Pineiro to Red Sox?

Take one of the top closers in the AL and make him into a starting pitcher because it's easier on his arm.

Then take a crappy starting pitcher and try to turn him into the new closer.

Interesting. Well, the second part of that did work for Jose Mesa, so....

 

And he is going to be a candidate for their closer's role? Does he even have any experience in the bullpen? I think the Mariners sent him there last year, but that was because he was getting ripped by every MLB lineup he faced as a starter.

 

But as was stated before, this kid had filthy stuff when he got called up. This is a good deal for one year, not five, to see if he still has it or not. Or would you rather pay Gil Meche 11 a year?

 

I have no answer for that Ragu, but things may become clear in the physical. He still has to pass it.

 

Ragu, Piniero spent a lot of time on the DL with arm woes either two or three years ago. No surgery necessary, but his stuff never returned. As evidenced by his ERA last year--in a pitcher's park--he's cannon fodder as a starter.

Maybe he'll be good as a reliever, but I sure as hell would not bet $4 million on it in Boston.

So let's get this straight: The Red Sox had awful relief pitching in front of Papelbon last season and have decided to fix it by...signing a bunch of question marks, all of whom are going to vie to replace Papelbon at closer. I find it hard to believe that's going to work out.

 

Will Craig Hansen be the closer come Opening Day?

 

Oh good God no. Not unless the Sox want to finish fifth.

OK, I forgot about the Devil Rays. Fourth.

 

There have been PED rumors floating, too.

I don't think this helps the Red Sox. Piniero's ERA+ since 2001:

207, 130, 117, 92, 77, 68.

All while he's theoretically entering his prime. And now he's moving to a much more hitter-friendly ballpark? Epstein has his strengths, but building a bullpen isn't one of them.

 

Thanks to his recent moves, especially last season, that may have to read Epstein HAD his strengths.