Henry Owens: Leading Candidate For Marlins Closer Role

Marlins RP Henry Owens pitched two scoreless innings Sunday against the Nationals. He allowed two hits and a walk, while striking out three. Owens has now made six relief appearances this spring totaling nine innings and has yet to allow a run to cross the plate. Owens -- a Miami native -- appeared in three games with the Mets last season, plus went 2-2 with 20 saves for Double-A Binghamton. It is believed he is the leader to take over the vacant closer's job in Florida and has done nothing yet to show otherwise. Continue to track his progress, but he could be a huge sleeper in Fantasy leagues if he wins the closer's job.

The other top candidate for the Marlins closer role is Matt Lindstrom, who has made six relief appearances totaling 7 1/3 innings, and has allowed just one earned run for a 1.23 ERA. He pitched one scoreless inning Sunday against the Nationals to earn his first save of the spring. He allowed two hits while striking out one.

Lindstrom complements his fastball with a slider he throws in the 80s. Command wasn't a problem last year, when he walked 21 and struck out 70 in 58 2/3 innings with an ERA of 3.37, but he has been told his best pitch is too straight.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com