July 24, 20187 yr https://theathletic.com/443321/2018/07/24/carson-fulmer-knows-the-quickest-way-back-to-chicago-is-through-the-bullpen/ “When an organization calls you and tells you they want to push you to the ‘pen because of the chance for you to get back up to the big leagues as soon as possible, it’s tough,” Fulmer said. “Really didn’t know how to react at first but I think I can be really helpful out of the bullpen. I think I’ll definitely have a chance here soon. Just getting up there and being able to establish myself is the biggest key for me.” “I love it, I love it,” Fulmer said. “I think it’s a really good role for me. I know that the organization is definitely seeing me in that role. I definitely could help obviously this team, but the big league team in that role as well. I’m a guy that loves adrenaline, loves coming in and getting out of situations. I train for being able to bounce back quick and I think it’s a role I’m definitely settling into.” Seems like it's working so far, albeit a tiny sample size. 4 out of 5 good outings out of the pen so far...small sample size.
July 24, 20187 yr It’s definitely worth a shot. Starting just wasn’t in the cards for him unfortunately.
July 24, 20187 yr Its tough as a player when an org pretty much gave up on you as a starter (said you failed in that regard). But he can be a very useful piece out of the pen. Hell, hes got a closer mindset. Fulmer can still have a very nice career and make a good amount of money in the future.
July 24, 20187 yr Let him try this, maybe if it works out and he gains some confidence and command, he can go back to starting one day. There are a lot of failed starters that become lock down relievers, and if he becomes effective, he isn't a wasted pick the way the game is played now. Edited July 24, 20187 yr by Dick Allen
July 24, 20187 yr 9 minutes ago, Dick Allen said: Let him try this, maybe if it works out and he gains some confidence and command, he can go back to starting one day. There are a lot of failed starters that become lock down relievers, and if he becomes effective, he isn't a wasted pick the way the game is played now. Agree completely.
July 24, 20187 yr 23 minutes ago, Dick Allen said: Let him try this, maybe if it works out and he gains some confidence and command, he can go back to starting one day. There are a lot of failed starters that become lock down relievers, and if he becomes effective, he isn't a wasted pick the way the game is played now. Yeah if he turns into our version of Archie Bradley I'm cool with that.
July 24, 20187 yr 22 minutes ago, The Ginger Kid said: His inability to throw strikes isn't going away in the bullpen. He's a gas can. Totally agree. But let’s hope the mindset change and throwing way harder for an inning makes him effectively wild when off. I’d like to see him touching 97-98 before I get excited
July 24, 20187 yr I like the idea and it's about time. If Minaya can survive this far at the major league level I don't see why Fulmer couldn't. Carson has better stuff than Minaya as well so I think there's hope.
July 24, 20187 yr I'm not a huge fan of the move but if the Sox don't rule out the possibility of his returning to starting it makes some sense. The general benefit of moving a guy like this to the pen is you don't really make him work through the struggles anymore. The Sox have stated previously that they felt he was unable to turn around a bad start once it went bad. From a developmental perspective, if he too frequently gets out of whack with no ability to correct that same outing, it makes sense to put him in a role where you can painlessly pull him as soon as you see it's one of those days. You can think of it like this: Practicing the right things will make you better, but practicing the wrong things makes you worse. The starting role may have been pushing him into endless repetitions of bad motions, bad thought processes, etc. You can nip that in the bud out of the pen. That said, he still has a starter's repertoire so you might want to keep him on deck for some starts if he's doing well and the opportunity presents itself, sort of like the Chris Volstad role.
July 24, 20187 yr So far, with his new role in the bullpen, he has made five relief appearances. These are his stats: 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, 3 BB
July 24, 20187 yr Carson to lock things down in the 8th inning; Burdi to slam the door shut in the 9th.
July 24, 20187 yr Just now, Fan O'Faust said: Carson to lock things down in the 8th inning; Burdi to slam the door shut in the 9th. Hamilton and Johnson might have something to say about the 8th and 9th. All good problems to have though
July 24, 20187 yr 15 minutes ago, Soxnfins said: Mariano Rivera was a SP to start his career. someone should inform carson.
July 24, 20187 yr Wade Davis. Josh Hader. Edwin Diaz. All starters in the minors and ended up in MLB bullpens.
July 24, 20187 yr There are plenty of success stories of guys transitioning to the bullpen. Fulmer has proven he can't make it as a starter so it's time to try the bullpen. I'm not sure he's shown anything to make anyone feel confident he'll be another success story. Obviously, in shorter stints the stuff can improve, but will his command?
July 24, 20187 yr Really no surprise. Most were clamoring that's where he should have been anyway...but I applaud the Sox for at least giving him a chance at being a starter...and also applaud Fulmer for embracing this opportunity.
July 24, 20187 yr Author 2 hours ago, DH in the NL said: Hamilton and Johnson might have something to say about the 8th and 9th. All good problems to have though Burdi as well when he returns and if he finds success...sometime this season maybe?
July 24, 20187 yr So everyone is already ready to give up on this kid as a starter after 13 career big league starts? Not all prospect development is linear and the kid is still just 24 and a former top ten pick. At the very least, the Sox should continue to let him start at AAA until Shields is traded and then let him start in the bigs for the rest of the year. Avi Garcia got 3 plus years and a thousand at bats as a sub replacement player before his breakout all star year. Shouldn't Fulmer at least get 25 or so starts before he is sent to the bullpen?
July 24, 20187 yr 1 minute ago, tlongo81@gmail.com said: So everyone is already ready to give up on this kid as a starter after 13 career big league starts? Not all prospect development is linear and the kid is still just 24 and a former top ten pick. At the very least, the Sox should continue to let him start at AAA until Shields is traded and then let him start in the bigs for the rest of the year. Avi Garcia got 3 plus years and a thousand at bats as a sub replacement player before his breakout all star year. Shouldn't Fulmer at least get 25 or so starts before he is sent to the bullpen? No. He needs to prove he can get hitter’s out. The easiest way to do that now is in the bullpen. Not happening as a starter at this time
July 24, 20187 yr 4 minutes ago, DH in the NL said: No. He needs to prove he can get hitter’s out. The easiest way to do that now is in the bullpen. Not happening as a starter at this time This year and next are still tank years. The goal is to lose as many games as possible while letting the young prospects develop. I see no downside to letting Fulmer continue to start at Charlotte and then bringing him in September once Shields is gone. Give the kid some time to figure it out. The Sox thought so highly of him that they used a top ten pick on him. Let the kid develop at his own pace!!!
July 24, 20187 yr 16 minutes ago, tlongo81@gmail.com said: So everyone is already ready to give up on this kid as a starter after 13 career big league starts? Not all prospect development is linear and the kid is still just 24 and a former top ten pick. At the very least, the Sox should continue to let him start at AAA until Shields is traded and then let him start in the bigs for the rest of the year. Avi Garcia got 3 plus years and a thousand at bats as a sub replacement player before his breakout all star year. Shouldn't Fulmer at least get 25 or so starts before he is sent to the bullpen? He got a lot more starts at AAA, and he wasn't effective there, either.
July 24, 20187 yr 22 minutes ago, tlongo81@gmail.com said: So everyone is already ready to give up on this kid as a starter after 13 career big league starts? Not all prospect development is linear and the kid is still just 24 and a former top ten pick. At the very least, the Sox should continue to let him start at AAA until Shields is traded and then let him start in the bigs for the rest of the year. Avi Garcia got 3 plus years and a thousand at bats as a sub replacement player before his breakout all star year. Shouldn't Fulmer at least get 25 or so starts before he is sent to the bullpen? Substitute Moncada for Fulmer.
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