Neftali Feliz

2013

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2012

Texas put a quick end to the "Rotation or closer?" question, signing Joe Nathan to a two-year contract in November and quickly announcing a return to the rotation for Feliz. He had started to show weaknesses as a closer, fanning just 54 and walking 30 in 62.1 innings, as he increasingly relied on a now mere mortal fastball. How well he's able to incorporate his secondary pitches back into his repertoire will go a long way in determining his immediate success as a starter. It seems unlikely that Texas will saddle him with anything close to 200 innings after two years as the closer, particularly with a somewhat successful run of limiting Alexi Ogando's innings down the stretch in 2011.

2011

Feliz started the year in a setup role after he struggled as a starter during spring training. It worked out just fine in the end. Feliz used a few early season implosions from Frank Francisco to latch onto the closer's role and never looked back, setting an AL record for saves by a rookie in the process. He was dominant following the All-Star break (1.42 ERA, 16 hits and five walks allowed in 31.2 innings), but there's talk again of seeing if he can transition back into the rotation this spring. C.J. Wilson's transition gives Texas a nice blueprint to follow, and a Cliff Lee-sized hole in the rotation after Lee signed with the Phillies might hasten the move.

2010

Feliz made a splash in his rookie season, allowing just 13 hits and eight walks in 31 innings, fanning 39. He struck out 13 of the first 20 batters he faced in the majors, though he faded (relatively speaking) over his final few appearances. Texas put a focus on finding right-handed setup relief this offseason (so far netting nothing more than Chris Ray) in an effort to return Feliz to the rotation. His numbers in the minors last year before his promotion (77.1 innings, 69 hits, 75:30 K:BB) were solid but not jaw-dropping. His offspeed stuff improved as the season wore on, which should help smooth his transition back into the rotation.

2009

Feliz solidified his reputation as one of baseball's best pitching prospects with 10 solid starts at Double-A Frisco after a stellar start to the year at Low-A Clinton. Just 20 years old, Feliz will likely begin the year at Double-A Frisco again, but should see ample time at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. Working against him of course is Texas' repeated failures to develop young arms, but there's plenty to like here if he can stay healthy.