once a week, Rays beat writer Marc Lancaster will ask Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon a question or two submitted by TBO.com users. The answers will be posted each week.

Joe, my main concern is the bullpen including lack of closer. I realize you are limited in your comments, but it appears the Rays need a good closer and another good reliever and I don't see the help at Durham. Your comments about the bullpen would be appreciated.

Answer:

"Obviously, in an optimal situation, you're going to have a legitimate major league closer. At this point we don't have that particular pitcher, and it's hard to find one. To just go out in the market and find one or just grow your own takes some time.

"For me, of course I'd like to be able to hand the ball over in the ninth inning to one particular guy, but that's not the way it is. So in the meantime, I really believe that the guys we have on board, if we keep them healthy and mix and match them well, will do a great job. It's reality."

Send us your own question for Rays manager Joe Maddon.

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