Grant Johnson the reliver?

[cuubs4life]

I noticed that in thte last few box scores Grant Johnson has come in in as a reliver. I personally think this is a very good place for him, and he seems to be doing well in this roll. Do you guys think he can stay there through out his minor league career, and make it to the bigs as a middle reliver?

[KingCubsFan]

I noticed that in thte last few box scores Grant Johnson has come in in as a reliver. I personally think this is a very good place for him, and he seems to be doing well in this roll. Do you guys think he can stay there through out his minor league career, and make it to the bigs as a middle reliver?

Johnson hasn't really had success as a starter since he came into the system and, more importantly, his stuff has apparently been pretty mediocre. If he can get back to the mid-90's as a reliever, he's got a good chance.

Along the same lines, does anyone know why Pawalek is relieving in Boise? It seems kind of odd...

[Outshined_One]

I noticed that in thte last few box scores Grant Johnson has come in in as a reliver. I personally think this is a very good place for him, and he seems to be doing well in this roll. Do you guys think he can stay there through out his minor league career, and make it to the bigs as a middle reliver?

 

It might just be that the Cubs trying to rebuild his arm strength since he's been so plagued with injuries during his relatively short career. Granted, he might have an easier path to the majors as a reliever, but I wouldn't quite head to this conclusion yet.

 

If he's still relieving by next year, then things will be a little bit more clear on that front.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I didn't realize Johnson was a buddhist.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I noticed that in thte last few box scores Grant Johnson has come in in as a reliver. I personally think this is a very good place for him, and he seems to be doing well in this roll. Do you guys think he can stay there through out his minor league career, and make it to the bigs as a middle reliver?

Johnson hasn't really had success as a starter since he came into the system and, more importantly, his stuff has apparently been pretty mediocre. If he can get back to the mid-90's as a reliever, he's got a good chance.

Along the same lines, does anyone know why Pawalek is relieving in Boise? It seems kind of odd...

 

I think Outshine, inadvertly answer your question, I think Cubs are trying to build up the arm strength of both kids (Pawelek and Johnson) and are trying to stay patient with them. No need to rush them before 2008.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Frankly, it's disappointing that by now Grant isn't starting over Carlos Perez. He's had a few weeks to build up his arm strength, at this point, I don't think that's it. From what I've heard, his slider isn't the same as it was pre-surgery and until that returns, I don't think his future as a reliever is that bright, let alone as a starter.

 

Mark Pawelek is probably relieving because he's barely going through 1-2 innings as a starter because of his control problems.

[Laura]

As noted, he's been injured a lot -- do we know what injury sent him on the DL most recently?

 

He had problems keeping baserunners close as a starter in '05. He'd obviously have to improve on that if he were to pitch relief consistently.