Myers as a closer update

all4phillysportsfan · 01-23-2007, 09:19 AM

Hey an interesting question was brought up the other day in a Q & A session with Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki talking about maybe Myers as a closer. Zolecki doesn't like the idea, but what if Flash Gordon gets hurt in Spring Training and the Phillies still have Lieber? Would you put Myers into that closer role? Garcia, Hamels and Moyer are definitely not going to the pen. Adam Eaton? Maybe? What do you guys think. I think that would make alot of sense.

fire_bettman · 01-24-2007, 12:21 AM

i dunno i really dont like either gordan or myers. i guess if i had to choose from some1 we already have it would be eaton or maybe and i mean maybe madson

all4phillysportsfan · 01-24-2007, 04:52 AM

Eaton I wouldn't mind in Long relief. Madson maybe, because it seems like if he pitches more than 1 inning he gets rocked a little bit. I prefer someone who throws hard and blows people away.

fire_bettman · 01-24-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

because it seems like if he pitches more than 1 inning he gets rocked a little bit

yeah thats why i was mentioning it. he definetly isnt going to blow anyone away tho. i dont think we have any pitchers like that at the moment

all4phillysportsfan · 01-24-2007, 12:01 PM

yeah I don't think we have anyone besides Flash that can blow people away. Matt Smith throws hard, but I wouldn't think about him yet. Lets hope Gordon stays healthy, I don't trust Alfonseca to close to be honest with you. Hey fire, do you like the improvements to the board recently?

fire_bettman · 01-24-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Hey fire, do you like the improvements to the board recently?

this may sound stupid but i didnt notice anything different . what happened ??

i forgot about matt smith. he could be a decent pitcher out of the pen but i agree he is far away from closer material

all4phillysportsfan · 01-25-2007, 07:09 AM

The baseball boards have descriptions underneath the link. Also you can get Avatars like mine. Look at the top of the board, and you'll see a post about fanhome avatars. It's real easy, just go there, pick which one you like best, and you'll be in business. Matt Smith will replace Cormier out of the pen.

fire_bettman · 01-25-2007, 01:39 PM

thanks ill find a avatar later on tonight

all4phillysportsfan · 03-04-2007, 08:00 AM

Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/01/2007 | Myers wouldn’t mind being Phils’ closer

Myers wouldn’t mind being Phils’ closerBy Todd Zolecki
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
If Brett Myers is ever asked to close, he said Wednesday, he would do it.

The Phillies begin their Grapefruit League schedule this afternoon against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland with six starting pitchers on their roster. They are expected to trade one of them - righthander Jon Lieber remains the likely candidate - to fortify a bullpen that remains a concern for the front office.

But if the Phils can't find a fair trade, they have kicked around an intriguing possibility to solve their six-man conundrum:

Keep all six and make Myers a closer.

Don't jump to any conclusions. This is only a hypothetical discussed in one of many brainstorming sessions this off-season. It may never come to pass.

"I'll do whatever helps the team," Myers said. "I wouldn't mind it. I wouldn't mind doing either one. Either way, the game is on the line."

The scenario would come about only if the Phillies couldn't trade one of their starters, and they have indicated that they expect something to happen before their April 2 season opener against Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park.

But general manager Pat Gillick reiterated Wednesday that the Phils would not give away a starter, either.

Gillick said Myers could "do anything he wants to do. Anything he wants to put his mind to from a career standpoint, he can do it."

The scenario is interesting because it had been assumed that the Phillies would move righthander Adam Eaton or Lieber to the bullpen. (Lefthanders Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer and righthander Freddy Garcia are not bullpen possibilities.)

The Phils think Eaton needs a couple of innings to build up the velocity of his fastball, so he wouldn't be suited to a one-inning stint out of the bullpen. And Lieber doesn't field his position well, which is one reason the Phillies wouldn't want to move him to the bullpen.

Myers has the stuff and mental makeup to close.

"I like starting because I have a routine," the 26-year-old righthander said. "But then closing gives me a chance to get in the game every day. I like that, too. I think I could do it. I think my arm bounces back pretty well. But on the other hand, I'm used to starting."

