Javy Guerra, the 25-year-old 2004 4th Round Draft Pick, has essentially come from out of nowhere to emerge as the Dodgers closer this season. I would have to say he was originally placed into that position by default thru injuries and blown saves but he has taken it and ran with it. Thru last nights game, he has converted 15 out of 16 save opportunities with an ERA in the lower 2.00 range.
Before the 2011 season, Guerra had pitched no higher than AA, and only 51 games of AA ball in 7 seasons in the minors. He only served as the closer for one of those seasons, at Great Lakes of the Midwest League in 2009 where he had 16. From all I have read, he had mechanical flaws that had to be corrected and then he had to fight thru some minor injuries. Whatever the problems were it seems that he got them worked out and he has helped spur the Dodgers late season run. He has also worked himself into a position to be considered as the closer for next season.
I think there's gonna be a competition between him and Kenley. Love Javy as the Closer though. He's a stud and much more likable than Jonathan Broxton.
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