Set ups and closers

[Kimmi]

Very simple - in the era of hyperspecialization, the 9th inning guy matters somewhat.

 

HOWEVER, the last 4 world champs found their closer during the season ... Tampa's ability to create closers from other team's garbage is well documented. There is no reason to ever give a Papelbon deal to anybody, even Craig Kimbrel or Aroldys Chapman.

 

 

I have never agreed with the idea of giving large contracts to relief pitchers. Those deals almost never work out, and your best relievers often come out of nowhere. A good BP is very important, but it doesn't have to be high-priced. There are far better ways for a team to spend its money.

 

FTR, I was a huge Papelbon fan and wanted him re-signed when he became a FA. However, not at the price that Philly gave him. That contract was insane.

[cp176]

Very simple - in the era of hyperspecialization, the 9th inning guy matters somewhat.

 

HOWEVER, the last 4 world champs found their closer during the season ... Tampa's ability to create closers from other team's garbage is well documented. There is no reason to ever give a Papelbon deal to anybody, even Craig Kimbrel or Aroldys Chapman.

 

ok - Now we are talking my language - the age of hyper specialization - I am not sure exactly where you are coming from but I am not sure that the designation of a middle relief specialist- a setup man - and a closer clearly and cleanly defined is all that important. You need good people in the bullpen. I may be wrong but it kind of sounds like I am on your wavelength.

[Ogden]

This. I used to listen to sports talk radio while commuting each day. Now I hardly ever listen to those bafoons.

 

I must say that the original Sports Huddle on WBZ Sunday nights was pretty fun.

 

 

I met Eddie Andelman one time at the track when he owned Foxboro Raceway. Let's just say he wasn't the same personality in person as when he was on the radio. I did enjoy Bob Lobell and Upton Bell when they were together on WBZ back in the old days, though.