The rotation looks stronger with Myers in it, which means the ideal situation still seems to be trading a starter like Lieber for legitimate bullpen help and keeping Tom Gordon, an all-star last season, in his closing role. Gordon battled a strained right shoulder last season, and the Phillies will be careful about his use this year. But he is healthy and preparing to close.

It's also unclear whether Myers and Gordon would share save situations. Myers does not appear to be an option as an eighth-inning setup man. Gordon had great success as a setup man with the New York Yankees. If he filled that role in front of Myers, the Phillies would have a formidable one-two punch at the end of games.

Gillick visited Myers in Jacksonville in the off-season, when the topic of the six starting pitchers came up.

"I told him I'll do either," Myers said. "I don't really care as long as it helps the team."

But he has concerns. Myers has a tremendous amount of respect for Gordon and doesn't want to take his job.

"He's done this a lot longer than me," Myers said.

He also wouldn't want to shuttle between starting and closing throughout the season if another starter went down with an injury. He'd prefer to remain in one role.

Myers as a closer isn't a new idea. Earlier in his career, the Phillies thought Myers would make a good closer - if he didn't improve as a starter.

"Those are two roles I'd like to be in as a pitcher," he said. "I like going every fifth day, but I also like having the ball every day. I get so excited when the coaches say: 'Pitchers, get your spikes on. We might have to use you to pinch-run or bunt.'

"I'm like the first guy with my spikes on, ready to go in the game because I'm sitting there watching the game and I get bored. I need to move around. But if they need me to do it this year or even sometime in the next couple of years, I think I could do it."

Emmanuel · 03-04-2007, 12:18 PM

If u take Myers outta the rotation, then this is a BAD starting rotation. I think that this would be a huge mistake

all4phillysportsfan · 03-04-2007, 05:30 PM

Only put Myers as a closer IF Gordon gets hurt.

fire_bettman · 03-05-2007, 12:40 AM

they just need to be patient.. teams will be calling about lieber closer to the end of spring training when they are desperate

all4phillysportsfan · 03-05-2007, 08:41 AM

There are whispers of a Lieber for Alexis Rios trade, Gillick was seen at the Jays/Tigers game on Saturday.

Emmanuel · 03-10-2007, 03:53 PM

I see no reason y Myers would ever be asked to close for the Phils. I would rather see Fabio Castro as a closer, there is no way I wanna to weaken this rotation....

all4phillysportsfan · 03-10-2007, 06:04 PM

If Gordon gets hurt you need someone that throws hard to be a closer. Castro wouldn't be a bad option, but Myers would be a great closer in my opinion.

01-23-2007, 09:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	Myers as a closer update Hey an interesting question was brought up the other day in a Q & A session with Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki talking about maybe Myers as a closer. Zolecki doesn't like the idea, but what if Flash Gordon gets hurt in Spring Training and the Phillies still have Lieber? Would you put Myers into that closer role? Garcia, Hamels and Moyer are definitely not going to the pen. Adam Eaton? Maybe? What do you guys think. I think that would make alot of sense. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

01-24-2007, 04:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	Eaton I wouldn't mind in Long relief. Madson maybe, because it seems like if he pitches more than 1 inning he gets rocked a little bit. I prefer someone who throws hard and blows people away. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

01-24-2007, 12:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	yeah I don't think we have anyone besides Flash that can blow people away. Matt Smith throws hard, but I wouldn't think about him yet. Lets hope Gordon stays healthy, I don't trust Alfonseca to close to be honest with you. Hey fire, do you like the improvements to the board recently? __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

01-25-2007, 07:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	The baseball boards have descriptions underneath the link. Also you can get Avatars like mine. Look at the top of the board, and you'll see a post about fanhome avatars. It's real easy, just go there, pick which one you like best, and you'll be in business. Matt Smith will replace Cormier out of the pen. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

