An interesting point about closers

[JohnKleeb]

I talked about this briefly in mat's thread about Schilling but.
So it seems like the Red Sox will make Schilling a closer. If you think about it, closers are rarely developed but they really are often guys who were starters who didnt pan out so well, a middle reliever who simply got his chance, etc. I can speak from personal experience this is true too, when I played baseball as a 10 year old when I pitched, I had started out pitching as a starter and I guess I wasnt the best starter so they decided to use me to close games and it worked out great, even won a playoff game because of it.

[enigami]

1. it's a rehab assignment

if he does well he will start again.

besides.They REALLY need a new closer

[two gun sid]

2. I've always felt closers are as talented as starters...

they usually don't have as many different pitches as starters but, one type of pitch is overpowering i.e. fastball. They also have nerves of steel. They are called on to get some pretty big outs when the game is on the line. That takes a pretty strong willed individual.

[DaveinMD]

3. Mariano Rivera

was a starter. Even pitched a 2 hitter his rookie year. He was so dominant as a closer, that ended quick.

[enigami]

4. But can he Close?

just kidding.

[DaveinMD]

6. I think he's done fairly well

only the best ever.

[JohnKleeb]

5. Yep I know that

Didnt know that at first but thats proof, he was also setup man in 96.

[DaveinMD]

7. he would have been a great starter too

It was a function of need at the time.