Reed has had some success and isn't going to come in cheap, and there isn't a lot of sense getting in a bidding war for a closer for a team that will be .500 at best.

 

If you Fulmer back there and let him get back to his former delivery now that he will have a smaller workload and receives the corresponding uptick in velocity you may have a real piece there that has value. Best case scenario you get your closer for the future or are able to flip him in a Giles type deal to reinforce the rebuild. Worst case he flames out and you get a revolving door back there with Petricka, Goldberg, Jones, and some FA. At least you will know with some degree of likelihood if Fulmer has any role in the future of this franchise.

 

Bring in Jordan Walden and Drew Storen to compete in the closer wheel of death and hope a couple of the guys build enough value to net some prospects next summer.

 

I don't doubt that Fulmer could be an effective reliever, but thrusting a guy who has struggled with his stuff as much as Fulmer has directly into the pressure cooker that is the closer role, even on a bad team, is asking for trouble.

Reed is not going to get a big contract.

I don't doubt that Fulmer could be an effective reliever, but thrusting a guy who has struggled with his stuff as much as Fulmer has directly into the pressure cooker that is the closer role, even on a bad team, is asking for trouble.

 

Even making him a reliever at this point probably isn't going to be a good idea. The kid needs consistency and repetitions. He gets inconsistent work and much less work out there. His problem is not being able to consistently repeat his delivery and pitches. This just means he gets a fraction of the chances to do that. Let him start at AAA next year.

Option 1) Rodon, Kopech, Lopez, Giolito, Fulmer

 

Option 2) Rodon, Kopech, Lopez, Giolito, Hansen.

 

See why Fulmer is heading to the pen?

 

 

Why is everyone acting like we're in a rush to lock in roles or something?

Why is everyone acting like we're in a rush to lock in roles or something?

People are just trying to look ahead at what things may look like over the next few years. It's hard not to with so much talent on the farm.

Start looking at Fulmer as a reliever Giolito and Lopez have flashed enough that we likely won't need him in the rotation with Kopech, Hansen, Stephens, Dunning, and others on the way.

Start looking at Fulmer as a reliever Giolito and Lopez have flashed enough that we likely won't need him in the rotation with Kopech, Hansen, Stephens, Dunning, and others on the way.

Firm believer Giolito and Lopez will be quality MLB starters (Giolito I think may even be better). Yes the depth is in the system with Kopech (elite ace potetial), Hansen (ace potential), Stephens (back end guy), and Dunning but you can never need enough pitching, look at NYM with Syndergaard, Harvey, DeGrom, Matz and more (Fulmer, Lugo, Gsellman, Montero, Ynoa)

 

Pitching isn't always a lock

 

My ideal 2019 rotation remains Kopech-Rodon-Giolito-Lopez-Hansen with a pen featuring Burdi, Fulmer, Danish, Guerrero, Fry