How secure is Dotel's job?

[thrash]

With a possible DL stint it looks like Street will get a chance in the closer role. I really could see him flouishing. If Dotel does go on the DL you gotta think that he'll keep the job though just so Beane can trade him and keep Street's stock down so they dont have to pay him big bucks when he becomes a free agent. How likely is it Dotel actually does lose his job, and if not, is there a good chance he gets traded mid-season?

Oh, and one more question, maybe the most important one, will he be effective?

I'm relying on him as my #2 RP behind B.J. Ryan and am very worried. I really cant believe I trade Hoffman for Dotel just before the season started

Is there any rays of hope for Dotel owners?

[Kingctb27]

Okay, lets say you just started a job and after the first week you haven't shown up for work for 5 days in a row without calling in and whatnot. Your job is just secure as Dotels.

[BobbyRoberto]

I'm in the same boat as thrash, I have Dotel and Ryan. Actually, I drafted Dotel first and got Ryan late and thought Dotel would be my #1 closer.

How much do Cafe members like Huston Street if Dotel goes to the DL? His numbers look good: 22.3 inn, 15 h, 27 k, 12 bb (2.3 k/bb), 2.01 era, 1.21 whip. 12 walks in 22.3 innings is too high, though.

Would anyone take him over a closer like Bob Wickman, Braden Looper, Miguel Batista, or Derrick Turnbow (pretty much the dregs in the closer pool)?

[TonyCee]

Okay, lets say you just started a job and after the first week you haven't shown up for work for 5 days in a row without calling in and whatnot. Your job is just secure as Dotels.

Dude are you nutz?? He's been lights out as pitcher the past 4 years, check the numbers. Run go check them now

[bobby]

Whoa, who's been light's out? BLOWtel?

[reznorsboy]

I think Street is gonna dteal his job

[Big Game JLo]

Would anyone take him over a closer like Bob Wickman, Braden Looper, Miguel Batista, or Derrick Turnbow (pretty much the dregs in the closer pool)?

Turnbow is in your free agent pool? YIKES!

[BobbyRoberto]

<huff, huff, huff>

I ran to check the numbers on Dotel over the last 4 years (and boy am I tired):

2001: 105 IP, 12.4 K/9, 3.1 K/BB, 2.66 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
2002: 97.1 IP, 10.9 K/9, 4.4 K/BB, 1.85 ERA, 0.87 WHIP
2003: 87 IP, 10.0 K/9, 3.1 K/BB, 2.48 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
2004: 85.1 IP, 12.9 K/9, 3.3 K/BB, 3.69 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
2005: 15.1 IP, 9.4 K/9, 1.5 K/BB, 3.52 ERA, 1.37 WHIP

I'd agree that he was "lights out" from '01 to '03, when he was the setup guy for Billy Wagner in Houston.

Last year, he wasn't that bad statistically, but everyone remembers the 9 blown saves (out of 45 chances). And it seems like when Dotel blows one, he blows it in an ugly, and often memorable, fashion.

This year, he was good in April (10 IP, 10.8 K/9, 2.0 K/BB, 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, with 5 saves). In his first blown save, he came into the game with the bases loaded and one-out in the 8th, with a 1-run lead. He got out of that inning without letting a run score (no easy feat), then gave up a run in the top of the 9th to blow the save.

His second blown save came against the Yankees on May 6. He came into the game with a 3-2 lead, 1 out, runners on first-and-second. A double steal put runners on second-and-third. Matsui was intentionally walked. Posada grounded out for a fielder's choice but the run scored, tying the game and giving Dotel his second blown save. He didn't allow a run but let one of the two runners who were already on base score.

Then comes the infamous Boston series, where Dotel flat out blew it two nights in a row. Both times he came into the game in the 9th with a 1-run lead, allowed a walk and gave up a game-winning homer.

His control looks to be a problem this year, with 11 walks in 15.1 innings, which could be attributed to his elbow pain.

Because of the two game-winning shots he gave up in Boston, it looks like Dotel's had a terrible year, but he hasn't been as bad as you might think.

One problem is the A's haven't had many save opportunities because they aren't winning like they have in the past few years.

[baseball6791]

Would anyone take him over a closer like Bob Wickman, Braden Looper, Miguel Batista, or Derrick Turnbow (pretty much the dregs in the closer pool)?

wait! stop the presses! turnbow is "pretty much the dregs in the closer pool"????? what league do u play in?!?! grab turnbow NOW

[bobby]

2002: 1.85 ERA, 0.87 WHIP
2003: 2.48 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
2004: 3.69 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
2005: 3.52 ERA, 1.37 WHIP


I see a trend.