by lemon20pie on Apr 7, 2009 2:24 AM PDT 272 comments, 24 new

 Alright, while I personally think Lilly will continue to have a significant career in the Majors, I am concerned about him being the type of pitcher that gives up too many HRs. I've stated here before how Lilly can make women pregnant just by throwing his curveball, but I don't think Lilly will ever get moved out of the 9th spot in the lineup. This may have more to do with Lou's expectations of him at the plate and his unorthodox swing, which doesn't allow him to stay back on anything off speed and away and when he does hit the pitch, it's nothing but a weak groundball to SS (I wouldn't dare say this to Lilly's face - so, to whoever is reading this, please don't listen to me because I don't have a "trained eye", do you think Lou has a trained eye?).

 Anyway, having said that, I think that maybe if he is still struggling after his next start, he needs to be moved down in the rotation at the very least and maybe even put in the bullpen. I would put Heilman in the 3rd starter's spot, who I have much more confidence in to keep the ball in the ballpark and I imagine Lou would too, who could shake things up and would be a good bunter as well.

 Not at all saying this after one game and is in no way a knee jerk reaction, but even the staunchest Lilly fan must admit his struggles in the playoffs recently and it's due to batters making the adjustment to him and so far what Ive seen from him in the WBC, ST and last night, I don't see any signs of him making an adjustment as his gopherballs look exactly the same as last year.

 Who would you put in the 3rd starter's spot if Lilly continues his struggles on the mound?