Tampa Bay Rays rookie Jake McGee believes he can handle closing

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February 22, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays rookie Jake McGee believes he can handle closing

By Joe Smith and Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writers
PORT CHARLOTTE - With the Rays deciding they will use LHP Jake McGee as a reliever, he's embracing the role.
And the hard-throwing converted starter believes he has the mentality to finish games as the closer - even as a rookie.
"I think I can handle it," said McGee, 24. "Especially last year, the bigger games I got into, it was the same every time, I didn't get too overhyped and all of that."
With ex-Rays closer Rafael Soriano, who led the American League in saves last season, signing with the Yankees, Tampa Bay appears headed for a closer-by-committee approach. McGee was impressive in his September stint with the Rays, coming through with scoreless outings in seven of his eight appearances after a rocky debut.
"I thought he did a wonderful job last year," manager Joe Maddon said. "He handled himself perfectly, was calm when he pitched. … He's at the point where he's starting to believe that he belongs here and that's really important to us."
A key for McGee in spring training will be improving his slider, especially against left-handers, giving him another option to go along with his mid to high 90s fastball.
Maddon already believes McGee's mental makeup is impressive, as the touted prospect who had to bounce back from Tommy John surgery seems to take everything in stride.
"I have a pretty calm demeanor, kind of like Soriano did last year, he never got really hyped up or never got really down," McGee said. "Just the same guy every day."
 

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