Voting in our prospect poll, and with Drew Hayes in mind, I got to wondering who might be the Bats' closer when the season starts. Most of the saves in Pensacola last year went to Donnie Joseph, who is gone, and Justin Freeman, who I think of as more of a serviceable middle-inning guy. Curtis Partch also had a shot late in the season.
I'd think it would come down to Hayes and Partch--provided, of course, that Hoover remains in Cincinnati, as he should. If Ondrusek gets sent down, he'd surely be in the mix. And Clay Hensley might be a factor. Other candidates could include Jeff Stevens and Loek Van Mil, with maybe a little Nick Christiani. Maybe a pinch of Freeman, for that matter. But I'm thinking Hayes and Partch. Or maybe Partch and Hayes.
Am I missing anybody?
Edit: Chris Manno might also get some cracks at it, presumably in matchup situations.