JBM - I agree with on the role of a closer. It really is mythified. Simply put, you need reliability in the back end of the bullpen. If reliability comes with several people, I think that works out just fine by me.

The problem is today's seeming focus on "roles". They don't know their "roles". Their "role" is to get outs. The pressure may be amped up in the 9th, sure. But get outs and that takes care of the pressure. It hurts the Astros to not have a strong back end of the bullpen. It doesn't necessarily hurt the Astros to have multiple people fulfilling the role of getting outs.

But on the starter front, I agree with Ryan and it's something I've been saying for a while. Lidge was only converted to a closer when he had arm problems (not uncommon for a college pitcher pitching much more frequently in the majors). Him becoming/returning to be a starter might actually be a good thing.

You have to have multiple pitches to be an effective starter, and I think Brad has that. Remove the absolute focus on getting outs and nothing but outs, and you remove the mentality that seems to be affecting him.

I don't know if it would work, but I think there are definitely worse ideas out there!