Tink Hence

[rockondlouie]

I've been saying it now for two years.

MAKE HIM A CLOSER!

Helsey is gone no later than seasons end.

Hence has an elite upper 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's got a D. Williams like makeup.

CLOSER is his future, not starter since he can't stay healthy handling that kind of a load.

Hence needs to have a conversation with Steve Carlton about how to improve his strength and his motion. I remember seeing Carlton in the dugout with a barrel of sand and he would work his pitching hand down into that sand to the bottom.

I saw a video of Goose Gossage who said today's pitchers are doing what a computer tells them to do instead of having a full windup and that's a reason for all the injuries.

I remember that too but it actually was rice SM, not sand.

I tried it in college, here's how it works:

https://rosstraining.com/blog/2010/09/h ... ce-bucket/

Cool. Brown rice or white?

The CHEAPEST!

[Melville]

I've been saying it now for two years.

MAKE HIM A CLOSER!

Helsey is gone no later than seasons end.

Hence has an elite upper 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's got a D. Williams like makeup.

CLOSER is his future, not starter since he can't stay healthy handling that kind of a load.

Correct.
He does not have the build or stamina to be an MLB starter.
Hence, it would be wise to move him to the BP now before wasting any additional years. (See what I did there?)

[rockondlouie]

I've been saying it now for two years.

MAKE HIM A CLOSER!

Helsey is gone no later than seasons end.

Hence has an elite upper 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's got a D. Williams like makeup.

CLOSER is his future, not starter since he can't stay healthy handling that kind of a load.

Correct.
He does not have the build or stamina to be an MLB starter.
Hence, it would be wise to move him to the BP now before wasting any additional years. (See what I did there?)

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

[PadsFS07]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

[Talkin' Baseball]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

How did Helsely come into the role?

[ScotchMIrish]

I've been saying it now for two years.

MAKE HIM A CLOSER!

Helsey is gone no later than seasons end.

Hence has an elite upper 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's got a D. Williams like makeup.

CLOSER is his future, not starter since he can't stay healthy handling that kind of a load.

Correct.
He does not have the build or stamina to be an MLB starter.
Hence, it would be wise to move him to the BP now before wasting any additional years. (See what I did there?)

Pedro Martinez was 5'10" 170 lb.

[PadsFS07]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

How did Helsely come into the role?

Helsley started in college, then started successfully for 3 years in the Cardinals minor leagues. His 4th year, he made it to Memphis and struggled, but still was a starter. Then in his FIFTH year, he started to begin the year at Memphis, but was finally moved to the bullpen, then up to STL the following year.

BTW, he wasn't a closer for 3 more years in our St Louis bullpen, finally taking the reins in year 10 of his adult pitching career.


Jason Motte was actually the only one I remember pitching in relief and making it to the big leagues. He did, however, start out as a catcher for 3-4 years in our system.

[rockondlouie]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

Of course they start out as starters, show they can't handle the role of starter after a few years and are switched to the pen' possibly the closer role if it's believed they have the stuff to close in MLB.

And that's what Hence has done, started as a starter and shown he can't handle a starters innings.

Why do I think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer?

Because it allows them in a none pressure situation (MiLB) to get acclimated to closing games, aka EXPERIENCE.

You must not pay attention since almost all eventual major league closers that were failed minor league starters made the transition in their finals seasons or last season in minor league baseball.

His final season at Memphis R. Helsley started 7 games, then moved to the pen' where he relieved in 10 games notching one save.

His final season at Louisville T. Worrell started 17 games, was converted to closer and relieved in 17 games notching 11 saves.

Two Cardinals examples for you, many more throughout baseball if you want to do some research.

Not rocket science.

[Pink Freud]

I recall in the mid-80s Todd Worrell was a starting pitcher in the minors, but had a nasty habit of getting rocked his second and third time around the lineup. A wise pitching coach moved him to closer, and a star was born (except when he faced Howard Johnson).

[PadsFS07]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

Of course they start out as starters, show they can't handle the role of starter after a few years and are switched to the pen' possibly the closer role if it's believed they have the stuff to close in MLB.

And that's what Hence has done, started as a starter and shown he can't handle a starters innings.

Why do I think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer?

Because it allows them in a none pressure situation (MiLB) to get acclimated to closing games, aka EXPERIENCE.

You must not pay attention since almost all eventual major league closers that were failed minor league starters made the transition in their finals seasons or last season in minor league baseball.

His final season at Memphis R. Helsley started 7 games, then moved to the pen' where he relieved in 10 games notching one save.

His final season at Louisville T. Worrell started 17 games, was converted to closer and relieved in 17 games notching 11 saves.

Two Cardinals examples for you, many more throughout baseball if you want to do some research.

Not rocket science.

If it's not rocket science, then maybe you can tell me what the highest level Tink Hence has pitched at so far and compare to your MANY examples throughout baseball? Especially with a 22-yr old in his 5th year of baseball. Or maybe what level Memphis and Louisville are?

And then try to explain this away as well:
Post by rockondlouie » 02 Jun 2025 12:37 pm
I've been saying it now for two years.

[rockondlouie]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

Of course they start out as starters, show they can't handle the role of starter after a few years and are switched to the pen' possibly the closer role if it's believed they have the stuff to close in MLB.

And that's what Hence has done, started as a starter and shown he can't handle a starters innings.

Why do I think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer?

Because it allows them in a none pressure situation (MiLB) to get acclimated to closing games, aka EXPERIENCE.

You must not pay attention since almost all eventual major league closers that were failed minor league starters made the transition in their finals seasons or last season in minor league baseball.

