Who is the Sox closer? Only Ventura knows for sure

How can you have a closer controversy when you don’t even have a closer?

Welcome to the life of a major league manager, Robin Ventura.

As the White Sox worked out in Texas Thursday in advance of today’s season opener against the Rangers, reporters asked Ventura about the key relief role.

“I have an idea,” Ventura said.

Veterans Matt Thornton and Jesse Crain and rookies Addison Reed and Hector Santiago are all candidates to pitch in the ninth inning.

Stay tuned to see who emerges with the high-pressure job. Ventura is still not revealing his choice.

“I think you go with what you think is going to give your team the best opportunity,” Ventura said. “My job is to decide what I think is best. I don’t see a reason to have to (announce) it. They’ll know.

“They’ll know before the game. It’s not like I’m going ask them to go hit or catch. They’re just going to pitch. I think they’ll be fine.”

Don’t be surprised if Ventura goes with multiple closers.

If the White Sox are leading in the ninth inning with dangerous left-handed hitters due up, the left-handed Thornton is likely to get the call.

If dangerous right-handed hitters are due up, look for the right-handed Crain.