In a story very much related to the recent discussion of about the next member of the 300 Win Club, twice this week we see stories about teams considering switching to 6 man starting pitching rotations. Teams have been using the 5 man rotation since the Dodgers introduced the idea in 1971. Is it possible that with the continued prevalence of injuries and focus on innings pitched and pitch counts that teams are going to start using six man rotations more permanently? Will this to a watering down of the pitching talent and thus even more offensive domination? Let’s jump into each of the stories and see how each team got to the six-man rotation.
The first comes to us via The Boston Globe, reporting that the Red Sox are likely to use a six-man rotation for a few times through the rotation once John Smoltz is ready to return from his injury. The Red Sox are in the unique situation of having too much starting pitching talent. While Dice-K has been the worst of the group, it would be premature to send him to down to the minors. The rest of the group has been pitching extremely well, with Wakefield racking up 9 wins, Beckett coming off of a 1 ER in 28+ IP streak, Lester striking out well over a batter an inning, and Penny lowering the ERA by close to 4 runs over the last 6 weeks. This plethora of starting pitching does not even include Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden who await in the minors, and by all rights would be in the rotation of 29 other major league teams. The team suspected that by this point either one of the starters would be injured or Penny would have been traded. Since neither have happened their options are to implement a six man rotation for a few weeks, or send one to the bullpen. Smoltz didn’t come to the Red Sox to be a set up man, and Wakefield has been their most consistent starter all season. Thus fattened rotation it is. Given that Dice K is struggling, Smoltz is returning from an injury and this team has realistic hopes of playing in early November, some extra rest for their starters in late June and early July could be exactly what this team needs. I suspect Penny will be moved by July 15th, like to an NL contender, to return the rotation to normalcy for the second half, while the team has the insurance plan of calling up Buccholz and 1.90 ERA his from AAA.
The second story comes to us via Baseball Prospectus who report that they hear the Tamp Bay Rays are considering using a six man rotation in conjunction with signing Pedro Martinez – remember him? He used to be really good, but decided he deserves $5mm this season even though his production has been streaky the last 2 years, let alone his health. Realizing that Pedro likely cant remain healthy with a full workload, while likewise is being ill-used as a reliever, are tossing around the idea of implementing a 6 man rotation, if they were to sign him. The idea is even more attractive to them given Scott Kazmir’s injuries, and their desire to not overwork upcoming stars David Price and Wade Davis. Thus a [possible win-win-win-win, Pedro and Kazmir healthy and effective, while Price and Davis don’t get overused.
My initial reaction to hearing 6 man rotation was further babying of pitchers, both young and old, and thus further dilution of starting pitching talent in the league. After digging into these stories, though, I have more faith in the game, rather than less. Its good for the game that teams are being creative. Looking at their players, talent, and needs and being willing to think outside the box to win a few extra games in what could be the difference between a playoff spot and watching from home.
Bloggged The Six Man Starting Pitching Rotation? For Real?: – http://tinyurl.com/lb3p6o
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