Aardsma's Job Security

David Aardsma went under the knife on January 3^rd to repair a torn hip labrum. It was originally thought that Aardsma would begin to throw 4 weeks after the surgery and that he would be ready by opening day. If things went as planned, Aardsma would have begun to throw about two weeks ago. Well Aardsma was still hobbling around on crutches when he arrived in Peoria yesterday and he will remain on crutches for about another week.

Manager Eric Wedge told Aardsma, “Don’t worry about time. Focus on your health, on how you feel.” The 29 year old reliever will be easing back in to things to assure he returns 100% healthy.

There are two questions to now ask; what happens with Aardsma and who fills in while Aardsma is out? Aardsma will miss a large majority of Spring Training and it appears that he will be returning about mid-April but as Aardsma has stated, there is no real timetable. As for possible closer candidates there is a mixture of non-roster invitee veterans, current players on the roster, and a couple of prospects. The list includes Chris Ray, Manny Delcarmern, Dan Cortes, Josh Lueke, and Brandon League.

It appears that Manager Eric Wedge is leaning towards one of the veteran relievers to fill Aardsma’s role as opposed to rookies Josh Lueke and Dan Cortes. That leaves League, Delcarmen, and Ray as the leading candidates. It will be interesting to see how things turn out because there are no front runners for the job at this point. I believe that Wedge won’t make a decision until right before the season starts.

What happens when Aardsma finally returns in mid-April? Does he automatically get the job? My thoughts are that what if the team’s current closer, whether it is Ray, Delcarmen, or League, is off to a terrific start. Does the team go with the hot hand or the returning Aardsma?

I think it would be best for the club to go with the hot hand and wait it out to see how it goes. If the said closer continues to be dominant then Aardsma could be a solid set-up man, or as we all know, trade bait. If the closer goes into a slump, then Aardsma will be waiting there for the job.

What are your guys’ thoughts on the situation? If the team’s closer gets off to a great start would you rather see Aardsma automatically get the closing job or stick with the current closer? Again this is all speculation but it could very possibly happen. Please comment on the post and let me know that you think!