Last spring, when Williams moved Valentin from short to second to make room for Garciaparra at shortstop, Valentin protested and walked out of camp, demanding a trade. The Red Sox weren't planning to protect right-hander Aaron Sele, who when he came up with the team had the same bulldog approach as Roger Clemens, for the Nov. 18 expansion draft. They figured they have plenty of starters for next season. Tom Gordon, who was a starter until late last season, will be the closer, and Williams couldn't think of a better way to develop a closer than to convert a starter into that role. Williams' theory is that young closers are difficult to develop because they don't throw enough in the minor leagues to be ready for the majors.
Starters know how to get out of jams.
They understand the situations. Ron Mahay is the main lefty setup guy. Jim Mecir, a right-hander, will also figure into the setup plans. Lefties hit .175 against Mecir last season, but Duquette still wants another left-handed reliever. And the Red Sox are interested in signing closer Dennis Eckersley so that he could be used in a setup role.