How will the Phillies pick a closer?

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The first step in the process of finding a Phillies closer this spring involved discussions between the coaching staff and at least six potential candidates. A heavy emphasis will be placed on performances over the next six weeks. First, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin wanted to check his pitchers' mind-sets.

"Without naming names, one guy said he would probably be more comfortable as a seventh- or eighth-inning guy," Mackanin said. "So that tells you right there that might eliminate him."

Cross him off, then.

Yes, it is a brave new world for the Phillies bullpen, which does not feature an established closer for the first time since 2000. David Hernandez, signed to a $3.9 million contract this winter, has an edge because of that deal. But veterans like Edward Mujica, Ernesto Frieri and Andrew Bailey have experience in the role. Luis Garcia is the hardest-throwing pitcher in the bunch.

So how will the Phillies pick their next closer? Is it as simple as whoever pitches the best in March?

"I think it might come close to that," Mackanin said. "We'll put everything together - his history, how he's pitching here. I certainly won't base everything on how well a guy pitches here. We've seen guys have great springs. I always hit great in the spring. I always hit four or five home runs and tore it up. And I was a .226 lifetime hitter. I'm smart enough not to go by that."

Mackanin has not yet seen most of the closer candidates in action. The manager called that a "bonus." Most of the potential closer options have not pitched well in recent years. So a blank slate is probably best.

"It's almost like I'm getting a first impression from these guys," Mackanin said. "A clean look."

Roman Quinn arrived in spring training nearly eight months removed from the injury that halted his best professional season.

Last June, the Phillies prospect suffered a Grade 3 tear of his left hip flexor as he tried to beat out a bunt single with double-A Reading. The injury was first thought to keep Quinn out for a few weeks. An MRI exam revealed that he would miss the season. And now Quinn says he is back to full health.

"I'm feeling great," Quinn said. "I'm feeling 100 percent again. Just hoping to get a full season in this year."

Playing a full season has been Quinn's biggest challenge. The 22-year-old outfielder has yet to play more than 88 games in a season. He missed the second half of 2013 after breaking his wrist when he was hit by a pitch. Quinn then tore his Achilles tendon that offseason, which sidelined him for the start of the 2014 season. Playing a full season in 2016 will be crucial.

Quinn was batting .306 in 232 at-bats before the injury. He had 29 steals in 58 games. He rehabbed the throughout the summer, using resistance bands to rebuild strength in his quadriceps and hamstring as he worked to regain his speed.

David Buchanan was smoked in the right arm by a line drive during batting practice, but the righthander continued pitching to finish his session. "I think he'll be fine," Mackanin said. "It hit him on the triceps. I don't think it's a big deal."