Neftali Feliz is a relief pitcher who plays for the Texas Rangers. He was born in Azua in the Dominican Republic on May 2, 1988. He bats and throws with his right hand and stand 6 feet, 3 inches tall. At 215 pounds, Feliz is typically used as a closer and set a Major League Baseball (MLB) record for 40 saves during a regular season as a rookie.http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1623768/neftali-feliz
As a relief pitcher, Feliz is used when the primary rotation starter pitcher start to show weakness or signs of fatigue during a game. He is counted on to hold on to a winning game or to help assist a comeback.http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/497043/relief-pitcher
History
Neftali Feliz made his MLB debut with the Rangers on August 3, 2009, retiring all six batters he faced, including four by strikeout.http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/FantasySourceFastball/entry/view/29250/get_to_know_neftali_feliz He began his baseball career in the United States in the minor leagues with his final minor league position being held at the Triple-A Oklahoma City team.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/080309dnsporangbriefs.3823eb9.html
According to Ian Kinsler, Felize has a similar poise and emotional consistency as pitcher Mariano Rivera.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/sports/baseball/15yankees.html Feliz's stats summary for 2010 includes 110 strikeouts, 42 saves, an earned run average of 2.42 and a win-loss record of 5-3.http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=491703
In Feliz's first showing in post-season play, he allowed two hits which resulted in a walk, a run and a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. According Fox Sports, Feliz's weakness is allowing base-runners, which the Rays took advantage of in the American League Division Series (ALCS) game.http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/neftali-feliz/615863
3N2 Interview with Texas Ranger Neftali Feliz
The group 3N2 interviews Texas Ranger relief pitcher Neftali Feliz in a low-key interview while riding in a car. While Feliz answers questions in Spanish, the translations are offered in English. He responds to questions about his experience in the MLB and his goals as a professional ballplayer. He describes how he learned he was being promoted to the big leagues and how he told his parents the good news.
References
Fast Facts
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Full name
Neftali Antonio Feliz
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Born
May 2, 1988
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Birthplace
Azua, Dominican Republic
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Height
6'3"
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Weight
215 lbs
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Position
Relief pitcher
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MLB debut
August 3, 2009
