Brian Matusz Permanent Bullpen Addition

[MikeNewcomb92]

It pains me to say that we spent a first round draft pick on a reliever that failed to become a starter, but as well as he has pitched in the role I feel confident that he should stay in the bullpen. But there is this feeling in my gut that we should try and give him another chance to live up to the starter role that we spent all the money and draft pick on just to make sure we aren't wasting his talent. Let me know what you all think about the role he should play.

[ofahn]

It pains me to say that we spent a first round draft pick on a reliever that failed to become a starter, but as well as he has pitched in the role I feel confident that he should stay in the bullpen. But there is this feeling in my gut that we should try and give him another chance to live up to the starter role that we spent all the money and draft pick on just to make sure we aren't wasting his talent. Let me know what you all think about the role he should play.

I'm one of the many that feel he should go back to AAA and work with Rick Peterson as a starter.

[birdwatcher55]

I think he's found a "home" as an eighth inning setup guy. I would not tamper with success here

[MikeNewcomb92]

I feel like we finish and see if this experiment works out for us in the bullpen. If he keeps up this success I feel like we shouldnt tamper with him and let him be good in the bullpen.

[osforlife]

A solid starting pitcher is much more valuable than a solid relief pitcher. He still has potential, and great stuff, as we saw coming out of the bullpen. If he can take the same mentality to the rotation and translate his bullpen success to starting, I think we could have a #2 pitcher.

[Old Sneakers]

If he were a free agent following next season. I would say keep him in the pen. But even as a very "ordinary starting pitcher" he has a much higher value. He's still young. If he isn't dealt then we almost have to try to fix him as a starter.

[DougDE]

I'd let him try and win a starters spot in spring training and if he fails he's a reliever for good. Starters are just too hard to find to not make darn sure he's not one

[ofahn]

I'd let him try and win a starters spot in spring training and if he fails he's a reliever for good. Starters are just too hard to find to not make darn sure he's not one

Why do you suggest that approach instead of having him work with Rick Peterson in AAA for a bit longer?

[Matt P]

I thought Buck said he will be coming into Spring Training as a starter.

[birdwatcher55]

I thought Buck said he will be coming into Spring Training as a starter.

I truly hope you are wrong

[ofahn]

I truly hope you are wrong

Why?

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I truly hope you are wrong

I hope he is right.

[LA Detective]

No doubt he was awesome in the pen and a big part of our late season success but I think they need to find out if he can attack the hitters and command the zone the same way for 7 innings every 5th day. If he can, he is more valuable. Working with RP and the bullpen experience was great for him.. BM is a huge breakout candidate next year..

Patton can do BMs spot and I am sure we will have a long man next year..

Hunter is permanent in the pen and a total different situation. 99mph wow..

JJ,Strop, Patton,Oday,Hunter, and then several good candidates including Ayala and Wada when ready..

[ofahn]

Hunter is permanent in the pen and a total different situation. 99mph wow..

Agreed. He's found a home.

[ofahn]

No doubt he was awesome in the pen and a big part of our late season success but I think they need to find out if he can attack the hitters and command the zone the same way for 7 innings every 5th day. If he can, he is more valuable. Working with RP and the bullpen experience was great for him.. BM is a huge breakout candidate next year..

I'd be more surprised if he DOESN'T show himself to be a solid SP.