No single player will fill the void left by the season-ending injury to Giants closer Brian Wilson. The Giants will need a bullpen-by-committee for now, with the possibility that a particular pitcher emerges as the last man to take the ball each night.
Who would you like to see take over the closer role in San Francisco? Four names have emerged as likely candidates.
Jeremy Affeldt
The most experienced member of the bullpen has 25 career saves. When he is on, Affeldt keeps the ball in the park and can be counted on to throw strikes. The lefty has appeared in four games this year, allowing nine hits and seven runs. His ERA is currently 6.75.
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Santiago Casilla
The hard-throwing right-hander has arguably the best stuff of the group. Last year he recorded 45 strikeouts in 51.2 innings, after he struck out 56 in 55.1 innings in 2010. This season he has appeared in three games, allowing one hit and no runs.
Sergio Romo
Romo went 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 65 outings and 48 innings last season. Despite having 70 strikeouts to just five walks last year there are questions about whether he can be effective against left-handed hitters. There's little doubt that he has the composure to do the job
Heath Hembree
He's not on the roster, so this is for discussion purposes only. In six Cactus League innings this spring the 23-year-old notched seven strikeouts with a 1.50 ERA. Last season he led the minor leagues with 38 saves. he's the closer of the future, but is that time now?