Who is the odd man out?

by madog93 on Mar 15, 2007 4:24 PM CDT

I posted something similar to this in an old diary, but I wanted to bring it to the forefront and get some more ideas on it. As we all know, Lou is saying he wants to go with a 12 man pitching staff. Here is how I have it:

Zambrano
Lilly
Marquis
Hill
Miller/Guzman (probably Miller unless traded)

PEN

Wood
Eyre
Howry
Dempster
Ohman
Cotts
Weurtz

I know Cotts hasn't pitched real well in the spring, but Jim did not trade for him to send him to the minors. He is probably safe. That leaves Ohman and Weurtz. I think Ohman is safe as well, so it really leaves us with Weurtz. When his slider is working it can be pretty nasty (the air in AZ could be having an affect on the slider). Too much pitching is a good problem to have, but at the same time I think somebody is going to have to be traded before the season starts. If Guzman wins the fifth starter's job then Miller is the obvious guy to trade. Someone else mentioned using Guzman for long relief, which might not be a bad idea. If that happens though who is the odd man out in the bull pen? Lou has also said that Rocky Cherry has looked very good and has a chance at making the team.
I also know that over the course of 162 games you are going to need about 17 pithcers. We have a good stockpile right now. Notice the one guy I didn't mention (Prior). I believe he is done.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Wuertz might not be ready

and to my knowledge he hasn't even appeared in a ST game yet has he? He's behind, and if he isn't ready I say Cherry just might make it. I think Miller starts the season in the rotation unless he struggles big-time and Guzman continues to impress.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Mar 15, 2007 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

No room for Prior?? What if he comes back somehow?

Then a real squeeze; probably trade W. Miller to a team needing a fifth starter (most do).

by writerinwrigley on Mar 15, 2007 5:35 PM CDT reply actions

Prior

is an afterthought at this point when it comes to making the Cubs 25-man roster. Hendry has already pointed out that he has options remaining and this demotion to a minor league game, which was delayed a day by the way, he's got only a slightly better chance of making this team than I do.

Piniella didn't even mention Prior the other day when he said the 5th starter was between Miller and Guzman.

by Maddog on Mar 15, 2007 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Guzman

I dont like the idea of having Guzman in long relief. He needs meaningful innings and long relief means often having to come in with the team either way ahead or way behind.

If he doesnt win the 5th starter spot. He can start in Iowa and get the first chance to step in if someone gets injured or maybe a team will become desperate for a starter and offer a good deal for Miller.

Glenallen Hill hit that ball 600 feet.

by BigDumbFace on Mar 15, 2007 5:59 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

I think Guzman needs to start as well. I just think that long relief could be a possibility. I am not impressed with Cotts so far and using him in long relief may not be the best idea either.

The dumbest people I know are those who know it all.

by madog93 on Mar 15, 2007 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes.

Cotts has not been impressive. I didnt particularly like acquiring him, although i didnt care as much as some that like Aardsma so much.

That long relief role might just be a though one. I really hope its not Guzman. I wouldnt mind if its Cotts because it could mean that he wouldnt get that much work.

Maybe if Guzman wins the 5th starter spot.. then we can hang onto Miller and he can fill in long relief. At least until someone comes knocking with some prospects.

Glenallen Hill hit that ball 600 feet.

by BigDumbFace on Mar 15, 2007 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions

might just work

Guzman 5th starter, Miller long relief, and Weurtz to triple A. I think we would see Weurtz at some point during the season if this is the way they go. I'm must concerned about Guzman starting, but we have heard about him so long that it is time to put up or shut up.

The dumbest people I know are those who know it all.

by madog93 on Mar 15, 2007 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Pleasant surprise

I am pleasantly surprised at how complete our team already looks. Let's just cross our fingers and hope they all stay healthy.

The dumbest people I know are those who know it all.

by madog93 on Mar 15, 2007 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Guzman...

... will start tomorrow's game in Tucson vs. the White Sox... it's on TV, so all of you who have access to WGN can see him throw.

This game will be with the White Sox announcers. Fair warning.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Mar 15, 2007 6:41 PM CDT reply actions

Still not really clear

Wuertz: He has a sore shoulder, Novoa still not stretched out

Cherry has been published to be on the 6th spot

Miller still has not been stated as ready, Guzman has been stated to be the front runner.

As it stands now i do not think trading Miller is a good idea unless for a big overpay.

Best Harry moment: 'Hey there's Marla without her shorts on!'

by Ivy Walls on Mar 15, 2007 8:09 PM CDT reply actions

Miller cannot be sent down...

...and he cannot be used out of the bullpen, for reasons nobody sees fit to disclose but always mention in press accounts.

So, if he does not break camp as the fifth starter, then he essentially has to be traded. This is more a case of Hendry treating Miller right and honoring a trade request than it is a move to get value out of him.

by cwyers on Mar 15, 2007 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions