When Tyler Clippard was a highly ranked prospect in the Yankee's organization, he was a starting pitcher. When he was traded to the Washington Nationals and then asked to come out of the bullpen two years later, he didn't take it very well at first. But then Clippard committed to his new position, and has played well enough this year to be named to the 2011 MLB All-Star Team.
Based on his comments in an article from Bill Ladson about his feelings about the position now, it seems like he is pretty comfortable with his role on the staff.
"With all the great arms that we have in the Nationals' organization coming up, and the guys that are throwing now, my role is exactly where it needs to be to help this club win a championship," Clippard said. "So I'm content with that. I think I could start again. Is it going to happen? Probably not. I'm in a role that I'm very comfortable in and I'm having a lot of success. If it's not broke, don't fix it."
Clippard has great stuff, and the perfect demeanor of a setup man. His unique delivery also throws teams off track, and they have a hard time getting used to it in his limited exposure. It took great insight on the Nationals part to recognize that Clippard had the tools to succeed in the bullpen, and god patience and understanding from Clippard to accept his role. It seems to have worked out for everyone.