Closer in 2008? - RedsZone.com - Cincinnati Reds Fans' Home for Baseball Discussion

Krusty · 09-14-2007, 01:45 PM

Just wondering who would you like to see closing Reds games in 2008?

It would be asking alot to expect Weathers to be the closer again and repeat the numbers he put up this season. On the otherhand, Eddie Guardado might be worth a minor league invitation considering it looks like he isn't fully recovered this offseason.

Ideally if the Reds acquired a closer, they could push Burton and Weathers back in setup roles. Pitchers like Bray, Majewski, Coutlangus and McBeth would actually have to show they deserve middle relief roles instead of being thrown out there because of neccesity. At the same time the Reds could cut their losses with pitchers like Mike Stanton, who are past their prime.

Opinions?

flyer85 · 09-14-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krusty

Just wondering who would you like to see closing Reds games in 2008?

Weathers.

cumberlandreds · 09-14-2007, 01:56 PM

I would like to see them give Burton a chance. Maybe even give him a shot in a couple of games here at the end. I think the Reds got really lucky with Weathers this season. I did not expect this at all from him and I don't think we can expect it again next season.

flyer85 · 09-14-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cumberlandreds

I would like to see them give Burton a chance.

the problem is the Reds are woefully short in the pen. Swapping Burton/Weathers does nothing to solve the overall problem. I would prefer another closer to Weathers(like Wuertz) but for the time being he has the inside track going to 2008.

KronoRed · 09-14-2007, 01:59 PM

I'd toss Weathers out there and wait to see if A) we even need to bother with a closer, teams 10 games out really don't and B) if Weathers can still do the job.

RedsManRick · 09-14-2007, 02:01 PM

Weathers will have the job and it won't be up for debate to start, but I don't think he'll have an iron grip on it, particularly once we fall out of the race (err if....).

Burton has to be first in line at this point. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Burton's chair was filled by Todd Coffey at this time last year...

I actually like having Weathers as the "closer" so long as you aren't paying him like he's Joe Nathan. He's reliable enough, doesn't walk too many guys, can go 6 outs if need-be, and allows you to use your power arms in high leverage situations. I'd much rather have Burton/Bray come in to put out a fire in the 7th than holding down a 2 run lead with the bases empty in the 9th.

flyer85 · 09-14-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedsManRick

I actually like having Weathers as the "closer" so long as you aren't paying him like he's Joe Nathan.

If the Indians can win with Borowski, Weathers won't hold the Reds back.

Kc61 · 09-14-2007, 02:38 PM

No reason to change closers unless Weathers faulters. The key question is who they have in reserve for the day Weathers can't close. Right now, the answer is pretty obvious. But no reason to change the Burton/Weathers combo at this point.

Johnny Footstool · 09-14-2007, 02:42 PM

The Reds should be looking to upgrade the bullpen with real talent. A talented closer would make the rest of the bullpen that much better (Burton in the 7th, Weathers in the 8th, laser-rocket-arm in the 9th).

Kc61 · 09-14-2007, 02:49 PM

Here's how I envision the 2008 pen. Four late inning relievers. Weathers, Burton, Bray, and a new guy -- let's call him laser-rocket-arm. Whether he closes or not depends on how good he is. Righty.

Two fifth and sixth inning guys. Coutlangus is one. The other is a righty. Maybe Majewski (assuming his problems have really been recovery from injury). Maybe Salmon. Or another new guy.

And a long man. Salmon was stretched out late in the year, maybe him.

Coffey and Stanton get moved in the off-season.

McBeth, Pelland, Roenicke, Viola, Guevera all at AAA waiting for a shot. They don't begin in Cincy, which hopefully will cease being a tryout camp.

Chip R · 09-14-2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Footstool

The Reds should be looking to upgrade the bullpen with real talent. A talented closer would make the rest of the bullpen that much better (Burton in the 7th, Weathers in the 8th, laser-rocket-arm in the 9th).

Super. Anyone in mind that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

camisadelgolf · 09-14-2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip R

Super. Anyone in mind that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Armando Benitez might be available at a reasonable price. I think that's as close as it gets.

Johnny Footstool · 09-14-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip R

Super. Anyone in mind that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

I'd like to see them go get someone like Michael Wuertz from the Cubs or Jon Rauch from the Nats, but I don't know what it would take to get them.

Chip R · 09-14-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Footstool

I'd like to see them go get someone like Michael Wuertz from the Cubs or Jon Rauch from the Nats, but I don't know what it would take to get them.

