4/22/09 - Reds vs. Cubs

[Scrap Irony]

Bullpen meltdown is possible, but, with the four horses in the rotation and Owings as fifth starter, the only worry is health. And age. Health and age... and effectiveness, of course. There's always that. Health, age, and effectiveness. And past history. Have I mentioned that one already? No? Add that one, then. Health, age, effectiveness, and past history. That's it. Nothing more...

Seriously, if the rotation can stay healthy, the pen is more likely to as well. The problems come when the pen has to do its job plus log starter innings. With both Cueto and Volquez pitching well this week along with positive outings from Arroyo and Harang, it bodes well. If Owings gets it together (and he didn't pitch all that poorly last night-- his LF screwed him, as did Lincoln), this staff could be special.

[BearcatShane]

For a 5th starter, I'm more than ok with Owings.

[mth123]

Bullpen meltdown is possible, but, with the four horses in the rotation and Owings as fifth starter, the only worry is health. And age. Health and age... and effectiveness, of course. There's always that. Health, age, and effectiveness. And past history. Have I mentioned that one already? No? Add that one, then. Health, age, effectiveness, and past history. That's it. Nothing more...

Seriously, if the rotation can stay healthy, the pen is more likely to as well. The problems come when the pen has to do its job plus log starter innings. With both Cueto and Volquez pitching well this week along with positive outings from Arroyo and Harang, it bodes well. If Owings gets it together (and he didn't pitch all that poorly last night-- his LF screwed him, as did Lincoln), this staff could be special.

Too many arms up and throwing every day. Even when they don't pitch guys are up and throwing. Guys who are one or two batter guys are being used longer. Eventually they'll wear down. I just see only Masset being a guy to go more than an inning. When the starter goes 6, that means three relievers used as well. They'll have their arms hanging by the end of June.

[LincolnparkRed]

I think you have to be willing to pitch Masset today as a 6 or 7th inning guy. He hasn't pitched in a week and with Burton and Lincoln struggling maybe give him a shot with Voloquez going tomorrow.