Crazy 6-Man rotation idea
This one's inspired by LordDuggan's post about a 6 man rotation. Many people disagreed with it for the obvious reason that it takes away starts from our good pitchers and gives it to the lesser deserving Joba/Hughes. But if we really don't want to stunt the growth of our two future stars and put them into the starting rotation together, here's what I propose we do:
What this does is it integrates both young pitchers into the rotation and gives them about 160 innings if they stay healthy (everybody gets 27 starts). It would come out to the same number of starts if we just went with a 6-man rotation, but prolongs long stretches of not starting for guys like CC who prefer shorter to longer rests. But most importantly (and what I like about the idea) is that it gives guys who might be in between injuries (sore shoulder that could lead to a muscle strain) enough time to recuperate when they get their "week off". They can throw side sessions, stay sharp while resting and making sure that they stay healthy. I think it might be very beneficial in the long run, and while it does take away 5 starts from our top guys, it lets Joba and Hughes start and keeps everyone fresh.
This obviously would come into play only if we had everybody healthy, and the occasional 15-Day DL is bound to happen, in which case we could switch back to a 5-man rotation without having to wait 2-3 starts while Hughes gets used to pitching 6-7 innings.
Thoughts?
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I see your point, but
I’d rather keep the loser of the rotation battle out of spring training (presumably Hughes at this point) in the bullpen. Vazquez has been about as durable as they come over the years throwing 198 or more innings every year since 2000. It’s not as if he got tired last year either. His ERA actually improved in the 2nd half: 2.95 to 2.78. Pettitte’s ERA fell too: 4.85 to 3.31 first to second half. I’m sure they (along with Burnett) will get achy as the year goes on, but I’m not it warrants having Hughes (or possibly Joba) take one of their every 5 starts.
Assuming Joba begins the year in the rotation, I think Joe G. would be wise to watch him closely and if he does struggle over 10 or 12 starts, then you can put Hughes in his place, but I don’t think technically having 6 starters helps anyone that much, especially our bullpen.
DISCLAIMER
The above comment might presumably stir up some of “JOBA TO TEH PENZ” controversy we are all weary of. If anyone wants to have that debate, I suggest they go elsewhere.
by Leviticus6688 on Jan 27, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
No...
Pick your 5 best starters, and go with them. End of story. Yes, we want to give the 6th guy (presumably Hughes) time to grow, but we have to worry about getting to the playoffs, and you have to go with your best 5 guys.
Besides, it’s possible someone could get hurt, and then Hughes could see some starting action anyway.
So let's say that Hughes pitches in the pen for a month
and AJ has a shoulder injury in May.
There is NO chance that they just throw Hughes in the rotation without “stretching him out” for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. Then he has two or three starts MAX where he’s still getting used to pitching long again, AJ comes back, and we chuck him back in the pen.
This makes no sense at all.
Unless Hughes has been starting all year he won’t be in a position to take over if someone goes on the 15 day DL.
This sticker is dangerous and inconvenient, but I do love Fig Newtons.
Yeah I'm for this.
I would even also consider only skipping Pettitte, Joba, and Hughes. Keep rotating 2 out of those 3 in the rotation, one of them getting the week off.
CC AJ and Vazquez are all capable of 200 innings and don’t seem to get worn down by the grind of the season.
This sticker is dangerous and inconvenient, but I do love Fig Newtons.
No no no no no no no no
The best way to mess up a pitcher’s season is to give him 9 days rest. Fastball pitchers can’t throw strikes, sinkerballers have no sink, breakingball pitchers hang them in the strike zone.
by designatedquitter on Jan 28, 2010 4:11 PM EST reply actions

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