tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post7186785566355252493..comments2023-10-17T10:45:07.796-04:00Comments on FJB: Everyone Wants to Close... So Let's Have Everyone Close!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-16901804602888088742010-01-05T14:31:37.062-05:002010-01-05T14:31:37.062-05:00Those are two good anecdotal examples to back up t...Those are two good anecdotal examples to back up the case, but even those two guys didn't start as the closer. Street didn't close for 2 months, Bailey for one. <br /><br />And of course we could start offering counter-examples of places it didn't work out. In fact, I'm not sure that Street really "worked out" in the long run. He's a max effort guy, and with all his injury issues, I wonder if a little more time in the minors to refine his delivery wouldn't have done him good. Bailey's too early to say.Stevenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14109288910583404941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-56523408407448840512010-01-05T14:19:06.338-05:002010-01-05T14:19:06.338-05:00If Huston Street can roll out of the minors and cl...If Huston Street can roll out of the minors and close, Storen should be be able to contribute in June. The A's also got fairly immediate value from Andrew Bailey, too, but he did have some time being groomed as starter in the minors, though.Deacon Drakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17827411603052143857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-86567322597733746062010-01-05T11:19:55.142-05:002010-01-05T11:19:55.142-05:00I kind of figure they're going to give Capps, ...I kind of figure they're going to give Capps, Bruney etc. their shots to see if anyone can emerge as the closer while Storen percolates in Syracuse. And if no one grabs the brass ring by June, bring Storen up and give him a chance (barring detours in his development of course). No reason to open the season with Storen on the 25 man roster. <br /><br />Based upon my limited understanding of MLB contracts, just as with J. Zimmermann, it makes sense contract wise to hold Storen (and Strasburg) in the minor leagues for a month or so, if not longer.Sec314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-72388061429018664262010-01-05T10:34:08.380-05:002010-01-05T10:34:08.380-05:00Yes, I assume Storen is out of the picture for ML ...Yes, I assume Storen is out of the picture for ML closer for at least the first part of 2010. It's a bad idea to develop a player under the harsh bright lights. Give the poor kid some time!Stevenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14109288910583404941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-15733915374020909042010-01-05T10:32:30.251-05:002010-01-05T10:32:30.251-05:00Nice analysis. I agree with the situational appro...Nice analysis. I agree with the situational approach to closer in the present case. I actually like it a whole lot better than Acta's approach of naming Hanrahan as the closer prior to the season and having to watch the consequences of that ill-fated move. Spring training and the first 3 series of the new season will tell the tale on this team.dalenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-25302557343481089322010-01-05T09:49:36.582-05:002010-01-05T09:49:36.582-05:00You didn't mention Drew Storen. I assume that...You didn't mention Drew Storen. I assume that's because you believe Storen will, or should, open the 2010 season in Syracuse. I wouldn't necessarily disagree wity you, though it also wouldn't surprise me if he started the season at the back of the Nats bullpen. Your analysis seems to lead to the conclusion that the Nats closer of the future is either Storen or someone not presently in the Nats organization.Steven J. Berkenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074246508221440257.post-46109706613799376022010-01-05T09:38:50.814-05:002010-01-05T09:38:50.814-05:00Jim Riggleman does know this of which you speak.
...Jim Riggleman does know this of which you speak.<br /><br />Being the incumbent, Clippard probably should get a shot to close at some point. He added a slider to help out against righties (though the good one can beat him senseless), and his fastball/change deception is lethal.<br /><br />Right now, he may not be far and away the best out of the bunch, but he was the only one who had a remotely useful 2008 and showed the ability to adapt and improve. He should get the "job" if there is one.Deacon Drakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17827411603052143857noreply@blogger.com