What has started off being a rather quiet January in the Dodger rumors and news department, I felt it was a good time to evaluate the more likely options the Dodgers have to fill the fifth rotation spot.
James McDonald: My personal favorite of the group, however I don't think he will end up with the job. At least not yet. James McDonald is the most talented of the group, he also has the most potential. However McDonald struggled at the end of last season, and has done even worse this winter. He has been far from consistent and effective lately. Unfortunately his inability to be consistent is going to cost him a spot in the rotation and probably the majors. It won't last long, he has the tools to be a solid 3 or 4 starting pitcher for the Dodgers in the near future. Barring a perfect spring training, I am projecting he starts the season at AAA as a starter. He needs to get regular work, and since he fits the model of a major league starter, a move the Dodgers bullpen is not going to help him in any way. Look for McDonald to make it back to the majors before the July All-Star Game.
Eric Stults: He is probably the favorite to get the fifth rotation spot. He filled in nicely for the Dodgers during the 2009 season, especially with all the injuries to Kuroda. The problem with Stults is he is out of options, and the Dodgers have been unable to trade him for whatever reason. The Dodgers have resorted to trying to sell him to Orient, but have been unsuccessful so far. A trade to the far east seems the most likely, and therefore he wouldn't be considered for the job. If somehow a sale or trade doesn't work out, I would expect Stults to be in the rotation at the beginning of the season.
Charlie Haeger: He is the most practical and likely pitcher to get the nod for the fifth starter spot. It appears that all you readers agree with this so far as well. Though been a close race so far, the poll is showing Haeger leading the poll by 14%. Haeger is known for bursting on the scene in 2009 with his unhittable knuckleball, and the seven inning shutout he pitched against the Chicago Cubs. When Haegers' knuckleball is working, lookout. He knows when to use his other pitches, and throws hitters off balance with relative ease. Haeger possess all the skills to be a regular pitcher in the majors, and the Dodgers clearly see that. Haeger will have to have a decent spring to get the job, but as it stands right now the job is his to lose.
Josh Lindblom: I am going to guess we will see Lindblom in the majors in 2010. After his performance in 2009, he has emerged as a contender for a major league roster spot. The Dodgers seem to be unclear on the direction they are going with him. I figured the Dodgers were grooming him to be a starter, but the possibility remains of using him as a setup man or closer. I thought it was a clear choice to use him as a starter, but what do I know? I like everything about this kid and I will go out on a limb and guess we will see him as soon as All-Star game time or as a September call-up. If the Dodgers open the season with depth issues, or get hampered with injuries, Lindblom could get a shot.
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5 comments:
So you have a free agent taking the 4th spot? I'd rather go with McDonald/Elbert/Haeger for the 4th/5th spots, but sadly some crappy veteran* will probably be brought in.
*I hope to God it doesn't end up being Russ Ortiz. The signing itself is bad enough, actually letting him pitch in a real game would be monumentally worse.*
I have to agree. McDonald and Elbert have been around the majors enough to get their feet wet and get a taste of what its like. Its time to give them a shot at a specific role in the rotation. McDonald has worked well in the penn and Elbert and Haeger should each be given a shot in rotation. I just dont want to see whats left of the free agents to come in and pitch 150 innings of 5 ERA ball when we have guys that could do that for so much cheaper while getting valuable innings under their belts.
With higher upsides as well.
I don't see Elbert competing for a rotation spot in the spring. He is definitely capable, but I see him starting the season in the bullpen.
I also don't believe the Dodgers are going to let two youngsters fill out the back of the rotation completely. The Dodgers will sign one of Garland, Padilla, or Pineiro for the fourth spot.
The Dodgers lacked innings last year, which led to the overuse of the bullpen. Factor in injuries, which leads to depth issues. I just can't see the Dodgers not making a signing.
Oh and I too would much rather see McDonald and Haeger occupy the fourth and fifth spots. But it's not gonna happen.
Just a thought but if Stults sticks around, a rotation spot would have to go to him because he is out of options. This scenario could be a factor in the Dodgers decision.
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