Tag Archives: Ron Washington

Feliz Determined to Return as the Texas Rangers’ Closer

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Neftali Feliz won’t be feliz until he’s the last man on the mound…

The 25-year-old Dominican right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers is determined to get his old job back, as the team’s closer.

Neftali Feliz

And he’s not thinking about anything but getting the ball with the final three outs on the line.

“I know I’m preparing for one job,” Feliz told ESPN on Monday through an interpreter. “I’m preparing to be the closer and that’s it.”

Feliz’s last time closing a game in Major League Baseball was Game 6 of the 2011 World Series. And that didn’t end on a positive note for the MLB All-Star.

The Rangers moved Feliz into the rotation shortly after the season, but it wasn’t because of one big blown save. The Rangers acquired Joe Nathan early that offseason and wanted to see if Feliz could start. But injuries dashed his hopes. He eventually needed Tommy John surgery.

He says he feels healthy as he enters spring training. And Nathan is now in Detroit, leaving the closer job wide open.

It was Feliz’s responsibility in 2010 and 2011, when he saved a combined 72 games. That included 40 in 2010, earning him AL Rookie of the Year honors.

Feliz went to the Dominican Republic this offseason to play in winter ball and continue to build up his arm strength. Prior to his first bullpen session for manager Ron Washington and former reliever Darren Oliver, who is helping the Rangers’ coaching staff as a consultant this season, Feliz said his velocity reached 97 or 98 mph in the Dominican.

“I felt very comfortable,” said Feliz. “I felt strong. I’ve done this in the past, and having the experience in the Dominican League gave me more confidence to pitch.”

Feliz isn’t the only person being considered for the position. Joakim Soria, who has closing experience as an All-Star with the Kansas City Royals, is also an option. Additionally, Tanner Scheppers could lad the role, if he doesn’t end up earning a rotation spot.

But Feliz appears to be the favorite heading into spring training and is in position to win the job if he can show that he’s found his form from a few years ago.

Pujols Slugs His Way Into the World Series History Books…

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St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols produced one of the greatest hitting performances in World Series history during last night’s game against the Texas Rangers.

The 31-year-old Dominican-born baseball star tied the records of Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth in hitting three home runs in a single World Series game.

But Pujols didn’t stop there… The three-time National League MVP also drove in six runs and finished with five hits—tying a Series record with each feat. In the end, he set a Series mark with 14 total bases.

So what does Pujols think of what many are calling the defining game of his career?

“Just pretty special,” proclaims Pujols. “Hopefully, at the end of my career, I can look back and say, ‘Wow, what a game it was in Game 3 in 2011.'”

Its’ no wonder Pujols is one of the most feared sluggers in the majors. After all, he became the first player in Series history to get hits in four straight innings.

“When the opportunity presents itself to put him on the bag, I’m not going to let him swing the bat,” said Rangers manager Ron Washington.
“But tonight, we just couldn’t get the ball out of the middle of the plate and up, and he just didn’t miss.”

In the end, Pujols’ mind-blowing batting helped lift the Cardinals past the Rangers 16-7. St. Louis now leads the series 2-1.

Image courtesy of Rob Carr/Getty Images.