So is this going to be Neal's role as long as he's in a white sox uniform, or do people think that he will be moved back to starting in 2007 or 2008? It seemed so certain that he would be a starter two years ago, but now...

With the starting pitching we have in the minors and pros, and the success that Neal has had out of the pen, I find it hard to see him going back to starting.

So is this going to be Neal's role as long as he's in a white sox uniform, or do people think that he will be moved back to starting in 2007 or 2008? It seemed so certain that he would be a starter two years ago, but now...

 

If Cotts ever does become a starter again, it won't be with the Sox. He's way too valuable/good in the role he's in now.

I have to agree... plus how do we know he even wants to go back to starting... I'd figure he has to be happy where he is...

I have to agree... plus how do we know he even wants to go back to starting... I'd figure he has to be happy where he is...

his wallet and his agent would disagree

Starter = more money, less weekly work, less pressure (I would say)

 

I bet he'd do anything to be a starter again.

Starter = more money, less weekly work, less pressure (I would say)

 

I bet he'd do anything to be a starter again.

 

As a rule, starters are also way more valuable to a team: 200 IP vs. 70 IP. If Cotts can stretch himself out, it might not be such a bad thing to try to make him into a starter. However, I think our experiences from 2004 would indicate otherwise for Mr. Cotts.

He's a 2 pitch pitcher. He would not be a good starter.

It has nothing to do with Cotts, really. If enough guys fail at some point, they'll try him, o/w, get comfy out there.

Starter = more money, less weekly work, less pressure (I would say)

 

I bet he'd do anything to be a starter again.

 

From the way he pitched in the Series last year, methinks not.

 

And regardless, if you are in the majors, and you are good, you are going to get paid. When your 10 year earnings are near $30 million(which is what I imagine Cotts' will be at some point over a period of time, assuming he remains a solid ass reliever), I think you've made enough money.

 

He's a 2 pitch pitcher. He would not be a good starter.

 

^^^ = why he won't start

 

You can add pitches, but I don't think the Sox are gonna mess with that

From the way he pitched in the Series last year, methinks not.

 

And regardless, if you are in the majors, and you are good, you are going to get paid. When your 10 year earnings are near $30 million(which is what I imagine Cotts' will be at some point over a period of time, assuming he remains a solid ass reliever), I think you've made enough money.

^^^ = why he won't start

 

You can add pitches, but I don't think the Sox are gonna mess with that

I really don't think they will mess with it too, but I would think Neal would want to become a starter. I think hes absolutely happy where he is at now though.

He's a 2 pitch pitcher. He would not be a good starter.

 

^^^

 

On top of that, reliable lefties in the 'pen are very valuable and the Sox will be under control of his contract for at least a few more years.

Yeah, Neal's definitely going to have to add one or two breaking pitches before he can be a starter. Fastball/Changeup as your only pitches are great when you're throwing one inning after the hitters are already tired...Not so much at the beginning of a game.

McCarthy is now in the same spot Cotts found himself in last year. The Sox might very well have to two of them in mind for starting roles in a few years. Maybe sooner. The Sox management said they wanted to satrt Cotts off slowly and let him work into the starting role when it became available.

McCarthy is now in the same spot Cotts found himself in last year. The Sox might very well have to two of them in mind for starting roles in a few years. Maybe sooner. The Sox management said they wanted to satrt Cotts off slowly and let him work into the starting role when it became available.

It's a pretty big difference though. Brandon actually has three pitches and has proven he can at least be a solid starter in this league. Neal on the other hand, has a good fastball and a meh slider and has just dominated in the bullpen. Bmac is going to be in the rotation come next year, Cotts on the other hand is going to be in the pen until he moves on to another team(which hopefully doesn't happen for a long, long time).

Edited July 5, 200619 yr by Rowand44

It's a pretty big difference though. Brandon actually has three pitches and has proven he can at least be a solid starter in this league. Neal on the other hand, has a good fastball and a meh slider and has just dominated in the bullpen. Bmac is going to be in the rotation come next year, Cotts on the other hand is going to be in the pen until he moves on to another team(which hopefully doesn't happen for a long, long time).

Plus, Cotts is a lefty, and a solid lefty in the pen is more valuable than a solid righty simply because there are less good lefties than righties.

In 2005 89 pitchers appeared in 30 or more games and made 15 or more starts. They had an average salary of $4,026,593. 148 pitchers appeared in 30 or more games and had less than 15 starts. Average salary was $1,427,183.

 

As in little league, college or the minors the best pitchers are used to start games and with a few exceptions, that’s where the money is. Neal is 26 years old in this 3rd full season, after his reserve and arb years, if he can put in 5 years as an average starter instead of a reliever it could mean a difference of 13 million dollars. That’s a lot of money, even in Belleville, IL.

 

He has to try for it, even if he has to agitate or move to another team.

In 2005 89 pitchers appeared in 30 or more games and made 15 or more starts. They had an average salary of $4,026,593. 148 pitchers appeared in 30 or more games and had less than 15 starts. Average salary was $1,427,183.

 

As in little league, college or the minors the best pitchers are used to start games and with a few exceptions, that’s where the money is. Neal is 26 years old in this 3rd full season, after his reserve and arb years, if he can put in 5 years as an average starter instead of a reliever it could mean a difference of 13 million dollars. That’s a lot of money, even in Belleville, IL.

 

He has to try for it, even if he has to agitate or move to another team.

Neal also has to know it's a gamble though. The Cubs threw $12 million at Scott Eyre because Eyre had 1 good year last year. When Cotts hits FA, he'll be younger, with better stuff, a longer history of success (we hope), and maybe even can compete for a closer's job somewhere. On the other hand, if he tries to stretch his arm back out to be a starter, it may take some time, he may struggle, and it could cost him a lot of money.