Why mess with the closer thing with Francisco Rodriguez gone?
Leave Justin Speier and Scot Shields where they are, move Jason Bulger and Kevin Jepsen in before them, and use the first couple of months to see if Jose Arredondo can do the job. If he can’t, move Kelvim Escobar into the role when he comes back. I hate to see them move Shields. He can give you two innings any night, five nights in a row if needed. He’s just the perfect setup man. — Ed L., Peoria, Ill. You didn’t mention Darren Oliver, who can fill any bullpen role with his uncommon poise and experience. You make some educated points there. I could see that scenario happening if Brian Fuentes proves too costly for their tastes. I see Arredondo as a potential Joakim Soria, who came out of nowhere to become a dominant closer for the Royals. Arredondo has the same caliber of stuff and is fearless — very much like a young K-Rod. And Escobar’s toughness is unquestioned. If his arm is sound, he can deliver in any role if he returns, as hoped, around midseason. Speier is due to come back st
