Snakepit Roundtable: Next time, it counts

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Gallen is the Opening Day starter. Are you surprised?Brettwhile 11 went to Ginkel,  ten to J-Mart,  and nine to Ryan Thompson. Thompson and Ginkel were,  throughout the season,  the pitchers most called upon in high leverage situationsAnd when they were the designated closer for a period of time,  they actually pitched worse,  not weve seen this other times,  too. Archie Bradley was easily the best reliever in 2018,  but struggled as a closer. But he did well when taking over as closer in 2019. And in 2021 Christian Montes De Oca Jersey,  when there was no consistent closer,  the bullpen was generally pretty bad. And in 2023,  the bullpen stabilized after Sewald was acquired.I think with the exception of veterans who have been closers for a long time,  it probably makes little difference,  and when someone is suddenly placed in the role,  it might actually hurt as much as it helps.1AZfan1: I think Mak made an excellent point that Id like to expand upon. Agreeing to an extension likely didnt happen just because there is a closer battle happening right now,  but the timing certainly doesnt hurt for the team. Agreeing to this extension with JMart is a huge vote of confidence from the team. Martinez career is no longer on a year-to-year basis. He doesnt have to deal with arbitration salaries that significantly favor Saves. Now,  its much easier for the team to come to him and tell him to fill whatever role the team feels is best without him having to worry how that will affect his future : I like the idea of a two-headed closer in Puk and Martinez,  depending on match-ups. But I suspect that will not be the way by the end of the season. ISH95: Im not mad about it,  but I definitely would have preferred to see either Puk or Martinez named to start the season. Weve seen how stabilizing a set closer can be when Sewald first came here,  and how jumbled it gets when that solidified presence isnt there. I doubt its going to remain a committee for long,  though,  especially with that shiny new contract Martinez just Win Projection article is coming later this week,  but,  lets mix it up a bit. Who is your pick for the AZSP Unsung Hero Award Winner this year?Brettas a relief pitcherWe could see Smith make 50-60 starts in the field,  and he has a chance to provide a lot of value.1AZfan1: Jordan Montgomery. When hes traded Lorenzo Encarnacion Jersey,  that will give us the money to play with at the deadline that will net us a key piece on our way to the World : Ryan Thompson. I just picked him with my final selection in the AZ SnakePit Fantasy League,  so an MVP caliber season is incoming,  clearly.ISH95: Miller would be a fun one,  but it seems to me that having both Montgomery and Nelson in the bullpen to start the season pretty much marks the end of the road for him. I think Hampson has a decent shot,  simply because over the years it seems as though we have favored utility infielders more than most,  so Ill go with Tokyo Series has come and gone. What do you think of Opening Series outside of the US and Canada,  and did you watch it?Bretthave normally signed up for about half of their opening day,  my tradition is learning about one or more teams for my series season on opening day Luis Gonzalez Jersey,  I will be looking at the Yankees.1AZfan1: Mostly,  I just inhale as much baseball as I can. Ill turn on games on the radio when Im at work and then flip around to as many different games as possible while awaiting the Diamondbacks game to begin. Fortunately,  the wife and kids are very understanding : Ill be working and then have to take Mrs. SnakePit to the airport. Ive never actually been to Chase for Opening Day,  I must admit. Given the choice between negotiating a sell-out crowd and watching from home That sofa looks mighty fine!ISH95: My brother and I go almost every year. I also put $100 on the Diamondbacks to win the World Series. Obviously havent hit yet,  but Im hopeful one day it will!

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