04-22-2010, 11:52 AM
<!--quoteo(post=92052:date=Apr 22 2010, 10:36 AM:name=VanSlawAndCottoCheese)-->QUOTE (VanSlawAndCottoCheese @ Apr 22 2010, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=92033:date=Apr 22 2010, 10:02 AM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Apr 22 2010, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->They ASKED Zambrano to move to the pen, they didn't demote him.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
My problem with this line of thinking is that it is nigh-universally accepted that a move to the pen is a demotion, whether it's cleared through the pitcher or not. It's fairly understood that Reliever < Starter (see Samardzija, Jeff).
Earlier you suggested that if this "works," then no one will be complaining. What does "works" mean here? That all parties pitch well? We still will be underutilizing Zambrano. Of course, it could also mean that if we are happy with him pitching from the pen, that are tacitly recognizing that he is no longer starter-worthy. And I see that as cause for dismay as well.
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Even if Z were named our new closer it would still be a demotion. He has the longest and best track record of any of our SPs and is still in his prime. In 30+ starts Z would have something like a 75% influence on the outcomes of those games. Now even if he pitches 50-60 times as a reliever, he <b>might</b> directly influence 10% of the outcomes of those games if you assume one inning or so of work. It just doesn't add up. Desperation move plain and simple. Lou is a retard, and the rest of the organization should feel shame and embarrassment for allowing this to happen.
My problem with this line of thinking is that it is nigh-universally accepted that a move to the pen is a demotion, whether it's cleared through the pitcher or not. It's fairly understood that Reliever < Starter (see Samardzija, Jeff).
Earlier you suggested that if this "works," then no one will be complaining. What does "works" mean here? That all parties pitch well? We still will be underutilizing Zambrano. Of course, it could also mean that if we are happy with him pitching from the pen, that are tacitly recognizing that he is no longer starter-worthy. And I see that as cause for dismay as well.
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Even if Z were named our new closer it would still be a demotion. He has the longest and best track record of any of our SPs and is still in his prime. In 30+ starts Z would have something like a 75% influence on the outcomes of those games. Now even if he pitches 50-60 times as a reliever, he <b>might</b> directly influence 10% of the outcomes of those games if you assume one inning or so of work. It just doesn't add up. Desperation move plain and simple. Lou is a retard, and the rest of the organization should feel shame and embarrassment for allowing this to happen.