Timlin: I want shot as BoSox closer

There isn't a pitcher that doesn't think they can close so Timlin's comments shouldn't surprise anyone. The timing of this should raise some eyebrows though about Piniero's grasp on the role. Timlin's been a good team player for the past few seasons and probably wouldn' thave said something if Joel had impressed early on and he didn't think he could sway teammates into lobbying for him. It's a situation to watch if only becuase it gives the impression that the position is still up for grabs.

A rep is hard to shake. "I know it's out there," Timlin said. "I've been fighting a label for a long time in my career. People have considered me not a closer, not a good closer. Like, 'He can close, but he's not a good closer.' It's not a chink in my armor. It doesn't (tick) me off. If that's what people think, I can't change it. I'm a damn good relief pitcher, and I know that."