Joel Piniero is Red Sox’ new closer hope
Where do MLB closers come from? Well, some are identified for the role early on and ascend to ninth-inning status right away. Billy Wagner and Huston Street fall into that category.
Many closers, however, are failed starters. Even the Yankees’ Mariano Rivera was once a starting pitcher, converted to relief because he had only one dominant pitch. (Of course, 
that one pitch, his cut fastball, is going to land him in the Hall of Fame.)
Boston Red Sox fans are understandably nervous about Jonathan Papelbon‘s move into the starting rotation. After all, the ninth-inning role is crucial and no one was better in it in 2006 than Papelbon.
If the move sticks, don’t be surprised to see former Mariners starter Joel Pineiro seize the closer job in Boston – and do well with it.
Pineiro was pretty dominant his first couple of seasons as a spot starter and long reliever. He had one solid season as a full-time starter but has slipped badly since, seemingly unable to handle the wear-and-tear of being in the rotation.
Pineiro has switched to a more deceptive delivery this spring to rave reviews from the Red Sox hitters he has faced in practice. This will be a position battle worth following closely this spring, but Pineiro just may emerge as the guy.
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