Chapman to Rotation in May

[uteroasis]

Interesting piece of information from Miss Enquirer:

@MissEnquirer: Phil Castellini expects Aroldis Chapman to pitch out of the bullpen in April and maybe start in May #RedsCaravan

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[RiverRat13]

That would make the most sense so that he could start in the playoffs. The downside is that it makes it easier for Dusty to pull the plug on Chapman starting at all.

[JB12]

^ Not quite sure what you mean by "The downside is that it makes it easier for Dusty to pull the plug on Chapman starting at all."

EDIT: I misread the initial post--

[TSJ55]

I still hate to see this shake-up to the staff. I'm a big time believer in "If it ain't broke..."

[alwaysawarrior]

This makes sense. Glad to know they have a plan.

[bigfunguy]

...or until a starter gets hurt---we've been SOOO lucky in this regard its just a matter of time

[uteroasis]

Originally Posted by bigfunguy

...or until a starter gets hurt---we've been SOOO lucky in this regard its just a matter of time

Great point. Injury could decide the season more than anything else. This makes Mike Leake as the #6 an excellent fallback plan. I'm glad we have the depth, but let's hope we don't see Galarraga or Redmond starting anything other than a make-up doubleheader.

As for Chapman out of the bullpen in April, I just hope that this plan makes sense as far as development. How easily can a pitcher go from starter (in Spring Training) to short relief (April) to starter again (May)? Will he be used often in April? Will he be a long-man? Are we looking at 5 inning starts in May? Lots of unanswered questions that will hopefully take shape this Spring.

[alwaysawarrior]

Originally Posted by uteroasis

Great point. Injury could decide the season more than anything else. This makes Mike Leake as the #6 an excellent fallback plan. I'm glad we have the depth, but let's hope we don't see Galarraga or Redmond starting anything other than a make-up doubleheader.

As for Chapman out of the bullpen in April, I just hope that this plan makes sense as far as development. How easily can a pitcher go from starter (in Spring Training) to short relief (April) to starter again (May)? Will he be used often in April? Will he be a long-man? Are we looking at 5 inning starts in May? Lots of unanswered questions that will hopefully take shape this Spring.

I would imagine he will begin with several five inning starts. To me it makes sense to have Leake in the pen as a long man ready to go at least for the first several Chapman starts. Unfortunately Chapman should have stayed as a starter and this year we would have to worry about it, but that ship has sailed so they have to try something.

[bigfunguy]

Originally Posted by alwaysawarrior

I would imagine he will begin with several five inning starts. To me it makes sense to have Leake in the pen as a long man ready to go at least for the first several Chapman starts. Unfortunately Chapman should have stayed as a starter and this year we would have to worry about it, but that ship has sailed so they have to try something.

How about an understanding that it's a Chapman/Leake combo every 5th day?

[uteroasis]

Originally Posted by bigfunguy

How about an understanding that it's a Chapman/Leake combo every 5th day?

How's that for a change-up in styles?

[Pony Boy]

Originally Posted by bigfunguy

How about an understanding that it's a Chapman/Leake combo every 5th day?

Is there any precedent for that arrangement? I can't remember that ever being done for any other pitcher.

[webbbj]

I think I would rather see them do a delayed spring training. Start working him 3-4 innings at a time in Louiville in April, then get a few starts up to 5 innings by May then just bring him up.

[OGB]

Originally Posted by webbbj

I think I would rather see them do a delayed spring training. Start working him 3-4 innings at a time in Louiville in April, then get a few starts up to 5 innings by May then just bring him up.

This seems ideal to me. I would imagine the brass has him targeted for a maximum of around 130 to 140 innings. I think ideally, you bring him up about 50 games in if you want him as an option if they make the playoffs.

[bigfunguy]

Originally Posted by OGB

This seems ideal to me. I would imagine the brass has him targeted for a maximum of around 130 to 140 innings. I think ideally, you bring him up about 50 games in if you want him as an option if they make the playoffs.

see, I disagree---work him in via the bullpen for building up starter's endurance, because he is still one of your best ptichers. If they bring him up after 50 games and miss the playoffs by 1 game, you're left to think "what if..." I'd rather work him in slowly--but still mowing down major league hitters. :>)

[MoneyInTheBank]

Honestly, I don't care what the plan is as long as there is one and it's written in permanent marker displayed prominently throughout the organization. When it comes to the treatment of a potential staff ace, the following terms or phrases should be strictly prohibited:

"We're not sure"
"There is no set plan"
"We'll see how it goes"
"There is no innings limit"
"Out of Necessity"
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

The decision has been made to move him to the rotation. I don't care if there is not one healthy reliever on the roster, the decision has been made, no more waffling. Have a plan, stick to it. Period