Blown saves happen. No biggie. But he is 2 innings shy of his career high and has already appeared in 11 more games than his career high. In this heat and humidity he is going to tire, regardless of what his fans think. He is human. He's just not used to that or the pressure of closing. Maybe next year with a very good off season workout program and the experience of this season he will be the closer some try to make him out to be this year.

 

 

 

Not near his career high in innings.

There's no greater pressure in closing.

 

Career high in innings at this level. He's 2 innings shy. Much different than throwing to guys that probably will never make it to the bigs.

 

Seems as if the only ones that think there is no more pressure closing than any other relief pitcher gets are the ones that have never played MLB. It's not what the actual players say all the time. People can argue all they want about how important the closers role is. Fact is, the players, FOs, and coaching staffs think it is. I think I will go by that.

It's not really that big of a deal, differentiating between pitch counts at "this level" and in the minors. It's not like the mound isn't 60'6" down there.

That part I agree with. But it's who is at the other end of that 60'6" that counts. In the minors, pitchers are working on things. So are hitters. And the defense, for that matter. No real pressure to win or lose on any of the players. Coaches want to see players develope and hone their skills more than the final statistical results. It's what makes going to minor league games so much fun.

The Marlins think the closers role is important. Really? I think theycould give three shits who the closer is, as long as they have a good bullpen, overall (which is what's most important). They care so much about closers that they bring no-names in to have career years here, only to let them go when they're due their big paychecks.

 

Precisely. Benitez, Jones, Alfonseca, Borowski, Gregg all speak for that proposition. How much do you want? Are you kidding? See ya.

 

The argument could be made that it's a matter of payroll constraints, but if it is then they clearly think that spending on a good 2B is worth more than spending on a closer. They could have plugged Boni or Cogs in at 2B for ~$400K and saved Uggla's $5.35 mill and spent it on a closer, but didn't. Doesn't seem that they think any closer not named Urbina (and then only if in a push for the post-season) is worth more than about a mill.

 

Next year, it will be some other position player or starting pitcher that the money is spent on, which is a good thing.

 

The closer is the most overrated role in baseball, and it might just be the most overrated role in all of sports. I'd love to see anyone give a LEGIT argument, using #'s to support their all-important closer theory.

 

Precisely. As I said elsewhere, the more closers who implode the better, as it might result in the whole "closer" theory imploding, too. I'm not gonna hold my breath.

 

Very poor argument on your guys behalf. And you guys are naming names to prove that point. This team does not spend alot on pitchers. For example... Who is our highest paid pitcher? Andrew, because we took over that contract. What pitchers are signed to multi year deals? See the previous answer, and note this is the last year on Andrew's contract. Place any bets on what pitchers gets multi year deals AFTER this season? People shouldn't blame the closer for losing games in one breath, and then in another say the closers role isn't important.

 

 

Now look around MLB and how other teams treat the closers role. We just do things differently. Personally, I would love to see that role nailed down. So that I'm not wearing out the front of my seat when the 9th comes around and we are up by just a run or two. Can you seriously say you feel differently??? And if you don't, you would have to agree the closers role is pretty darned important.

Place any bets on what pitchers gets multi year deals AFTER this season?

 

Ah, as I said, "Next year, it will be some other position player or starting pitcher that the money is spent on, which is a good thing.

 

Needless to say, it won't be a "closer."

 

People shouldn't blame the closer for losing games in onebreath, and then in another say the closers role isn't important.

 

People? Who constitutes "people?" You quoted me, but must be referring to someone else as I've never done that.

 

Not that it would matter anyway. It's perfectly reasonable to blame someone for blowing a game. It's also perfectly reasonable to say the "closers'" role isn't important or is totally overblown.

Can you seriously say you feel differently?

 

Yes.