The San Francisco Giants may soon find themselves without a dedicated closer just a few series into the 2012 season. Brian Wilson appeared to injure himself while converting his first save opportunity of the year in Colorado and the early news is that he may require a second Tommy John surgery -- a procedure that would knock him out of action for the rest of the year. The Giants are trying to move on as best they can in light of the injury, but reliever Sergio Romo acknowledged that the injury presents a big loss for the team.
CSN Bay Area caught up with Romo following Saturday night's walk-off victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Romo referred to Wilson's contributions to the team as a whole "irreplaceable," but then qualified that by saying that, "On the field, he's our closer." He noted that Wilson is the bullpen leader, but that Santiago Casilla is prepared to do the best he can if the bulk of save opportunities should fall to him.
Certainly Giants fans are concerned that the beloved Giants icon will be out for the season, but the San Francisco bullpen is both deep and strong -- particularly Romo himself, in a class by himself as far as elite setup men are concerned -- and that there is a closer picking apart batters in AAA Fresno right now that the Giants are certainly keeping an eye on.
Make a mental note of the name "Heath Hembree," because he may be a big part of your daily Giants discussions very soon.
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