M’s to Convert RRS; Putz Back
by Jon Shields ~ July 20th, 2008
J.J. Putz was activated from the DL today. He will pitch in middle relief until he shows that he has what it takes to close again.
To make room for Putz, Seattle demoted Ryan Rowland-Smith to AAA Tacoma. The reason that he was sent down was so that Seattle can properly convert him into a starter for the remainder of the season and beyond. This is a smart move for Seattle, considering the farm system holds no worthwhile starters in the higher levels, save Ryan Feierabend. Hopefully this move will not prevent the organization from doing the same thing with Brandon Morrow after the season or once Putz reestablishes himself as the team’s closer.
5 Responses to M’s to Convert RRS; Putz Back
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1 July 20th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I’m for anything that will get batista out of the rotation.
2 July 20th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Am I the only person that thinks we shouldn’t try and convert Morrow into a starter?
I think he has the makings of an absolutely dominant closer and will be only an above average starter. I say we trade Putz for any sort of prospects we can get to shed his salary as part of the rebuilding process. I think Morrow could be Rivera/Hoffman good as a closer and that Putz may never be his dominant self again…
3 July 20th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Brian. You and I are a rare bunch. We think Morrow has a brighter future as a closer than as a starter.
I’m for trading Putz for a load of prospects.
4 July 20th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Brian, Seattle just spent their number 1 pick on a closer, so no matter how dominant Morrow is in that role, Seattle has to keep it open for Owens when he is ready in 1-2 years (if that. he was ranked the most MLB ready pitcher in the draft).
Now that Morrow is effectively using his secondary pitches, Seattle HAS to get him into the rotation. Think about how much Seattle spent on Silva. Morrow can be much better and much cheaper.
5 July 20th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Also, Putz holds no value right now. I am for trading him if he rebuilds himself over the 2nd half, but not in favor of Morrow.