Reed always dreamed of being a closer

Share

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- When the White Sox traded Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays for minor league starter Nestor Molina during the winter meetings, it left a vacant hole in the back of the bullpen.

Who will be the closer? Matt Thornton? Jesse Crain?

If 23-year-old Addison Reed has his way, it will be him.

Growing up, honestly I always dreamed of being a closer, Reed said on Saturday. I dont know but for some reason, maybe it was going to Angels games and watching Troy Percival run out in the 9th inning. Something about that made me want to be a closer. Ive never, ever wanted to be a starter, so I guess its a good start Im already in the pen.

When the White Sox third round pick in 2010 was called up last September, he certainly proved he had the stuff to pitch in the big leagues.

Just ask Miguel Cabrera.

Reed faced the Tigers power hitter twice last season. He struck him out both times. The 6-foot-4 California native went on to strike out 12 batters in 7.1 innings, while posting a 3.68 ERA.

Does Reed have the mentality to be a closer?

I really have no idea, he said. They always say that closers are always a little different.

Is he?

Thats the thing. Thats for everybody else to judge. I think Im normal. Maybe Im not.

For now, his No. 1 goal is to be with the major league team when it arrives in Texas for Opening Day. Everything will sort itself out after that.

Reed only has one month of big league experience, but he learned a lot in his brief time with the club last September.

It kind of makes me a little more comfortable now. Not walking on egg shells, Reed said. Last year I was kind of nervous the first couple times I was up throwing. But after I got over throwing those first couple innings I felt like I was throwing again in the minor leagues. That was the biggest thing that helped me, getting comfortable, just getting adjusted to the game. For some reason you start thinking its a different game. Its honestly just the same game, so once I realized that, everything seemed to go well.

Contact Us