No, this isn’t a joke. Let me explain. Tl;dr Corey Kluber is taking his demotion like a champ and acting as a great resource and example for younger players.
We all know how bad CK has been in the rotation this year. No excuses. His relief appearances are kind of inconsistent.
However.
Teams in a bridge year with veterans are usually lucky if those veterans are willing to lend their experience and help out the young players. See [this](https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2023/06/as-he-adjusts-to-full-time-starter-garrett-whitlock-credits-a-teammate.html) piece about Whitlock and Kluber:
“I think he makes a connection because of how great of a pitching mind he is,” said Whitlock. “He understands pitching so well that he knows my stuff, so it’s a matter of, ‘OK, with your stuff, how would you about this?’ He’ll play out scenarios sitting next to me. “So he fouled off a 0-and-0 heater and fouled it back to the right – what would you throw next?’
“He’s continually trying to engage my mind by telling me what he’s learned. It’s a cool way to stay engaged in the game and keep growing as a starter, (thinking), ‘OK, if I’m pitching, what would I do here?’ ”
Kluber relishes his role as a mentor, and views it as a “pay it forward” exercise.
“Guys kind of talked to me when I was younger (and pointed out) stuff that I was maybe unaware of,” said Kluber. “I think it’s hats off to (Whitlock) for asking, for wanting to learn. The talent and physical skills speak for themselves, but to be in the situation he’s in, to be really in his first full season as a starter and trying to find ways on the fringe to make improvements, says a lot about his makeup.”
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I think if he retires he’d be a great coach. But even if he never coaches, the attitude is something incredible to see. He didn’t sulk when he was moved to the bullpen, he found a way he could contribute (via agreeing to eat relief innings). I remember when the bullpen move was posted about on here, people wondered why he didn’t get straight up DFAed.
The reason is that he’s professional and his attitude speaks for itself. They are probably trying to work on his mechanics to maximise whatever stuff he has left now. And while they do that, he leads by example and is there for younger players. He’s not dragging the team down, he’s lifting them up. And I honestly read this article and wanted to post about it.