Quote Originally Posted by CadaverDawg View Post
Well you can't go out there and get shelled every outing and then say "I want to start". He hasn't earned a start. That's like me going to my boss and telling him "I know I haven't hit quota in 6 months, but I want to be promoted to Director of Sales."

It makes no sense. Not saying Houston might not be better as a starter...but surely we can all see why Cohen wouldn't have the confidence to trot him out there right now, right?
Starting and relieving are two totally different animals. Really, to me they're two different positions. Some guys can start and can't pitch in relief. Some guys can relieve and can't start. And some can do both.

Look at Houston's starts this year- he has done well. Including Weds. in Biloxi. His last start before that against Nicholls he goes five and struck out 10 while allowing no runs.

Usually the difference is the guys that can relieve and are good at it can up and loose quickly. I've seen a couple of Houston's bullpen sessions and that's just not him. I've seen some of Daniel Brown's and he gets loose really quickly.

So, just because you don't do well as a relief pitcher it doesn't necessarily mean you won't do well as a starting pitcher. A better analogy would be like saying a RF with a good arm can play third base because that position requires a strong arm. It's possible- but it's not necessarily true for everyone.

Relief pitching is a different mindset and some guys just don't do as well with runners on or late in the game which is when the toughest outs are in play. Other don't do well trying to get through a lineup three times.