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11:23 AM ET 12.22 | Right-hander Jose Veras has limited experience as a major-league closer -- just five saves in 17 opportunities. But the Houston Astros, who signed Veras to a one-year, $2 million free-agent contract on Friday, plan to give him a chance to pitch in the ninth inning. Veras' contract, in fact, includes a series of "games finished" clauses that would increase his earnings significantly if he becomes the 2013 version of Fernando Rodney. Such a development isn't likely -- Veras must prove that he can succeed in the role, and the Astros do not figure to be as good as the Tampa Bay Rays were last season. Still, as a closer, Veras would stand to earn not just his $1.85 million base salary in 2013, but also as much as $500,000 in incentives based on games finished.

Jose Veras, Joe Robbins/Getty Images

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December 22, 2012 11:46 AM ET

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Someone's gotta close on this 55 Win team...

TheBone

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December 22, 2012 11:46 AM ET

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wonder WHY the astros traded their regular closer?? about k-rod? should astros flip the coin with rodriguez?? this closer appears to be a free agent though,,,

alacran

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December 22, 2012 11:47 AM ET

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should astros trade for the pirates closer if at all?? i mean comon you have to make some noise in this off season!!

alacran

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December 22, 2012 11:48 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 11:46 AM ET 12.22 by TheBone

Someone's gotta close on this 55 Win team...

could astros use pitchers from their minor league system as a closers??

alacran

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December 22, 2012 11:51 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 11:47 AM ET 12.22 by alacran

should astros trade for the pirates closer if at all?? i mean comon you have to make some noise in this off season!!

You talking about the 2K13 Astros... For them - this is Noise.