His final season at Memphis R. Helsley started 7 games, then moved to the pen' where he relieved in 10 games notching one save.

His final season at Louisville T. Worrell started 17 games, was converted to closer and relieved in 17 games notching 11 saves.

Two Cardinals examples for you, many more throughout baseball if you want to do some research.

Not rocket science.

If it's not rocket science, then maybe you can tell me what the highest level Tink Hence has pitched at so far and compare to your MANY examples throughout baseball? Especially with a 22-yr old in his 5th year of baseball. Or maybe what level Memphis and Louisville are?

And then try to explain this away as well:
Post by rockondlouie » 02 Jun 2025 12:37 pm
I've been saying it now for two years.

Explain nothing, do you own homework.

Open your eye's and try to keep up.

Hence has pitched in our system since 2021, not exactly yesterday.

2021
8 IP
2022
60 2/3 IP that includes the AZFL
2023
96 IP
2024
79 2/3 IP
2025
4 1/3 IP

Does that look like a future starters inning to you?

It was during the 2023 season that I started to think he's never going to hold up as a starter and posted he should be converted to the pen'.

And he's 23 years old in a couple months and can't stay healthy even in his youth.

[craviduce]

HS pitchers take 4-7 years to develop into a major league starter.

Afford Tink that luxury, please.

This is year 5. He very well may be a reliever long term, but let his development continue.

[tyoung12290]

Even if someone was penciled into a reliever role, wouldnt it be beneficial to pitch multiple innings.. More chances at different scenarios etc to work on things

[Red7]

Slo Mo and his gang have "hope" (as is they "hope" he can become a FOTR starter) as their strategy and it's not a strategy.

Too bad as 2025 at Memphis closing would've primed him to replace Helsley when he leaves.

Let's hope C. Bloom and his much smarter team running the minor league system see's this and moves Hence to the closer role.

Why do you think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer? I can't recall there ever being a successful closer that didn't start off as a starter?

Of course they start out as starters, show they can't handle the role of starter after a few years and are switched to the pen' possibly the closer role if it's believed they have the stuff to close in MLB.

And that's what Hence has done, started as a starter and shown he can't handle a starters innings.

Why do I think a pitcher needs to pitch in the minors as a reliever to be a successful closer?

Because it allows them in a none pressure situation (MiLB) to get acclimated to closing games, aka EXPERIENCE.

You must not pay attention since almost all eventual major league closers that were failed minor league starters made the transition in their finals seasons or last season in minor league baseball.

His final season at Memphis R. Helsley started 7 games, then moved to the pen' where he relieved in 10 games notching one save.

His final season at Louisville T. Worrell started 17 games, was converted to closer and relieved in 17 games notching 11 saves.

Two Cardinals examples for you, many more throughout baseball if you want to do some research.

Not rocket science.

If it's not rocket science, then maybe you can tell me what the highest level Tink Hence has pitched at so far and compare to your MANY examples throughout baseball? Especially with a 22-yr old in his 5th year of baseball. Or maybe what level Memphis and Louisville are?

And then try to explain this away as well:
Post by rockondlouie » 02 Jun 2025 12:37 pm
I've been saying it now for two years.

Explain nothing, do you own homework.

Open your eye's and try to keep up.

Hence has pitched in our system since 2021, not exactly yesterday.

2021
8 IP
2022
60 2/3 IP that includes the AZFL
2023
96 IP
2024
79 2/3 IP
2025
4 1/3 IP

Does that look like a future starters inning to you?

It was during the 2023 season that I started to think he's never going to hold up as a starter and posted he should be converted to the pen'.

And he's 23 years old in a couple months and can't stay healthy even in his youth.

It doesn’t even look like relievers innings to me. Anyone who thinks Hence can hold up pitching 50-60 innings in 50-60 games is deluding themselves. Hence needs multiple days of recovery whether he throws 4 innings or 1.

He’s kinda like the fine china or grandma’s couch: he’s pretty nice to look at but you never use him because he might get broke or damaged.

[Melville]

I've been saying it now for two years.

MAKE HIM A CLOSER!

Helsey is gone no later than seasons end.

Hence has an elite upper 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's got a D. Williams like makeup.

CLOSER is his future, not starter since he can't stay healthy handling that kind of a load.

Correct.
He does not have the build or stamina to be an MLB starter.
Hence, it would be wise to move him to the BP now before wasting any additional years. (See what I did there?)

Pedro Martinez was 5'10" 170 lb.

By the time he was 22, Pedro was pitching 140+ innings per year at the MLB level - and in his age 23 season he covered 194.
Hence is nearing his 23rd birthday - in this his 5 MINOR LEAGUE seasons, he has yet to exceed 96 innings in any campaign and has averaged 60 - and is on track to cover a whopping 12 innings in 2025.
Would you like to look for some other comp?

[ScotchMIrish]

I've been saying it now for two years.

MAKE HIM A CLOSER!

Helsey is gone no later than seasons end.

Hence has an elite upper 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's got a D. Williams like makeup.

CLOSER is his future, not starter since he can't stay healthy handling that kind of a load.

Correct.
He does not have the build or stamina to be an MLB starter.
Hence, it would be wise to move him to the BP now before wasting any additional years. (See what I did there?)

Pedro Martinez was 5'10" 170 lb.

By the time he was 22, Pedro was pitching 140+ innings per year at the MLB level - and in his age 23 season he covered 194.
Hence is nearing his 23rd birthday - in this his 5 MINOR LEAGUE seasons, he has yet to exceed 96 innings in any campaign and has averaged 60 - and is on track to cover a whopping 12 innings in 2025.
Would you like to look for some other comp?

Hence 6'1" 195 lb.