The Chicago White Sox will have a new closer in 2012.
Their 2011 closer, Sergio Santos, who had 30 saves but also six blown saves including a couple of key games down the stretch, was traded Tuesday to the Toronto Blue Jays for Nestor Molina.
And you're probably saying, "Who?"
Molina is a 22-year-old native of Venezuela who combined to go 12-3 with a 2.21 ERA, 18 walks and 148 strikeouts in 26 games (23 starts) last season between Class A Dunedin and Class AA New Haven. 2011 was Molina's first full season as a starter and he averaged 10.2 strikeouts per 9.0 IP with an 8.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was named to the Florida State League mid and postseason All-Star Teams.
Santos will likely move into the closer role in Toronto, while the White Sox will look for one. There were rumors recently that the Sox would look to move Matt Thornton, who has closed for the team in the past, but he'll probably get the first shot at the role again. Or, it's possible rookie Addison Reed might get a chance, says Chicago Tribune White Sox beat writer Mark Gonzales.
Or Kenny Williams could have something else up his sleeve. Quite frequently, he does.