Baker: O's Should Stay Open To Hawkins As Closer

[ThomasTomasz]

MESA, Ariz. // The Chicago Cubs may have decided that LaTroy Hawkins wasn't cut out to be their full-time closer after the shaky start last year that cost him the job and eventually prompted a trade to the San Francisco Giants, but Cubs manager Dusty Baker won't discount the possibility that he could successfully fill that role if the Orioles need him in the ninth inning.

"He has the stuff," Baker said after Friday's workout at the Cubs' spring training facility. "Sometimes, it takes guys time to do that. Mike Jackson was a setup guy for a long time and had some success [as a closer] after not having much success in the beginning."

Hawkins has had some success. He recorded 14 saves in 14 attempts for the Minnesota Twins in 2000 after struggling in the starting rotation for three seasons, then came back in 2001 to save 28 games ... but the devil is in the details.

He blew nine saves that year and had a 5.96 ERA. The Cubs tried him in the closer's role and he saved 25 games in 2004, but he blew nine saves and was ineffective in the ninth inning for the Cubs and Giants in 2005.

"Sometimes, he has trouble finishing guys off," Baker said. "That last out can be hard to get."

No one, however, questions the quality of Hawkins' arm or his value as a teammate. The Orioles intend to use him as a setup man, but they may have to give him another chance to close if 24-year-old Chris Ray is not ready for primetime.

"He's another guy who might benefit from a change in scenery," Baker said. "I'm pulling for him."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/basebal...sports-baseball

[ThomasTomasz]

I like the fact that Baker is still interested in Hawkins' career, but come on. This is coming from a guy who severely overuses all his pitchers, and doesn't know how to manage a game with them. Hawkins' best times were as a setup man, especially with the Twins, and that is what netted him a big-money contract from the Chicago Cubs a few offseasons ago. With a return to the American League, its best Hawkins tries to recapture that success as a setup man, and help Chris Ray succeed in the closers role.