2009 Closers Thread (No Game Commentary Please)

[DaShiz23]

Sampson and not Hawkins just got the save for Houston today.

Hawkins 3 out of 4 days

In addition to the 3 of 4 days now its come out that Hawkins' hip is hurting

who is next in line for the Astros? Or is is, Who is next on line?

[auclairkeithbc]

who is next in line for the Astros? Or is is, Who is next on line?

well, it is hard to say. the #1 guy (valverde) is injured. if something happens to the #2 guy (hawkins) he won't be available. the #3 guy (brocail) is injured.

the best remaining guy based on last year (geary) is currently sporting an 8.10 ERA after 20 IP this year.

that leaves sampson i guess, though he is more of a multi inning guy 5th/6th/7th inning type. he's been good in relief over his short career though. he has a 2.88 career ERA as a reliever in 124.2 relief innings.

[vykeengfan]

Isringhausen just called up. Will we be seeing him in the 9th soon?

[Crippler]

Edit: Whoops...Izzy no longer on the Cardinals I see

[dssguy99]

Yahoo is quoting Hawkins as saying he has a sore hip...would Sampson be next in line? With that SP/RP, im thinking to grab him.

[Crippler]

Yahoo is quoting Hawkins as saying he has a sore hip...would Sampson be next in line? With that SP/RP, im thinking to grab him.

Go up 3 posts to read the answer.

Mind-readers!

[dssguy99]

I guess my question should have been: is hawkins hurt?!

[Crippler]

I guess my question should have been: is hawkins hurt?!

I think his hip is sore because he slipped while backing up home plate. I wouldnt think it would be serious at all, but it might not be a bad idea to pick up Sampson. I would, but he's taken in all of my leagues. Having SP eligibility and possibly a save or 2 would be great.

[silverZ]

Hawkins said he felt like he got hit by a truck. Probably just general muscle soreness for the old guy on top of a sore hip. I guess he'll be back in a few days.

[Slow Pitch]

Funny thing is for all these assumptions I am a BJ Ryan owner and a Scott Downs owner.

I just think most of those in the BJ camp have no idea what they are talking about, Downs WILL NOT lose this job if he continues to be lights out in the role. I dont care how much $$$ BJ is making. As long as Toronto is in the running this will be the case. Now if they are 20 games out, then this philosophy would change.

Sorry Bud, I disagree with you there.... Should BJ come back to form and be "consistently" pitching on par with Downs , I believe because of his contract he WILL regain the job. If you have 2 pitchers at the same skill level and demonstrating the same results .... why would you not put the one who is getting paid to be the closer, as the closer? Simple business logic to me......

Of course, some will argue that this will NEVER happen and BJ will always be throwing meatballs down the pipe.... You may be right.... and for that reason and that reason only, he wont regain the job.... not because Scott Downs is pitching well, but because BJ isnt.

You can disagree all you want, but sorry contracts dont dictate roles. If that was the case Gary Sheffield would still be a starting in the OF for the Tigers. I guess they didnt get this memo where contracts dictate everything.

The Jays arent going to change up anything that is working. If Downs & Ryan both pitch very well from here on out, Downs will be closing the reminder of the season. Why would they mess with something that is working for a winning ballclub? Cause Bj Ryans contract says so?? I think not.

Scott Downs has this job on lock down until further notice.