Comments on: With Hudson back, should Hanson become a closer?

By: Brad in KY

Brad in KY — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:00:28 +0000

Rob Neyer linked to this from his blog on ESPN.com because it’s such a stupid idea.

By: tmack

tmack — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:48:52 +0000

would the braves consider bring back John Smoltz in an attempt to fill the closer role if he’s open-minded enough and the price is right?

By: scott

scott — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:45:20 +0000

Jaba chamberlain: people can’t just be mixed and matched. Some players are better in certain roles, why would you risk wrecking a future all-star and potential hall of fame inductee to avoid signing a true closer.

By: scott

scott — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:43:01 +0000

MB: this is absurd. Stop filling the void of slow news days with nonsense.
rational (except injuries to tommy) would ever warrant that move. Maybe if he was only solid for 6 max innings, but this guy can go the distance every time he gets the start. Closer are only effective if you get them the lead. KK & DL didn’t give the bullpen a chance most of the time. Besides that doesn’t allow you the leverage of trade bait. the braves are stacked for trading for a bat (between major/minor league talent).

By: Fischerking04

Fischerking04 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:28:37 +0000

Wow. So many things to say about this article. Let me narrow it down to this…When you start playing people in certain spots based on what they are getting paid you are most definitely going to lose. Awful, awful, awful idea.

He came in to be a big peice of our rotation and that’s where he will stay.

By: rome-brace

rome-brace — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:55:12 +0000

just go’es ro prove my point bradley, all sports-writer’s for ajc. are crazy! ask the yankees about this with joba? besides with hanson-vasquize-jjurgines the braves have 3 of the best starting pitcher’s in m.l.b.something we have not had in the last 3-4 years.

By: Seth

Seth — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:18:19 +0000

Kawakami should close. He’s only good under pressure.

No, seriously… when the Blue Jays brought Halladay KK was unhittable. Against the Yankees he was dominant. In big moments, he came up big… so give him a steady diet of big moments and see what happens.

Baserunners aren’t a big deal for a closer like they are for middle relief. You don’t care if a closer gives up a run or two, if they have three to give. Closers come in with clean bags, they can walk a guy. So it’s a good fit for the “Dragon Killer.” And he already has a cool nickname. What more does a closer need?

By: Closer101

Closer101 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:23:18 +0000

With Javier Vazquez’s stike out ratio, he could be a premier closer. Trade Kawakami for ain infield prospect and the Braves have solved their closer problem and saved money in the process. Another option would be to re-up Smoltz for a year as a closer.

Chipper’s move to first base could also be a key off season move making room for Freeman in 2012 or sooner depending on Jones’ retirement. The Braves could then try to sign 3b Chone Figgins to add a much needed quality lead off hitter with outstanding speed.

Then if Heyward is ready to make the jump to the bigs and if Schafer’s hand injury was the real cause of his hitting demise, McLouth could be valuable trade bait to add depth to the everyday lineup or power to the minor league roster. Without McLouth’s contract, the Braves could afford to spend big bucks to add a bona fide power hitting outfielder like Valdimir Guerrero.

By: Bravo

Bravo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:16:54 +0000

This idea is terrible. While I agree that Hanson would be one of the best closers in the game, he will also be one of the best starters in the game. This kid needs to be out there every 5th day going 7+ innings.

That’s like asking Jimmy Page to just hang out in the back and play Rhythm Guitar.

By: Ron Karpinski

Ron Karpinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:48:51 +0000

Hansen as closer? Are you out of your mind?