Neftali Feliz debuted in the majors in 2009 with a little bit of work. He became a force to be reckoned with in 2010 when he won rookie of the year with 43 saves for the Texas Rangers. In the later years, he fell off a little bit, to thr point where the Rangers dumped him. He found a new home with the Tigers where he found some success once again. He is 27-years old and can throw 97+ MPH.
Neftali Feliz is the perfect signing for the Pirates to make, especially for just 1 year. He has a lively fastball, but some command issues. However, that hasn't stopped Ray Searage before. He is like Caminero when he came to the Pirates, but already more refined. Feliz doesn't need much work done to him. He's far from a reclamation guy. He's more of a bounce back guy that had glimpses of greatness last year. I think Searage will do wonders with him.
Could this signing be the precursor to a Melancon trade? Many speculate that it is. Even yesterday I would've said a Melancon trade is unlikely, but now it's up in the air once again. Pirates could definitely trade him and have more flexibility in the payroll to do some bigger things, or just deepen the ballclub. If they don't trade Melancon, the bullpen is as deep as it has ever been. The downside is that the payroll flexibility wouldn't be quite as good. Pirates can't go wrong either way really.
This is a good move for the Pirates. They know that Feliz will be solid at the least, and that is worth the money. As I said before, you don't need all kinds of superstars in the bullpen. You just need guys who you know can get the job done. Also, it is hard to argue with the Pirates when it comes to building bullpens.
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