Quote:
Originally Posted by Arles
IMO, closers are a pretty terrible investment. With the exception of a few (Hoffy, Rivera, maybe Nathan), closers don't give you consistent performance over a 3-4 year period. So, paying one $8-15 million seems like a waste. The best bet is to groom some young guys and let the best one be the closer. Then, when he gets to his arbitration years, trade him for a steady reliever and a prospect. They're almost like running backs in the NFL.
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A team would do very well to ignore the entire "closer" role and just have try to put together a well-balanced bullpen of "middle relievers". Put the one that's pitching the best at the time in the most important situations. (and leading by 2-3 runs in the 9th is NOT the most important situation).
Designate one as an "Ace" if you want, but don't restrict him to pitching when you have the lead, that's a total waste. Bring him in tie games in the 8th, or when you're down a run late and have big bats coming up in the next inning.
I've been glad to see Terry Francona move Papelbon somewhat away from the lame old closer's role.