If Hunter is handed the closing role how confident are you?

[srock]

Matusz + Hunter = one nasty closer.

They need to be used non/traditionally to make the roster space work but it's doable.

I also think if the 8th inning guy is on, let him start the 9th. I hate when someone goes 1,2,3 then is pulled just to get the closer a save.

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[weams]

Matusz + Hunter = one nasty closer.

They need to be used non/traditionally to make the roster space work but it's doable.

I also think if the 8th inning guy is on, let him start the 9th. I hate when someone goes 1,2,3 then is pulled just to get the closer a save.

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Since Tommy doesn't walk anyone, I think he should just throw a left-handers in April. We might lose a game. But his splits will sure improve later in the season. We could start with Big Papi first time we see him in a save situation.

[srock]

Since Tommy doesn't walk anyone, I think he should just throw a left-handers in April. We might lose a game. But his splits will sure improve later in the season. We could start with Big Papi first time we see him in a save situation.

Hunter will get his chances I'm sure. But with 2 outs and a 1 run lead I want matusz facing Papi.

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[Bradysburns]

Henry Rodriguez? He who of a career 4.24 as a relief pitcher with nearly all of his time in the National League? He of a career 1.507 WHIP? And a staggering 6.2 BB/9? Yes, his career SO/9 is 9.1, but when you're walking nearly a batter an inning and following that up with a runner and a half an inning...it's a recipe for failure regardless of how fast you throw.

Tommy is absolutely nails against righties. He has devastating stuff out of the bullpen. And that velocity plays against righties. According to PitchFx, out of the bullpen relative to as a starter:

+4.5 mph on his 4 seamer

+3.5 mph on his cutter

+5.5 on his 2 seamer

+4mph on his slider

+4mph on his changeup

+3mph on his curveball

Give or take. Those rather outsanding from a guy with a low a BB/9 and a low overall WHIP as a reliever.

Yes, Henry Rodriguez. He regularly hits triple digits on the radar gun. But that means very little. He's not that good. So I don't pay too much attention to velocity.

My point being, if Hunter had the exact same career numbers but with a fastball topping out at 93, would he be penciled in as our closer? I doubt it pretty seriously.

And while he's good against righties, he's not good against lefties. I don't see how that equates to a good closer. You might as well run O'Day out there as your closer. He strikes out more batters per nine innings and allows less hits per nine innings. And outside of last year (which was an anomaly), he has been very effective against lefties.

I would be more comfortable with O'Day as our closer.