Neftali Feliz ready to be Rangers’ closer

The questions followed him into the 2012 season. Could Neftali Feliz put the 2011 World Series blown save in Game 6 behind him?

Feliz never really got to answer that question in his first attempted campaign as a starter. Tommy John surgery ended his season abruptly in June, and it took him a full thirteen months before he stepped foot on a mound in a professional game again.

Now, entering the 2014 season, with Joe Nathan departing in free agency to the Tigers, Neftali Feliz is ready, once again, to take up the role that earned him the Rookie of the Year award in 2010. In that year, Feliz earned 40 saves, struck out 71 with a K/9 of 9.2, and had a 2.73 ERA. Amidst discussions on whether he should start or close in 2011, Feliz stretched himself out, but ultimately ended up being the closer that year. After that, the Rangers signed Nathan and officially moved Feliz to the rotation.

Feliz has left no question as to what role he wants now. “I want to be a reliever for the rest of my career,” he told the Dallas Morning News. It looks like he could get back into the 9th-inning if he continues throwing how he did in his first bullpen session. In 2010-2011, Feliz’ fastball topped out at over 100 mph. In his first bullpen session on Monday morning, a year and a half removed from surgery, Feliz lit the gun up at 98 mph – and he says there’s still more.

"I can do it. I’ve done it before and I can do it right now. I’m 100% physically and mentally. I felt very comfortable [in the Dominican Winter League]. The experience down there made me feel more confident. I didn’t have much opportunity last year during the season, so the experience in [the Dominican] helped me improve my confidence."

On top of talking to Feliz about the upcoming year, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News also asked Feliz about that 2011 Game 6.

“That’s something that happened in the past. I live in the present.”