Brett Myers - Closer

[RickD]

The Houston Astros have decided to make a change. Last seasons opening day starting pitcher, Brett Myers, will be the Astros closer this year.

Manager Brad Mills announced the move Tuesday. The 31-year-old Myers started 34 games last season and went 7-14 with a 4.46 ERA.

Though Myers has been used primarily as a starter in 9 of his 10 MLB seasons, he does have some experience in the closer role. In 2007 he saved 21 out of 24 opportunities while with the Philadelphia Phillies.

[Mr. Baseball]

Awful move by the Astros. Brett Myers had the opportunity to close for Philadelphia in 2007, and he failed miserably. What makes them think this time is any different? It's not like he blew anybody away with his performance last season. Personally, I've always been a firm believer that the best pitcher in the bullpen should be the closer -- regardless of age, experience, etc.

Why not Wilton Lopez?

Not like it makes a difference...Houston won't have many save opportunities in 2012 anyway.

[WilsonC]

Awful move by the Astros. Brett Myers had the opportunity to close for Philadelphia in 2007, and he failed miserably. What makes them think this time is any different? It's not like he blew anybody away with his performance last season. Personally, I've always been a firm believer that the best pitcher in the bullpen should be the closer -- regardless of age, experience, etc.

Why not Wilton Lopez?

Not like it makes a difference...Houston won't have many save opportunities in 2012 anyway.

Take another look at his 2007.

Myers was awful in three games as a starter that year, but once converted to the bullpen, he was actually pretty good (ERA 2.87, over a K per inning,, SV% of around 87%). It was his few starts that year that made his overall numbers look poor that year - he gave up about as many runs in three starts as he did in over 50 relief innings.

That said, I'm not sure he's more valuable to them like this, unless they've a surplus of guys they want to see starting.

[Mr. Baseball]

Take another look at his 2007.

Myers was awful in three games as a starter that year, but once converted to the bullpen, he was actually pretty good (ERA 2.87, over a K per inning,, SV% of around 87%). It was his few starts that year that made his overall numbers look poor that year - he gave up about as many runs in three starts as he did in over 50 relief innings.

That said, I'm not sure he's more valuable to them like this, unless they've a surplus of guys they want to see starting.

Thanks for the insight Wilson, I was looking at the big picture and wasn't aware of the fact.

Regardless, the Astros have better options out there.

[astrosfanatic]

This is the reason they signed Livan Hernandez earlier in the off-season. There's not much difference in a healthy Livan or Myers.

I am okay with this move for a couple reasons:

- It gives our young pitchers a chance to develop in lower-pressure roles. Lopez, Carpenter, or Abreu would all 3 be capable of closing, but they would fare better in lower-pressure innings.

- The Astros found out that they couldn't give Myers away as a SP, so maybe his value as a reliable RP would be more appealing to other teams at the break.

- The last reason i am okay with this move is that it takes Lyon out of the equation. I did not want to have to sit through another 9th inning watching him pitch.


The Astros are going to struggle to win 60 games this year, so it doesn't really matter who closes games for the Astros in the long run. This year needs to be about evaluating what talent we have and coaching the young players into better players. Myers has zero trade value as a starter, but maybe he has more value as a closer. Time will tell. I am happy to see that the club is looking for creative ways to improve itself. I have been impressed with Luhnow and his peeps so far.