From what I've heard playing at that level has a huge mental component. Some pitchers just aren't suited to be relivers of any kind, some don't make good starters, and a few are like Tim Wakefield and will pretty much pitch whenever for whatever reason.. start, relieve, close, come in really early as a reliever in a blowout and take some lumps to give the bullpen some rest.
Eckersley had to fail and be talked into becoming a reliever. He just couldn't be a fancy pitcher, but couldn't go 5 or more innings anymore.
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