Casilla Is the New Closer by the Bay April 28, 2012, 2:50 pm The San Francisco Giants drafted Brian Wilson in the 24th round in 2003, knowing his elbow was damaged. They suggested Wilson recover from reconstructive elbow surgery under their supervision, rather than return to Louisiana State, and he agreed. Their partnership has been a rousing success, with 171 saves and a World Series title, but the rebuilt elbow finally gave out this month. Wilson had a second Tommy John operation, ending his season and leaving the Giants with Santiago Casilla as their closer. Casilla was known as Jairo Garcia when he came to the majors with Oakland in 2004. He acknowledged he had used a false name and date of birth when he signed out of the Dominican Republic, and in six years with the Athletics, his earned run average was 5.11. Casilla, 31, has been more successful across San Francisco Bay. He earned six saves late last season when Wilson was hurt, and after striking out the side in a save on Thursday, Casilla had a 1.35 E.R.A. in eight games. His repertory made him a natural choice to fill in for Wilson. "As a bullpen, we thought that was what's best for the team," setup man Sergio Romo said. Instead of shuffling more than one guy, why not shuffle a guy who already knows how to do it? I think his makeup is perfect for it, with his power stuff - power fastball, power breaking ball - and his demeanor on the mound. It's closer stuff. He was the obvious choice. Although Wilson plans to be around the team during his recovery, he was not on the Giants" recent trip and Romo said they would miss his eccentric personality. They will not miss his frizzy, jet-black beard, at least when Romo pitches. Romo has kept his own version of Wilson's famous facial follicles. "I'm content being the Baby Beard," Romo said. He's the one that made it cool.