Comments on: How Are the Stars Being Acquired? Relief Pitching

By: Raf

Raf — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:29:40 +0000

“That said, would someone please explain to me how the MFY can win 100+ games, considering how the team’s FO has handled these two young starters?”

Having a 900-run offense helps a lot.

By: Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:02:29 +0000

Having enough money to buy 4 WAR starters at any open position in every single offseason helps.

By: David Coonce

David Coonce — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:26:23 +0000

Another thing to mention about Hoffman is that besides being a converted starter, he actually began his career as a shortstop, switched to the mound after a couple failed seasons at the plate in the Reds’ system.

By: Dirty Water

Dirty Water — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:01:39 +0000

No doubt. Obviously the position is all Joba’s :)

That said, would someone please explain to me how the MFY can win 100+ games, considering how the team’s FO has handled these two young starters? What a bozo operation.

By: Dirty Water

Dirty Water — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:53:12 +0000

The Sox did go into ‘07 slotting Papelbon as a starter. It was both Paps wish to close (and dominance doing so) along with no other option (Pineiro, really?) that put him there for good. Good thing too, having a dominant closer is underrated.

I’m not sure about the shoulder thingy. I’ve read that relieving can be more stressful to a pitchers arm than starting would be. I don’t understand why but some apparently are of that opinion.

By: B

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:12:57 +0000

That sounds right (about his preferences), but I don’t see why a smart team like the Red Sox would let their investment make that decision (which is bad for the team) for them? I seem to remember it ultimately being about his shoulder, which is the only plausible explanation in my opinion…

By: PhD Brian

PhD Brian — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:11:34 +0000

sample size never gets large enough.

By: PhD Brian

PhD Brian — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:08:51 +0000

didn’t Papelbon say he preferred to close back in the day? My memory is that he liked closing more than starting and that was a big factor in the decision.

By: PhD Brian

PhD Brian — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:05:06 +0000

Solid bull pens are probably the easiest thing to acquire via free agency in baseball, but clearly it does not always work.

By: Tom B

Tom B — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:47:06 +0000

every writer on this site needs to STOP writing about hughes staying in the pen. get a clue.