An elite closer is a luxury that top teams have.

What good is an elite closer if you aren't at least tied going into the 8th or even better the 9th inning? Ideally you'd like to have a lead going into the opponent's ninth where the elite closer prevents any kind of rally.

In other words teams without starting pitching and a good bullpen will not be able to maximize the abilities of an elite closer unless they have a killer lineup and can repeatedly bring in the elite closer to hold a lead in x high scoring game.

Without a good front line staff of starters and guys who can be effective in middle innings, Hess would not be able to cement many wins. You have to build from the first inning on up. Find three starters and work your way up just like we did last year when things came together with Lsnge, Poche' and Walker and Gilbert in the middle and Hess closing.