When will Lidge

[Soxcess]

why does everybody automatically assume that the setup guy can become a dominant closer, Dotel was a dominant setup man last year, and although his numbers are decent there has been struggles, historically, Latroy Hawkins has been a crappy closer but a solid setup man, Arthur Rhodes quality setup man, crappy closer, what makes everybody think that Lidge will break the mold????

[T-Bone Costanza]

why does everybody automatically assume that the setup guy can become a dominant closer, Dotel was a dominant setup man last year, and although his numbers are decent there has been struggles, historically, Latroy Hawkins has been a crappy closer but a solid setup man, Arthur Rhodes quality setup man, crappy closer, what makes everybody think that Lidge will break the mold????

See Rodriguez, Frankie.

[beltrans_boy]

I've got Lidge and Dotel on my roster. Dotel's a fine closer, and Lidge would make a fine closer. Dotel's problems are strictly mental -- he'll be fine. Both are dominant strikeout pitchers well suited to either a set-up role, or a closer role. That being said, if Lidge is available, why not add him? He's got 61 k's so far this year. That's more than a lot of QUALITY starting pitchers. Not to mention, with the Astros lineup, he'll leech a couple of wins and saves.

Lidge is a good add, and so is Dotel. These guys are both golden.

[d18Mike]

Dotel is still a top-tier closer. The only rumors I've seen regarding losing his job are on this Forum. And they are from a) hyperactive Dotel owners who wince everytime he doesn't strike out the side b) hopeful Lidge owners everytime he does strikeout the side.

[Registered_Guest]

Your answer is never.

Dotel is fine at closer. Berkman dropped an easy one last night and Jimy Williams, for reasons unknown, decided to walk Derrick Lee (who was hitless in his career vs. Dotel) to face Michael Barrett (2-for-5 lifetime vs. Dotel).

[warrick95]

It's never...

And again, why all the hate for LaTroy Hawkins as a closer? Yes, he wasn't good as a closer in Minnesota, but his control has been so much better. It was never really a mental issue, IMO, but a control issue (high walks). That's over now.