Don't disagree with the move, just suprised given past comments by Luhnow. In addition to Oswalt, this also worked with Elarton. Folty's stuff right now translates more towards closer than starter anyways.
Way, way, way bad wrong example to use. They can limit his innings this way while getting him acclimated a bit. Awesome move.
Elarton was really good for the Astros from 1998 to 2000. Think he was miscast as a starter, same as Folty. Just because he didn't pan out long term doesn't mean getting him acclimated first as a bullpen guy was a mistake.
Elarton in '98 is the textbook example of how not to treat a great young arm who has been a starter his entire life. Dierker had him warming up every other game it seemed like.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Here's the rookie! <a href="https://twitter.com/Folty25">@Folty25</a> is ready. <a href="http://t.co/Gt6yy2XkmO">pic.twitter.com/Gt6yy2XkmO</a></p>— Julia Morales (@JuliaMoralesCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuliaMoralesCSN/statuses/495358504706641920">August 2, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I know the general feeling is that Folty is in the pen to get his feet wet, and will still be a starter. And if that is the case, that's great But, with the Cosart trade I think it's obvious that management feels good about our other starting pitching options moving forward. Whether it's Keuchel, McHugh, Feldman, Obie or Appel, Feliz, Hader or whoever. I think it's obvious that they feel good about the future of the rotation So, anyone other than me think this is more than just a get your feet wet and then go back to starting gig for Folty? I think they want to see how he fares in the pen, in anticipation of a possible 2015 closer role
He could be a seriously dynamic reliever, but he would be so much more valuable as a starter. If he can't physically handle the innings, or more likely can't develop a solid 3rd pitch, then in a year or so he can transition into that Lidge/Wagner hammer in the pen.
I want Folty to BADLY be this team's closer. I've been on the "Folty or Cosart for closer" train for over a year now. Cosart's gone, so Folty's my guy for the gig now.
Cosart as closer would be a nightmare. Needs much better control. Brad Lidge was once brought up as a starter. These things work themselves out if it's meant to be.
We can always move Folty to the pen later. A good starter is much, much more valuable than a great closer, although if often doesn't feel that way. The Astros are gonna wanna see Folty prove he can't be an impact starter before they send him to the pen. Rivera, Gagne, Smoltz, Eckersley some of the best closers were starters first in the MLB.
