With Jake Clemente making a relief appearance last night against FSU there's been some speculation about his role changing to one of a bullpen guy. I'm proposing the possibility of him being the new closer. Philpott hasn't been able to get it done in his two biggest save opportunities this season so a change is likely in order. I think Clemente could be a prime candidate for the position. He hasn't been able to go deep into any of his starts past opening weekend, but he has been largely very good in the early innings of each outing. These are how his stats look so far this season: First two inning stats: 11 IP, 3.27 ERA, 0.82 WHIP Third inning onward stats: 9 IP, 8.00 ERA, 1.44 WHIP It is a night and day difference and as a closer he'd likely only be asked to get 3-6 outs. Just an idea, wanted to know what you guys think.
Actually Clemente’s game start stats as you listed do support this kind of move based on our own performances to close games out. That said, as I mentioned in another post—to make this move you have to have a replacement move in mind to fill the vacancy created in the rotation for the weekend. I am still drawing a blank for a weekend SP name.
Not sure the third weekend SP is the issue. TBA has been starting Sunday games in the SEC for a long time. Maybe a question of what gives the team the best chance on the weekend a la was it better to have Neely start one game or have Neely finish two games. Team was much better with him on the backend and that's not even up for debate. Not saying Clemente is Neely just that you might get more value from him as a back end reliever.
Exactly-you should go through the available roster and ask/fact check what does player X bring to the game to give our team the best chance to win. That works for both pitching and hitting.
I would put Philpott there, he has good stuff and maybe without the closer pressure he can gives us 5
Don't mean to toot my own horn but Clemente's outing against Ole Miss further supports this. Came in relief during the 5th and pitched 2.2 innings only allowing one baserunner via an error. Then he went back out in the 8th and gave up two runs on three hits and walk, and then walked the first two batters in the 9th before getting pulled.
You go with an Opener that gives you 2-3 and go J. Wholestaff from there. Can’t be any worse and the Rays have done mighty well with this mindset.
TBA or “opener” like the Rays have been made famous is the way to go on Sunday. Opened gives you 2-3 and then you go to J. Wholestaff.
