I'd like to see Buck go back to not having a closer

[wildcard]

Last season Buck would not declare who was the closer. He would use Koji, Gonzo and any of the middle relievers for as many outs as he thought was best for the team. One reliever might start the ninth an another might finish it. He even made a commerical about liking the win rule more then the close rule.

Now Gregg seem like he is the closer. Of course, that is not working out. I would like to see Buck go back to what he was doing last year. Work his way through the late innings hitter by hitter using who ever is best at that point.

[flashjordnk]

Last season Buck would not declare who was the closer. He would use Koji, Gonzo and any of the middle relievers for as many outs as he thought was best for the team. One reliever might start the ninth an another might finish it. He even made a commerical about liking the win rule more then the close rule.

Now Gregg seem like he is the closer. Of course, that is not working out. I would like to see Buck go back to what he was doing last year. Work his way through the late innings hitter by hitter using who ever is best at that point.

Koji did pitch the night before and Buck has said he won't {edit} pitch on back to back days. And Gonzo has been terrible. Johnson has never really had success in that role.

I don't think Buck would hesitate to use Koji in the 9th, but for everyone who doesn't want to move batters out of hitting spots, wouldn't Gregg a guy who thought he was the closer coming in be more likely to get rattled by getting bumped out of that spot, than a hitter getting moved out of his spot?

[Dipper9]

I agree. Go with the matchups and the hot hand. "I don't believe in the save rule. I believe in the win rule." Really? Then start showing it Buck! Gregg has been ineffective and we can see his confidence is shaken. I will not say bad things about Gregg or Gonzo, as I am sure they are wonderful people, but as far as pitching goes, I get sick, physically SICK, whenever I see them even warming up in the bullpen. Go back to what worked last year, please. Just because we overpayed for a "closer" does not mean you have to pitch him there!!!!

[Dr. FLK]

If we keep losing every game, he might not even have anything he needs someone to close.

[wildcard]

Koji did pitch the night before and Buck has said he won't {edit} pitch on back to back days. And Gonzo has been terrible. Johnson has never really had success in that role.

I don't think Buck would hesitate to use Koji in the 9th, but for everyone who doesn't want to move batters out of hitting spots, wouldn't Gregg a guy who thought he was the closer coming in be more likely to get rattled by getting bumped out of that spot, than a hitter getting moved out of his spot?

Gregg has had a chance to nail down the closer role and he has not done it. The team is losing. Those are more then enough reasons to make a chance and it is up to Gregg as a team player to understand it. If Gregg gets his act together later in the season then he becomes the hot hand that Buck uses to close games.

[flashjordnk]

Gregg has had a chance to nail down the closer role and he has not done it. The team is losing. Those are more then enough reasons to make a chance and it is up to Gregg as a team player to understand it. If Gregg gets his act together later in the season then he becomes the hot hand that Buck uses to close games.

Look I'm not disagreeing with you.

But we haven't been leading a game for how many days? How do you know who the closer is? Last night, maybe JJ should have come in instead of Gregg. But I'm inclined to believe with Gregg coming into a game we were trailing in, what about that makes him the closer?

I'm not sure Buck isn't necessarily preparing to do what you're saying.

[Frobby]

Am I missing something? Last night Gregg pitched the 9th inning in a game the Orioles were losing 3-2. That is not a closer situation.

The truth is, the Orioles have only had two games all year where we arrived in the 9th in a save situation. Once was in the 2nd game of the year when Gregg closed out a 3-1 game. The other time was the Yankee loss where Gregg failed to protect a 5-4 lead. I'd hardly say that the fact that Gregg got used in the two save situations we've had, means that Buck has annointed him as the closer.

[wildcard]

Am I missing something? Last night Gregg pitched the 9th inning in a game the Orioles were losing 3-2. That is not a closer situation.

The truth is, the Orioles have only had two games all year where we arrived in the 9th in a save situation. Once was in the 2nd game of the year when Gregg closed out a 3-1 game. The other time was the Yankee loss where Gregg failed to protect a 5-4 lead. I'd hardly say that the fact that Gregg got used in the two save situations we've had, means that Buck has annointed him as the closer.

Right now it appears that if the O's are in a close game in the ninth or are leading in the ninth by 3 runs or less Buck will use Gregg. Call that what you will but that appears to be the situation from what I can see.

[Jimbo81]

Am I missing something? Last night Gregg pitched the 9th inning in a game the Orioles were losing 3-2. That is not a closer situation.

The truth is, the Orioles have only had two games all year where we arrived in the 9th in a save situation. Once was in the 2nd game of the year when Gregg closed out a 3-1 game. The other time was the Yankee loss where Gregg failed to protect a 5-4 lead. I'd hardly say that the fact that Gregg got used in the two save situations we've had, means that Buck has annointed him as the closer.

I get what your saying but, isn't the unwritten rule/strategy put your closer out for the 9th when your at home in a close game? I know it's dumb but I think right now Gregg is the closer.