Giants closer Hunter Strickland is a hot head closer, the kind you want, the kind of guy who lives and dies with outs. Now he may have to change his entire personality. Strickland is expected to be out six to eight weeks after breaking the pinkie on his pitching hand Monday in what he called a “stupid, split-second decision.” 

Strickland has had several outbursts on the national stage. The 29-year-old right-hander jawed with Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez during Game 2 of the World Series. Last season he threw at Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper three years after he homered off Strickland in the 2014 NL Division Series.

“I think that obviously my anger in these moments have gotten the best of me and caused stupid decisions, so I don’t think I should be this angry person,” Strickland said. “I think focused is the better word. We do have to be focused and locked in, focused on getting those outs. ….

“This is obviously something that I’m struggling with. I don’t think I have necessarily an anger problem all the time. I truly feel that my emotions get the best of me sometimes because I care what I’m doing. I go out there and do my best. But when I don’t, it hurts. It’s tough, it’s a tough pill to swallow. But at the end of the day, whether it’s a good or bad outing, I can’t react this way.”