Chris Carpenter as a closer?

Question

ESPN has reported that Chris Carpenter might be coming back to the St. Louis Cardinals as a closer. I wish that Carp could come back as a starter but when you've had as many surgeries as he's had...it's a long shot. However...his hopes might be restored if the Cardinals move him to the closers roll...Just want your thoughts.

Answer 1

That's actually not a bad idea, using Carpenter as a closer. The Cardinals already have closer issues with Jason Isringhausen not being able to nail it down in the 9th inning. Carpenter's inability of not being able to turn out strong starts and not consistently being healthy logically should put him someplace in the bullpen.

Don't forget Carpenter still has some great stuff at a relatively young age and I feel this would be a great move for the Cardinals.  

Answer 2

He should be a starter. Hes great in that role.

Answer 3

He will probably do very well. I mean the best case scenario is Kerry Wood, he had plenty of surgeries and injuries, and look at him now. He is a pretty good closer for the Cubs. Worst case scenario is he doesn't do good and is shut down for the season.

Answer 4

They would only have him as a closer until the season ends. He would return to the starter position next year. It is a good idea because the starting pitching is not the Cardinals biggest concern, its the relief. He could help them out in the bullpen big time. The same thing was going to happen to Wainwright (come back as a closer) but when Carpenter got injured again, they changed the plans.

Answer 5

I think he'd be a great closer. They'd be able to use him in a lot of games and keep him somewhat healthy.

Answer 6

if i were the cards, id keep him as a starter and sign krod in the offseason.

Answer 7

i doubt they'll land krod...carpentar may be ok as a closer.  i think they should explore the market first...but don't rely on getting krod.

Answer 8

I think the report you're talking about is for the rest of this year - which would give the Cards a boost, but more importantly, it would give Carp some innings (but not too many) on his reconstructed arm.

Let's face it, this year has far exceeded anyone's predictions/expectations for the Cards.  They have played valiantly this year, but it's over.  The Cubs are the team to beat in the NL, if not all of baseball.  And the Brewers have almost locked up the wildcard with the addition of Sabathia.  It's time for the Cards to start looking to next year.  They need a healthy Carp and Wainright to make a serious run next year.

So, get those guys some innings against live hitting in game situations over the last 25 games.  Get them back into their normal workout regimen and ready for next year.  Carp will get a lot more work with a lot less strain in the bullpen this year.