I am confident Stratton will get an opportunity early on. I am not so confident he will be able to keep up with the competition the Royals have assembled.
Are there any stats or other evidence to show which bullpen approach is generally better: set innings for each guy (Yost in 2014-2015) or mix & match (Q last year). I'd think pitchers would prefer a set role: "I'm the 8th-inning guy" so he knows to start getting loose in the 7th because he's going in without the manager signaling. I realize that it depends on the guys out there, but in general--any thoughts on which approach leads to more success?
Hey Jim, that's something that would be really difficult to quantify. I think it's entirely dependent upon the makeup of the pitcher. Some guys, as you note, would prefer to have a defined role. That helps them get ready both mentally and physically. Other guys are a bit more flexible in their routines. Erceg and Estévez are both relative newcomers to the closing role, so maybe they're ok with being moved in and out of that spot?
The one thing that HAS to happen is Q will need to communicate these expectations of how he plans to use his relievers—which I'm certain he does. Plus, these days with all the data and individual game planning guys are probably on alert for a variety of situations where they could be used.
I like the Estévez signing, too, but I also worry about the outfield and I think a move has to get made there. Given all the rumors about potential trade targets earlier this off-season were relievers (Zerpa, Harvey, and maybe Hernández) I expect them to trade a reliever or two along with a prospect to get that bat.
I'm just wondering if it might have been better to fork out a little bit more money for a Profar and keep Harvey than to sign Estévez and trade Harvey plus some prospect that's going to hurt for some other outfielder who isn't any better than Profar.
I hear you on a trade, but as we get closer and closer to camp, I wonder about that coming to fruition. Bullpen depth isn't a bad thing once the games start, but if the team is looking to deal from that depth, I wouldn't object at all.
I am confident Stratton will get an opportunity early on. I am not so confident he will be able to keep up with the competition the Royals have assembled.
Are there any stats or other evidence to show which bullpen approach is generally better: set innings for each guy (Yost in 2014-2015) or mix & match (Q last year). I'd think pitchers would prefer a set role: "I'm the 8th-inning guy" so he knows to start getting loose in the 7th because he's going in without the manager signaling. I realize that it depends on the guys out there, but in general--any thoughts on which approach leads to more success?
Hey Jim, that's something that would be really difficult to quantify. I think it's entirely dependent upon the makeup of the pitcher. Some guys, as you note, would prefer to have a defined role. That helps them get ready both mentally and physically. Other guys are a bit more flexible in their routines. Erceg and Estévez are both relative newcomers to the closing role, so maybe they're ok with being moved in and out of that spot?
The one thing that HAS to happen is Q will need to communicate these expectations of how he plans to use his relievers—which I'm certain he does. Plus, these days with all the data and individual game planning guys are probably on alert for a variety of situations where they could be used.
Thanks. I suspected there's not a "one size fits all" answer.
I like the Estévez signing, too, but I also worry about the outfield and I think a move has to get made there. Given all the rumors about potential trade targets earlier this off-season were relievers (Zerpa, Harvey, and maybe Hernández) I expect them to trade a reliever or two along with a prospect to get that bat.
I'm just wondering if it might have been better to fork out a little bit more money for a Profar and keep Harvey than to sign Estévez and trade Harvey plus some prospect that's going to hurt for some other outfielder who isn't any better than Profar.
I hear you on a trade, but as we get closer and closer to camp, I wonder about that coming to fruition. Bullpen depth isn't a bad thing once the games start, but if the team is looking to deal from that depth, I wouldn't object at all.