Between good starting pitcher vs. a good closer, which is more important for a team

[bluejaysfan4ever]

I've had this discussion with a friend, and I said I would rather have a starter. If you have a good starter that can go deep into games, like the 7th or 8th inning, and you give him a lead of 2-3 runs, which is entirely possible, you'll win a lot of games even with a mediocre (mind you, that doesn't blow a 2-3 run lead every night) bullpen.

My friend chose the closer as being more important as he comes in when the game is on time line, within 3 runs, and if he blows it take game is over and if you don't have a good closer you'll end up losing a lot of close ballgames where the starters get knocked out early.

So if you had to choose only one, would you rather build a team on a lights-out closer or a solid starting rotation?

[Blue387]

I have a few quibbles but if forced to choose, I chose a strong rotation. The rotation gives you more innings and could pitch a complete game if needed.

If I do have a strong rotation, does that mean I have a bad bullpen? And if I chose closer, what about my rotation?

[TonyK]

Weak starters mean tired middle relievers which means giving up plenty of runs. You won't need the great closer very much since you are almost always playing from behind. A good example of this is the Boston Red Sox in the Dick Radatz era in the early 1960s.