Giants change by-committee approach, name closer instead of keeping organized chaos

SAN FRANCISCO — Almost four months since pitchers and catchers reported for spring training, there are still plenty of firsts for the Giants’ rookie manager. An easy one he waited until Friday to knock out: Naming a closer.“[Caleb] Kilian will close for us,” Tony Vitello declared before the Giants opened a three-game series against the Cubs, departing from their previous by-committee approach.“We talked to several of those guys about just getting more organized.…The bullpen’s all about chaos, but the more you can have a baseline, I think it brings out the best in the group.”The decision represents a quick about-face from Vitello, who as recently as this past Sunday commended the group for “being so great all year long” even though “we haven’t really had defined roles.

It’s kind of been organized chaos.”The news also coincides with the return of the last pitcher to formally hold the closer’s title in San Francisco, Ryan Walker, who was called up from a month-long assignment in the minor leagues.Walker saved 30 games over the past three seasons but struggled last year and never reclaimed the role in spring training.He is 3-for-6 in save situations this season — one of eight pitchers Vitello has turned to in the Giants’ 21 save opportunities, including two on their last road trip who weren’t Kilian.Keaton Winn, with his devastating splitter, seemed to be being primed to take over the role after receiving four recent late-inning opportunities.

But he allowed the tying or go-ahead runs in two of those chances, including one on his third straight day of action that went awry.Kilian is second to Walker with five save opportunities, converting four of them with a 3.34 ERA.“I just think he’s done well in that spot,” Vitello said.“It also is a combination of what other guys need to do or can do for us.

He wants the ball in that situation.”Vitello hasn’t had many reliable options, adding an extra wrinkle to his duties managin...