2009 Closers Thread (No Game Commentary Please)

[5]

Brandon Morrow

This is not a trade rumor, but it's somewhat related. Larry LaRue of the The News Tribune reports Brandon Morrow is the likely closer for the Mariners. With no chance of making the starting rotation, according to manager Don Wakamatsu, the would-be starter approached coaches with a desire to close. Says LaRue,

"The only thing Morrow needs to prove now is that he can close regularly despite diabetes, a disease that can rock him unexpectedly. On Sunday, for instance, Morrow’s blood sugar level was high and his energy level down.He dealt with using his insulin pump – and last year, closing was not a problem for Morrow when J.J. Putz went down. Now that Putz is gone and he closing job wide open, Morrow wants it badly. Barring an unforeseen physical problem, it’s his."

Ya know, there are so many conflicting reports regarding the Seattle pen and specifically Morrow. This really does make the most sense - for Brandon's sake, I just don't want to see all this back and forth with regard to his role.

As a Morrow owner (and fan), I like this news.

Thanks for this info, fitz.

[18 and 1]

MLB Headlines

Mariners' Morrow says he's going to close

Brandon Morrow told the Seattle Times on Sunday that he plans to be a full-time closer, both this season and in future years.

Mar. 29 - 2:10 pm et

[Zhangman1]

It's Gregg

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribu ... ision.html

[CubsFan7724]

Yep.

Smart move. Marmol has more value as a relief ace, and Gregg isn't a bad closer. Hopefully Marmol doesn't get overused like he did last year.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribu ... ision.html

[MotorCityKitties]

Yep.

Smart move. Marmol has more value as a relief ace, and Gregg isn't a bad closer. Hopefully Marmol doesn't get overused like he did last year.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribu ... ision.html

I agree. Marmol is more valuable in the 7th and/or 8th in pressure situations. It reminds me of Zumaya and Todd Jones in 2006. Gregg is much better than Jones, but you get the idea.

[baseballspliffs]

So where does this leave Marmol's value? Maybe he gets to vulture 8-10 saves, while keeping decent ratios?

I;m assuming his value as a closer is toast, but maybe a good MR guy?

[CubsFan7724]

So where does this leave Marmol's value? Maybe he gets to vulture 8-10 saves, while keeping decent ratios?

I;m assuming his value as a closer is toast, but maybe a good MR guy?

Should be draftable in any 12 team 5x5 league. In a league that counts holds, he should be one of the first MRs off the board, ahead of some closers, because he's dominant in the ratios and Ks, and will either give you a ton of holds, saves, or both. Hurts his value in 5x5, he should go later, but should still be drafted because he'll help your ratios and is in line to be closer if Gregg is bad.

[Havok1517]

MLB Headlines

Mariners' Morrow says he's going to close

Brandon Morrow told the Seattle Times on Sunday that he plans to be a full-time closer, both this season and in future years.

Mar. 29 - 2:10 pm et

Morrow will not be ready to begin the season in the rotation, but the Mariners have not decided whether to send him to Triple-A to start or to work him out of the Seattle bullpen, the Seattle Times reports.
Recommendation: There have been contradictory statements coming out of camp concerning Morrow. But suffice to say, all options are on the table. And what about using Morrow as the closer? "I'd rather not comment on that right now," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. The Mariners still see him as a future starter, though.
(Rotowire.com)

[18 and 1]

MLB Headlines

Mariners' Morrow says he's going to close

Brandon Morrow told the Seattle Times on Sunday that he plans to be a full-time closer, both this season and in future years.

Mar. 29 - 2:10 pm et

Morrow will not be ready to begin the season in the rotation, but the Mariners have not decided whether to send him to Triple-A to start or to work him out of the Seattle bullpen, the Seattle Times reports.
Recommendation: There have been contradictory statements coming out of camp concerning Morrow. But suffice to say, all options are on the table. And what about using Morrow as the closer? "I'd rather not comment on that right now," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. The Mariners still see him as a future starter, though.
(Rotowire.com)

it's all what you believe, and if Morrow says he will be the closer, I believe he will be their closer. It makes too much sense not to.

[aaronharangatang]

Looks like Morrow is going to close.

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/m ... tml#039856