Closer controversy?
Jake Peavy was great Friday, pitching 3 scoreless innings in his Cactus League debut.
Bobby Jenks, on the other hand, had his second straight bad outing.
Following Peavy against the Angels, Jenks lasted just two-thirds of an inning and gave up 4 runs on 5 hits. In his first spring appearance, the White Sox' closer gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 1 inning.
Jenks always seems to struggle in spring training, but he is coming off his worst regular season and was challenged by GM Kenny Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen to get himself into better shape.
In years past, the Sox didn't have many closing options besides Jenks. To be fair, they really didn't need a new closer outside of a few stretches iin 2009.
Now, they have J.J. Putz in the bullpen. The Seattle Mariners' former closer is healthy and Putz has made 3 appearances this spring while pitching 3 scoreless innings.
If Jenks can't get it together in the early part of the season, then Ozzie has to go with Putz. Not a bad option to go to, the guy's been lights out before in Seattle, though I didn't see him pitch w/the Mets. As long as it's not Linebrink, we're ok.