In 2018, we will get the first full year of Josh Hader in Major League Baseball. He dazzled as a rookie out of the bullpen with a nasty slider and the ability to get out of some of the biggest names in baseball. Hader showed no fear and became a fan favorite very quickly. With spots in the rotation available, some thought he might get a chance to be a starter again. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Haudricourt is reporting that will not be the case. He will be a reliever all season. This means I have some questions that need answering.

Question 1: Will Hader be stretched out for an Andrew Miller-type role?
With the questions, this one is my biggest one. What made Hader a vital asset to the team was the ability to pitch two or three innings especially in a situation where a starting pitcher might not have it. Who could forget the 1-1 duel with the Chicago Cubs where Hader came in the fourth or fifth inning and shut shit down for three innings. Craig Counsell shouldn’t use him as a situational lefty, and if he does, it’s a fucking crime. I get it might happen here and there, but there’s no reason for it on a regular basis.

Question 2: Is this possibly to have Hader work on his change and a fourth pitch?
One of the things that people are starting to say about Hader is really doesn’t have a third pitch. He does throw a change-up, but it’s not seen very often. According to Brooks Baseball, he throws a change only 7 percent of the time. He rarely throws it against lefties. Keeping Hader in the bullpen might allow for him to fine-tune that third pitch and potentially a fourth one.

Question 3: Will we ever seen Josh Hader as a starter?
Not sure if this is fair or not considering Hader is still a young player, but one does wonder. If he continues to be this successful out of the pen, and he can still be a two or three inning guy, is there a need? Mitch and I have went back and forth on the podcast about the devalue of starters in baseball. I have to believe Hader still wants to be a starter, and the Brewers have a plan in place for him.

Amid my questions, Milwaukee’s bullpen is straight filth this season. They added some talent with Boone Logan and Matt Albers but also have Hader, Jeremy Jeffries and Corey Knebel as well. The bullpen can carry this team if they get leads. While starting pitching is important, Milwaukee’s bullpen should not be forgotten as one of the best pieces of the team.

Charlie.