I think if Wuertz was any good, Lou would have him setting up or closing. As for Rauch, I think he's a work in progress. I don't think sticking either of them in the closer's spot is going to improve the situation. I'd rather see Bray or Burton get the chance before either of those guys.

Now if you're looking for someone who throws hard, Gagne is available but I'm sure he'd be looking for some big money.

RedsManRick · 09-14-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip R

I think if Wuertz was any good, Lou would have him setting up or closing.

If that was his criteria, Marmol would be closing. Dude is filthy.

09-14-2007, 01:45 PM	#1
Krusty Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 12,311	Closer in 2008? Just wondering who would you like to see closing Reds games in 2008? It would be asking alot to expect Weathers to be the closer again and repeat the numbers he put up this season. On the otherhand, Eddie Guardado might be worth a minor league invitation considering it looks like he isn't fully recovered this offseason. Ideally if the Reds acquired a closer, they could push Burton and Weathers back in setup roles. Pitchers like Bray, Majewski, Coutlangus and McBeth would actually have to show they deserve middle relief roles instead of being thrown out there because of neccesity. At the same time the Reds could cut their losses with pitchers like Mike Stanton, who are past their prime. Opinions? __________________ If you think small, you'll go nowhere in life.

09-14-2007, 01:56 PM	#3
cumberlandreds Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sterling VA Posts: 7,865	Re: Closer in 2008? I would like to see them give Burton a chance. Maybe even give him a shot in a couple of games here at the end. I think the Reds got really lucky with Weathers this season. I did not expect this at all from him and I don't think we can expect it again next season. __________________ Reds Fan Since 1971

09-14-2007, 01:59 PM	#5
KronoRed The Lineups stink. Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West N. Carolina Posts: 55,343	Re: Closer in 2008? I'd toss Weathers out there and wait to see if A) we even need to bother with a closer, teams 10 games out really don't and B) if Weathers can still do the job. __________________ Go Gators!

09-14-2007, 02:01 PM	#6
RedsManRick Stat Wanker Hodiernus Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 14,921	Re: Closer in 2008? Weathers will have the job and it won't be up for debate to start, but I don't think he'll have an iron grip on it, particularly once we fall out of the race (err if....). Burton has to be first in line at this point. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Burton's chair was filled by Todd Coffey at this time last year... I actually like having Weathers as the "closer" so long as you aren't paying him like he's Joe Nathan. He's reliable enough, doesn't walk too many guys, can go 6 outs if need-be, and allows you to use your power arms in high leverage situations. I'd much rather have Burton/Bray come in to put out a fire in the 7th than holding down a 2 run lead with the bases empty in the 9th. __________________ Games are won on run differential -- scoring more than your opponent. Runs are runs, scored or prevented they all count the same. Worry about scoring more and allowing fewer, not which positions contribute to which side of the equation or how "consistent" you are at your current level of performance.

09-14-2007, 02:38 PM	#8
Kc61 Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 10,847	Re: Closer in 2008? No reason to change closers unless Weathers faulters. The key question is who they have in reserve for the day Weathers can't close. Right now, the answer is pretty obvious. But no reason to change the Burton/Weathers combo at this point.

09-14-2007, 02:42 PM	#9
Johnny Footstool Churlish Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 13,670	Re: Closer in 2008? The Reds should be looking to upgrade the bullpen with real talent. A talented closer would make the rest of the bullpen that much better (Burton in the 7th, Weathers in the 8th, laser-rocket-arm in the 9th). __________________ "I prefer books and movies where the conflict isn't of the extreme cannibal apocalypse variety I guess." Redsfaithful

09-14-2007, 02:49 PM	#10
Kc61 Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 10,847	Re: Closer in 2008? Here's how I envision the 2008 pen. Four late inning relievers. Weathers, Burton, Bray, and a new guy -- let's call him laser-rocket-arm. Whether he closes or not depends on how good he is. Righty. Two fifth and sixth inning guys. Coutlangus is one. The other is a righty. Maybe Majewski (assuming his problems have really been recovery from injury). Maybe Salmon. Or another new guy. And a long man. Salmon was stretched out late in the year, maybe him. Coffey and Stanton get moved in the off-season. McBeth, Pelland, Roenicke, Viola, Guevera all at AAA waiting for a shot. They don't begin in Cincy, which hopefully will cease being a tryout camp.

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