Quote:
Qualls was pitching poorly as a starter in AAA during 2004, but turned it around completely when he was moved to a reliever/closer role for New Orleans.


I don't think that's actually true. Qualls' component numbers have been almost identical every season of his career--including New Orleans. The only difference is that he gave up a bunch of hits when he was starting, which I'm betting was pretty much a fluke, as 14 starts really isn't much. I suspect that Qualls could put up a 3.50 ERA as a starter in the majors.

I don't think he'll get the chance to try though. But if Clemens actually does retire this time around, who knows?