Former MLB executive: 'Max Scherzer is a future reliever'
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When the Blue Jays signed Max Scherzer back in January, many felt it was a major victory. A future Hall of Fame pitcher was coming to Toronto to help fix the pitching woes. Then his thumb flared up again.
According to former MLB Executive David Samson, the Blue Jays are going realize that because of Scherzer's lingering issues, they don't have a starter, but rather a future reliever.
Every fifth day, he's injured. Max Scherzer is gonna pitch out of the bullpen this year because the Blue Jays are gonna realize that having a guy every five days who tells you that after 50 pitches he's cashes that means your team won't be cashing a lot of victories.
It may seem harsh, but right now, Scherzer is struggling to get over 50 pitches without his thumb acting up. A stint in the bullpen could help mitigate that.
Samson does have a reference point as well. In 2005, while President of the Miami Marlins, he brought aboard an aging, veteran pitcher, who he thought would be there to help eat innings for a Marlins team. That pitcher was former Blue Jays star Al Leiter
Instead, Leiter struggled mightily, walking far too many batters and compiling a 6.52 ERA through 17 games. He was eventually demoted to the bullpen before designated for assignment that July. It was his last season in the majors.
If his thumb keeps from starting effectively, a move to the bullpen may be the only thing that will salvage Scherzer's career - and the Jays $15MM. With his power, maybe the Blue Jays will convert him in a closer.
As of now, Scherzer is a starter and nobody has plans otherwise. But it might be a future tough reality.
| POLL | ||
MARS 19 | 94 ANSWERS Former MLB executive: 'Max Scherzer is a future reliever' Do you agree with David Samson's remarks about Max Scherzer? | ||
| Yes, Scherzer's done | 40 | 42.6 % |
| No, Max is still a starter. | 54 | 57.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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