We have three relievers that could be closers on other teams (assuming Papelbon isn't traded). Now, the question becomes when to use each of them. I figure that the closer job will be Papelbon's to lose, even if he has a bad spring training. But say Papelbon is traded, who is the closer? And if he isn't, who is the set up man, and who is used in the 7th? I would leave Bard in as the set up man, and have Jenks in the seventh. Ultimately, though, I would make Jenks the closer in 2012 when Papelbon will most likely be elsewhere. Unless Jenks has a terrible year, I leave Bard as the set up man, a role in which he is comfortable. Some people aren't comfortable closing games (I'm not saying Bard isn't), but when you have a dominant set up man like Bard, you don't move him unless you really need him to close. It would be a luxury to ease Bard into the closer role that will likely be his in the longterm future. In 2011, depending on who is hot or cold, the roles could be interchangeable. But what do you think Tito will do, and what would you do? Right now, it is a very debateable subject.
Poll
Who will be the set up man in 2011?
Daniel Bard (31 votes)
Bobby Jenks (5 votes)
Jonathan Papelbon (2 votes)
38 total votes




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