Originally posted by RogerCraig:
Originally posted by Niners99:
RP can go from great to garbage year to year. Locking yourself into 2 RP for 3 years each was a mistake. You dont want to lock yourself into those kinds of players. I can see how a top tier closer would command 3 years due to the competitive market, but guys like Affeldt and Casilla, (both over age 32) shouldnt be given that many years.
Makes sense, but it's a seller's market. Trying get the most for least in an era of inflated prices. These guys tend to throw their arms out more often than starting pitchers. Or am I wrong?
RP are already kind of the scrap heap of major league pitching. Unless youre Aroldis Chapman, youre probably in the bullpen because you dont have what it takes to be a starter. Some are more consistent than others, but for the most part RP can turn in a great year one season, and a poor one the next, without any explanation.
Its hard to know what youre getting year to year, especially after age 30. Its not who we gave the 3 years to, its the fact that we did. Casilla and Affeldt are quality bullpen arms, but at their age, locking yourself into them for 3 more years is a foolish risk. Solid RP can come out of the woodwork. Its not like theyre irreplaceable. We got George Kontos for Chris Stewart, and he gave us a great season. 2.47 era, 1.05 whip, 9.1 k/9.
More often than not, baseball has shown giving more than 2 years to a RP ends up being a regret. Maybe it will, maybe not, but my argument is just that it wasnt a wise thing to do.