Quote:
Originally Posted by RedlegJake
That extra 200 innings of pitching is exactly why I wish the Reds could feel the need to sign Oswalt and keep Bailey but that's been argued ad nauseum. Teams may have a "starting five" but in truth a season always comprises a starting six or a starting seven.
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The problem about signing Oswalt is that does not simply mean that he is getting those 200 innings and it is no effect to the rest of the staff.
If the Reds sign Oswalt, Francis will undoubtedly opt out of his deal on March 28. I do think Oswalt is an improvement over Francis. However, signing Oswalt eats up all of our payflex for a deadline deal.
The best way to handle the situation would be to move Arroyo full time to the bullpen (or cut him) and make your rotation:
Latos
Cueto
Oswalt
Bailey
Leake
Then you tell Jeff Francis that there is a very good chance that Bailey and Oswalt don't make it healthy throughout the year and that we expect him to be the guy up over Chapman to pitch in the rotation if an injury occurs. I would try to tell Francis that pitching as the AAA ace will better for him and the Reds because he will be more stretched out and ready for a spot start, but if he says I am going to opt out unless you put me in the bigs, I let him be the swingman (as mth suggested the Reds should).
Then your rotational depth would be
Latos
Cueto
Oswalt
Bailey
Leake
Francis
Chapman
I really don't see any bounceback from Arroyo this year. I hope I am wrong, but he doesn't have the stuff to K guys any more and gives up way too many home runs for any rotation. I know the Reds will have Arroyo in the rotation no matter what I want them to do, and I will hope for the best, but I don't expect him to bounceback.