So much of the discussion other threads come down to Whitlock returning to the 'pen or staying in the rotation for '22. Where does SoSH think he belongs now?
The argument for him returning to the 'pen assumes his innings will still be highly managed, but that he will take up the same role as last year and stabilize what has otherwise seemed to be a disaster as the Sox drop close games late. His innings for this season would be higher leverage.
Keeping him in the rotation assumes that he is destined for the rotation eventually, and puts him directly on that development path. His innings will be easier to manage, and he will get used to a starter's routine. He should also develop against tougher competition as he'll be seeing more of the opposition's best hitters starting at the top of the lineup.
The argument for him returning to the 'pen assumes his innings will still be highly managed, but that he will take up the same role as last year and stabilize what has otherwise seemed to be a disaster as the Sox drop close games late. His innings for this season would be higher leverage.
Keeping him in the rotation assumes that he is destined for the rotation eventually, and puts him directly on that development path. His innings will be easier to manage, and he will get used to a starter's routine. He should also develop against tougher competition as he'll be seeing more of the opposition's best hitters starting at the top of the lineup.