THEO On Our Future Closer, Name To Be Determined
This, from today's Herald.......
“We’re going to acquire a closer through a trade or free agency. If we can’t, we certainly have options internally we can turn to next year,” Epstein said. “It’s not yet clear how our bullpen dynamics will shape up. Besides a closer and starting pitcher, Epstein said the team’s needs include another reliever, probably a left-hander, a backup catcher, a right fielder, a shortstop and a second baseman, as well as some additional bench help. "
Peter here, and those last words are certainly an understatement of MAJOR proportions. As I said to Kaylee in a comment a few minutes ago (thanks Kaylee!), our bullpen, at least right now, is in shambles. Jonathon Papelbon is in the rotation, our number three guy. One more starting pitcher and the rotation will be set, for better or worse, for 2007. But......you knew that was coming, didn't you. The old inevitable BUT. SO.........the bullpen needs major work. Let's start with a closer. As you just read, Theo said that our new guy will be an external addition. It certainly looks that way right now. Good enough for me, but money will have to change hands. Money that Mr. Henry has PLENTY of. So use it, Johnny boy.......we are used to Paps' excellence last year. Big shoes to fill. Almost unfillable.
OK, set up-7th and 8th inning guys. I don't have the faith in Mike Timlin that I used to. 6th inning hold 'em stuff might be his role. If he is used sparingly, I can see him pitching the 7th innings of close games. We must keep his arm fresh and rested as much as possible. Such is life after 40. His 70 plus innings of work per season days are OVAH! So true set-up men (yes, plural) are also needed. The majority of the money to be spent this off-season will be for bullpen pitchers, with a less major need for outfield, AND infield help. That's called a full plate! And don't forget the one starter who will be needed to fill out our rotation. Will all this wheeling and dealing to come result in a sucessful ending to our off-season tale? Ha- ha..that's what this off-season is ALL about. And you know what? You'll read about it all right here. And I can't wait to write about it. Elation? Euphoria? Or tear shedding sadness with the feeling of defeat. Right now anything can happen. So buckle up!
Thanks for being here. As always. Enjoy your Thursday!
posted by Peter N @ 8:37 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
As few pitchers go the distance these days, a very good bullpen is needed:
It makes me yearn for the REAL Roger, for Lonborg & for Seaver & Carlton & Gibson, when the complete game & NOT the 100 Pitch Count, reigned Supreme;
One night, Pedro struck out 8 in 6 Innings, using only 75 Pitches. Then, the Bullpen took over & the Extremely-Useless Mr Looper, who told no one that he was hurt in his shoulder, proceeded to piss everything away.
In '05, that was a precaution, as Pedro pitched a complete game, in his prior appearance.
Bobby Jenks!
thank for the mention i agree timlin is not a setupman
-kaylee
There is definitely a lot of work to be done. Timlin can't be relied upon at all really, he can be good or bad at any time and there's no telling which Timlin we'll see. It's going to be busy these upcoming months, that's for sure.
Yes it will be. Thanks for subscribing Laura. You are the bestest. Ad Michael, they all can't be like that. And Sul, yeah!
well this should be fun
//Timlin can't be relied upon at all really, he can be good or bad at any time and there's no telling which Timlin we'll see. //
You base this on one bad year? A year after he had the most appearances in his career and changed his pre-season training for the WBC and was on the disabled list?
Timlin had a bad year, and he'll be 41 in March...but he still has a lot of power and is one of the more reliable guys in his 'group' in MLB.
The reason Theo gave him another contract is because he knows that Timlin is 'reliable'.
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