Do papalebon, masterson, kuo, morrow, park, heilman, and scot shields deserve a chance to start?

Question

With the scarcity of quality starting pitchers these days, I strongly believe only failed starters (Mariano Rivera, Eric Gagne) or injury problems (K-Rod) should be restricted to relieving. The fact that the Red Sox is wasting talents such as Justin Masterson (converted to relief pitching) and Papelbon (restricted to closing) and the Dodgers with Hong Chih Kuo and Park. Look at what the Yankees did with Chamberlain, Mariners’ keeping Brandon Morrow in the ‘pen (set up man) is another waste of talent. Elite pitchers with high upside should have the chance to start in order to fully fulfill their potential. That’s why Yankees is the most successful franchise. They make good personnel decisions. ur opinoin?

Answer 1

yes they are very good players

Answer 2

Your question makes no sense.  The Athletics have the best ERA among starting pitchers but have a very weak bullpen.  Jonathan Papelbon was a starter briefly in 2005 (I saw him beat the Angels), but concluded, with the Red Sox that he would contribute more as a closer.  A good closer is worth as much or more than a starter.  Your team's Mariano Rivera gets $15 million a year. A good reliever effectively shortens the game for the opposition.  Look at the Angels.  If they can call on Arredondo in the 7th, Shields in the 8th and K-Rod in the 9th, the opposition has only a 6 inning game.  If you are trailing the Angels after 6, your odds aren't good.  The bullpen is one of the biggest differences between the 2007 Red Sox and the 2008 Red Sox/   Okajima and Del Carmen are not as effective as they were last year.  

As for your throwaway comment about the Yankees making good personnel decisions, how is Carl Pavano working out for you?

Answer 3

heilman-no id rather see them call up jon niese, who just had a 3 hiter 7 ip 2 bb 1 er 1 hr in his first night in AAA