Comments on: It looks good on paper

By: bodhisattva

bodhisattva — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:11:25 +0000

Hope it isn’t too difficult going from throwing basically two pitches to four. But I suppose he can work on others in sides. The reason he goes back into rotation after AS Break is because Mark Melancon will step into the setup role by then.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:44:54 +0000

Maybe Pavano will be filling that spot in the rotation…. ::grin, duck, and run:: hehehe

By: nyyfaninlaaland

nyyfaninlaaland — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:48:57 +0000

Since Hughes is likely to have some IP restraints as well (110 IP IN ‘07, 145 in ‘06, how about this for a plan?

Joba starts in the pen for about 2 months, goes AAA to stretch out IP, work his other pitches for 2-3 weeks. When Joba returns, Hughes hits the pen for about a month (let’s say late June to late July to fill 1 setup spot (somebody else has to step up in the pen for Joba’s short AAA stint, then goes to AAA for 2 weeks to stretch back up. Kennedy, who threw 165 in ‘07 so has the highest IP cap, serves as the #5 all year (hopefully), skipping some starts to keep his IP a little lower. Karstens, Igawa, et. al. are hopefully ready to fill in if needed.

Now it’s Aug 15, all 6 starters are ready to rock, best 5 go, odd man to the pen. Or Moose gets a break in the pen right when he fell off the table last year. I’d rather have all 6 ready to start closing the season and heading to the playoffs - the 4 best get the playoff starting slots. Ideally one of Hughes or Joba sticks in the #3 slot, the other is prepped as a playoff setup guy. And one of Moose or IPK is the #4, both available for pen duty as well.

Of course, the best laid plans of moose & men…

The pen’s trickier. I’d start with Mo, Joba, Farns, Hawk, Bruney & Henn (both out of options), and Rasner in the long spot. Karstens and Igawa in AAA with the kids stretched out and ready to cover for injuries (it can’t be as bad as last year). The best of the cast of 1,000’s in AAA pick up whoever falls. Hopefully Britton gets a decent look this year, Edwar, Ohlendorf, Traber et al are ready to pitch in. Depth is a good thing. I still won’t be surprised if Villone shows up on a minors deal at some point - haven’t heard boo about him. Any news about the old lefty Jersey guy?

By: Titan

Titan — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:08:06 +0000

It’s a good situation to have extra SP. Also it’s a good option to start Chamberlain in the BP the first months, and after the all-star break move him back to start (so he can be fresh to start in the postseason).
By that time we are hoping that one of the youngsters is going to fill the hole Joba leaves in the BP (Sanchez, Melancon, Veras).

By: Ian Kennedy is really good

Ian Kennedy is really good — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:01:09 +0000

Ian Kennedy has so far dominated at every level, including MLB. He is ready and as long as he can stay in the 3.5-4.5 range ill take that first half next year.

Phil Hughes was the #1 pitching prospect in baseball in 06. He was injured pitching a no hitter and averaged nearly 2 mph less with his fastball after the injury. A healthy Hughes will be really good.

By: Mike S.

Mike S. — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:57:48 +0000

Many times you don’t have to make a decision. Because of performance and/or injury, decisions get made for you.

By: Y's Guy

Y's Guy — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:48:32 +0000

wang and pettitte are the only locks for the rotation, moose has a spot unless he pitches his way out during ST, Hughes is probably the same as moose and kennedy’s gonna battle igawa, karstens, rasner and whomever else for #5. Joba probably starts in the pen. If any of the starters cant go, joba gets #5

By: yanksrule57

yanksrule57 — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:36:07 +0000

Pete,

I agree that Hughes & Kennedy should not be a lock for the rotation. However, I am pretty sure that both of them will be better than Igawa was last year and the team nursed him through, what, two months of the rotation?

By: Chris NY

Chris NY — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:17:22 +0000

rotating guys in and out like that usually leads to inconsistency in their pitching. Especially guys like Moose that are creatures of habit and need to have the same routine between starts.

By: Drive 4-5

Drive 4-5 — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:16:09 +0000

It wouldn’t surprise me to see a Jeff Karstens or one of the other kids have a terrific Spring and put pressure on Girardi to keep Mussina in the rotation. I think Moose is going to have to show he can still pitch. His days of having a guaranteed spot are over.