Anybody think Astros might be considering Bedard as a closer?

[MightyMouse]

He looked good out of the pen in his first outing, now is being skipped for his first starting assignment. Just wondering... It would seem he might could do the job with his high K rate and, if he was successful in that role, he'd be good trade bait later for a prospect package. Of course, he may just be sore or hurt (as usual) after working those 3 innings of relief...

[Bodhizefa]

I'm hoping Josh Fields snags the gig (but it depends on if his altered mechanics are going to help him not be so darned wild -- I'm skeptically hopeful, though.) Fields looks explosive (in a good way) unlike any time I ever saw when he was with Seattle. Besides, Bedard was only skipped because he pitched a lot longer in relief than they wanted him in the first appearance. The Astros aren't exactly flush with upper level minor league starters, so they need a decent arm like Bedard to get as many innings to help their rotation out as possible.

I like the thought and think Bedard would be a fine closer when healthy. But I'm sure they'd rather him get 100-150 innings if he can.

[Southcoast]

I'm hoping Josh Fields snags the gig (but it depends on if his altered mechanics are going to help him not be so darned wild -- I'm skeptically hopeful, though.) Fields looks explosive (in a good way) unlike any time I ever saw when he was with Seattle. Besides, Bedard was only skipped because he pitched a lot longer in relief than they wanted him in the first appearance. The Astros aren't exactly flush with upper level minor league starters, so they need a decent arm like Bedard to get as many innings to help their rotation out as possible.

I like the thought and think Bedard would be a fine closer when healthy. But I'm sure they'd rather him get 100-150 innings if he can.

Bad news for Fields,
Astros placed RHP Josh Fields on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 4, with a right forearm strain.

[dave_dewit]

Bedard is officially moving to the pen. Veras certainly doesn't look like he's going to keep the job for long.

[cavebird]

Bedard is officially moving to the pen. Veras certainly doesn't look like he's going to keep the job for long.

Bedard doesn't look like he is going to a short role, just the long reliever role (where he can pitch 4 innings after his replacement in the rotation gets shelled?). Veras doesn't look good, but I don't see anyone looking like they'll take the job from him.

[Don Quixote]

Not that I really believe this is the reason, but I own Bedard in two leagues, therefore he will never be the closer.

The real reason is that he stinks.

[chancellor]

Bedard's moving back to the rotation replacing Humber, from what I've heard. That's probably like moving your house from Yucca Mountain to the Love Canal, but it's not like Houston's options are plentiful.