The Chicago Cubs are going to convert current closer Ryan Dempster back to the starting rotation, and they're going to move Angel Guzman to the bullpen to be the new closer.
This is a ridiculous over-reaction by Lou Pinella who has a history of doing such things throughout his tenure in the major leagues. Dempster does have a 4.43 ERA, but he has a very solid 1.03 WHIP, and he's converted 9 out of 10 save chances. He's also posted 21 Ks in 20 1/3 IP. He's only had two truly bad outings, including the last one where he blew up for 5 runs in 1/3 of an inning, but most closers have an outing or two like that during the year. It happens. Dempster has given Pinella very little reason to remove him from the closer's role, but he's doing it anyways. Outside of a very solid 2000 season, Dempster has a long track record of being a mediocre to poor starter, never posting an ERA below 4.71 other than in 2000. Given that, Pinella looks even dumber for making this decision.
Regarding Guzman, he's long been viewed as a great arm in the Cubs farm system. He's posted quality starts in 2 of his 3 appearances since being recalled from the minors, so it's not like he was pitching badly. He limited the powerful Mets offense to 1 run in 5 innings in his last outing, even though he surrendered 8 hits. He has far more value as a starter than a reliever to the Chicago Cubs, so the switch from this side doesn't make sense either. Guzman has very little track record as a reliever, although he does have the stuff to closer. Whether or not he has the mental makeup is to be determined, however.
Fantasy Impact: Wait until this actually plays out in a game, and then go ahead and drop Ryan Dempster. Odds are very strong that he won't have any value as a starter given his history. Guzman has upside as a closer for a good team, so pick him up and stash him to see how he adjusts to his new role. I wouldn't use him right away until you see how he reacts to being a closer for the first time for the sake of your ERA and WHIP, even if it costs you a save or two.
This is a ridiculous over-reaction by Lou Pinella who has a history of doing such things throughout his tenure in the major leagues. Dempster does have a 4.43 ERA, but he has a very solid 1.03 WHIP, and he's converted 9 out of 10 save chances. He's also posted 21 Ks in 20 1/3 IP. He's only had two truly bad outings, including the last one where he blew up for 5 runs in 1/3 of an inning, but most closers have an outing or two like that during the year. It happens. Dempster has given Pinella very little reason to remove him from the closer's role, but he's doing it anyways. Outside of a very solid 2000 season, Dempster has a long track record of being a mediocre to poor starter, never posting an ERA below 4.71 other than in 2000. Given that, Pinella looks even dumber for making this decision.
Regarding Guzman, he's long been viewed as a great arm in the Cubs farm system. He's posted quality starts in 2 of his 3 appearances since being recalled from the minors, so it's not like he was pitching badly. He limited the powerful Mets offense to 1 run in 5 innings in his last outing, even though he surrendered 8 hits. He has far more value as a starter than a reliever to the Chicago Cubs, so the switch from this side doesn't make sense either. Guzman has very little track record as a reliever, although he does have the stuff to closer. Whether or not he has the mental makeup is to be determined, however.
Fantasy Impact: Wait until this actually plays out in a game, and then go ahead and drop Ryan Dempster. Odds are very strong that he won't have any value as a starter given his history. Guzman has upside as a closer for a good team, so pick him up and stash him to see how he adjusts to his new role. I wouldn't use him right away until you see how he reacts to being a closer for the first time for the sake of your ERA and WHIP, even if it costs you a save or two.
2 comments:
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Thanks for the link and the compliment!
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