03-04-2007, 08:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	Philadelphia Inquirer \| 03/01/2007 \| Myers wouldn’t mind being Phils’ closer Myers wouldn’t mind being Phils’ closerBy Todd Zolecki INQUIRER STAFF WRITER If Brett Myers is ever asked to close, he said Wednesday, he would do it. The Phillies begin their Grapefruit League schedule this afternoon against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland with six starting pitchers on their roster. They are expected to trade one of them - righthander Jon Lieber remains the likely candidate - to fortify a bullpen that remains a concern for the front office. But if the Phils can't find a fair trade, they have kicked around an intriguing possibility to solve their six-man conundrum: Keep all six and make Myers a closer. Don't jump to any conclusions. This is only a hypothetical discussed in one of many brainstorming sessions this off-season. It may never come to pass. "I'll do whatever helps the team," Myers said. "I wouldn't mind it. I wouldn't mind doing either one. Either way, the game is on the line." The scenario would come about only if the Phillies couldn't trade one of their starters, and they have indicated that they expect something to happen before their April 2 season opener against Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park. But general manager Pat Gillick reiterated Wednesday that the Phils would not give away a starter, either. Gillick said Myers could "do anything he wants to do. Anything he wants to put his mind to from a career standpoint, he can do it." The scenario is interesting because it had been assumed that the Phillies would move righthander Adam Eaton or Lieber to the bullpen. (Lefthanders Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer and righthander Freddy Garcia are not bullpen possibilities.) The Phils think Eaton needs a couple of innings to build up the velocity of his fastball, so he wouldn't be suited to a one-inning stint out of the bullpen. And Lieber doesn't field his position well, which is one reason the Phillies wouldn't want to move him to the bullpen. Myers has the stuff and mental makeup to close. "I like starting because I have a routine," the 26-year-old righthander said. "But then closing gives me a chance to get in the game every day. I like that, too. I think I could do it. I think my arm bounces back pretty well. But on the other hand, I'm used to starting." The rotation looks stronger with Myers in it, which means the ideal situation still seems to be trading a starter like Lieber for legitimate bullpen help and keeping Tom Gordon, an all-star last season, in his closing role. Gordon battled a strained right shoulder last season, and the Phillies will be careful about his use this year. But he is healthy and preparing to close. It's also unclear whether Myers and Gordon would share save situations. Myers does not appear to be an option as an eighth-inning setup man. Gordon had great success as a setup man with the New York Yankees. If he filled that role in front of Myers, the Phillies would have a formidable one-two punch at the end of games. Gillick visited Myers in Jacksonville in the off-season, when the topic of the six starting pitchers came up. "I told him I'll do either," Myers said. "I don't really care as long as it helps the team." But he has concerns. Myers has a tremendous amount of respect for Gordon and doesn't want to take his job. "He's done this a lot longer than me," Myers said. He also wouldn't want to shuttle between starting and closing throughout the season if another starter went down with an injury. He'd prefer to remain in one role. Myers as a closer isn't a new idea. Earlier in his career, the Phillies thought Myers would make a good closer - if he didn't improve as a starter. "Those are two roles I'd like to be in as a pitcher," he said. "I like going every fifth day, but I also like having the ball every day. I get so excited when the coaches say: 'Pitchers, get your spikes on. We might have to use you to pinch-run or bunt.' "I'm like the first guy with my spikes on, ready to go in the game because I'm sitting there watching the game and I get bored. I need to move around. But if they need me to do it this year or even sometime in the next couple of years, I think I could do it." __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

01-24-2007, 12:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
fire_bettman Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: south jersey Posts: 400	i dunno i really dont like either gordan or myers. i guess if i had to choose from some1 we already have it would be eaton or maybe and i mean maybe madson

01-25-2007, 01:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
fire_bettman Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: south jersey Posts: 400	thanks ill find a avatar later on tonight

03-04-2007, 12:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Emmanuel Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 112	If u take Myers outta the rotation, then this is a BAD starting rotation. I think that this would be a huge mistake

03-04-2007, 05:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	Only put Myers as a closer IF Gordon gets hurt. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

03-05-2007, 12:40 AM	#12 (permalink)
fire_bettman Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: south jersey Posts: 400	they just need to be patient.. teams will be calling about lieber closer to the end of spring training when they are desperate

03-05-2007, 08:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	There are whispers of a Lieber for Alexis Rios trade, Gillick was seen at the Jays/Tigers game on Saturday. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

03-10-2007, 03:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
Emmanuel Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 112	I see no reason y Myers would ever be asked to close for the Phils. I would rather see Fabio Castro as a closer, there is no way I wanna to weaken this rotation....

03-10-2007, 06:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	If Gordon gets hurt you need someone that throws hard to be a closer. Castro wouldn't be a bad option, but Myers would be a great closer in my opinion. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.