You're talking about a group of guys who are traditionally starters being used as relievers in the playoffs. Yeah, those guys are OK with the additional workload - starters are traditionally better pitchers whose velocity and "stuff" play up when they can concentrate on an inning or two in relief as opposed to a traditional workload. I've never seen a traditional closer add that many innings, and I wouldn't bet a lot of money on it working out. The stress on arms isn't a one-to-one correlation with innings pitched - the types of pitches thrown and the 110% type effort put into traditional closing pitching plays a part.
To me if we could sign Hendriks, Brantley. I’d be ok with going into the season with journeyman CF like Straw or Profar. Go really hard after Correa next year after Verlander and Greinke are gone or trade him for a boatload of high end prospects.
I have no problem stocking the pen with traditional starters as they are better pitchers as long as they get adequate rest between starts.
I agree with that approach. I think there are some starters who aren't cut out for a bullpen role, but there are plenty out there who could. I think that several versatile arms would work better than paying an elite closer and hoping he could expand his role.
Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com tweeted out the same thing yesterday. Never heard of him but looks like he's a verified Red Sox beat writer. On Climbing Tals Hill, they mentioned last year Will Smith got a 3 year $40 mil deal and Hendricks is better than Smith so he'll probably command more. CTH also said the Astros are still on Osuna. Is this true? If they can't sign any of the top relievers, he's plan B? Is Osuna for sure healthy?
This is the win now type of approach that I would prefer, but expect Click will try to spread it out on players that will likely not degrade in value as quickly (not counting Profar).
I really think Click is waiting for Springer and maybe Bauer to sign before doing his thing. Don’t really think it will be Hendricks or Hand, but one of the next tier reliever. He has to sign at least one offensive outfielder, probably Brantley or Bradley jr.
Treinan back to the Dodgers. "The Dodgers have re-signed right-handed reliever Blake Treinen to a two-year, $17MM guarantee that includes an $8MM club option or a $1MM buyout for 2023, Bob Nightengale of USA Today was among those to report." https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/dodgers-re-sign-blake-treinen.html
You are probably right. I think teams (not owners, but don't see any of them coughing up money besides Cohen) are going to run out of money with some decent players taking very low deals. Considering the number of meh outfielders and pitchers, it benefits Click if he chooses to bargain bin shop.
