Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Belisle, Josh Fogg and who? That sounds like the Reds rotation heading into 2008. There are a lot of people competing for that final spot in the rotation. Edinson Volquez, Jeremy Affeldt, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto and Matt Maloney all have hopes of heading to Cincinnati at the end of March. My bet is that Volquez gets the final nod just to justify the Hamilton trade even if he is outpitched in Spring Training. That likely throws Affeldt to the bullpen and the other three to AAA Louisville.
What happens if someone goes down with an injury or someone struggles big time? Does Affeldt come out of the bullpen to the rotation before any of the AAA guys get a shot at stepping into the rotation? Does it mean we aren’t likely to see Bailey, Cueto or Maloney until September?
What do you guys think? Am I looking at this completely wrong? Is there a problem with Bailey, Cueto or Maloney spending a good chunk of the year in Louisville? I know how I feel about it, but what are you guys thinking about it all?
Photo: Al Behrman/AP
Friday, 22. February 2008
On one level, it’s hard to quarrel with the Fogg signing. It’s a million bucks, one year; he can be traded easily for something of value in midseason. But it seems there’s a bit of a disconnect between trying to bring along four young starters and then getting someone like Fogg. If those young guys really project as high as we’re led to believe, then it seems shortsighted to give innings to Fogg that they need for development. All four are either at–or close to–the place where they need major league innings. It’s hard to argue with depth. Pitching’s always very uncertain. But, personally, I’m looking forward to a 2009 rotation of Harang, Bailey, Cueto, Volquez, and Maloney. (With Fogg, Arroyo, Belisle, and Affeldt all dealth for prospects)
Friday, 22. February 2008
I think there’s a good possiblity that EV and Affeldt end up in the pen with Fogg and Bailey in the rotation. EV may move in a la Fransico Liriano style.
There is no way Cueto and Maloney make the rotation, regardless of how they pitch. Maloney and Cueto only end up in Cincy this year if we are out of contention and Fogg and Affeldt get traded.
Friday, 22. February 2008
I can’t see Homer not making the club after how well he pitched in his last few games. I think dave is right when he said EV and Affeldt end up in the pen to start things off. I like bringing in Fogg because it creates just that much more competition for a rotation spot.
Friday, 22. February 2008
cincy mgmt better be careful here.
they can sign all the veteran pitchers they want. but they better not let the fact that a guy is making more money impede this team from playing guys who are more talented and would help the team win more games.
if bailey, cueto and volquez are as good as everyone says they are…it seems to me at least two of them should pitch the majority of the season in cincy. not louisville. thats just my opinion though….
Saturday, 23. February 2008
if it happens they way Doug describes it then that will be one hell of a pitching rotation in AAA, hopefully that can translate to the big leagues.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
Keeping the young guys in AAA just plain dumb. I think it just pushes the future back another year. The guys have to take their lumps sometime. So if they do not use them this year just means this year will be a loser and we will not be building for the future. It means they take their lumps in 2009 which will doom that season also. 2008 was a perfect time to put a bunch a young guys on the field and let them grow as a team. Who knows with that talent they could do something this year if they were given a chance.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
I don’t know where the notion came from that pitchers have to ‘take their lumps’, but its not really true. Most do, but it doesn’t always happen. If Bailey and crew spend most of 2008 in AAA it doesn’t mean we are 1 more year away had they spent time in the majors this year. Maybe it will have better prepared them to succeed in 2009. I am not sure if I believe that completely, but its certainly possible.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
I’m not bothered at the notion of the rotation as Harang, Arroyo, Belisle, Fogg, Affeldt if that’s how it is earned. If Bailey, Volquez, Cueto, Maloney, Gardner is the rotation in Louisville, it shows great depth. Plus, when the injuries happen that always do, we are that much better off. It also opens many doors for trades. It is FEBRUARY, no reason to get too up in arms….pardon the pun.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
I think Fogg is so dirt cheap that it would of been stupid to pass on him. First, its not like he is making so much money that he would actually impede one of the young guns from being called up if they are tearing it up in AAA. He should be easy to flip for a quality prospect in mid season once other teams find glaring holes in their rotation. I think the same is true for Affeldt, albeit, good chance he will be stuck in the Bullpen if we are competing. Worst case scenario is is if he stinks it up and we dfa him then all the reds are out is 1 million. The more I think about it, the more I like it.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
I don’t get the comment “to justify the Hamilton trade.” If you’re saying that Krivsky will ensure that Volquez makes the team no matter what to avoid criticism of the trade, I say BS. Any GM that runs a team that way won’t be employed for long.
Besides, from the reporting by Fay and additional player comments, I would say that Volquez has turned plenty of heads around camp. At this early stage, he has a very good shot at making the team, conspiracy theory aside.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
Tampa Red,
Volquez would be on the team regardless I think, for the same reason that Majewski was allowed to continuously go out and get his head beat in. Volquez on the other hand though, has looked good to this point in camp from all reports.
Saturday, 23. February 2008
The pressure is primarily on Belisle and Fogg, and to a lesser degree Affeldt. Affeldt really wants to start but has proven himself in the bullpen and would push somebody else out of the pen if he doesn’t win a spot. Belisle has been given a spot but the writing’s still on the wall, he has to pitch well today not tomorrow. Belisle’s probably suitable for long relief. Fogg is not a bullpen candidate so he has to win a spot. His track record gives him a good shot but I don’t know what becomes of him if a young’n beats him out.
Sunday, 24. February 2008
In Majewski’s case, who else was there? If there was anyone waiting in the wings, “the trade” never would have happened. Last year, when there was a little more depth, he spent most of the year in Louisville or on the DL.
With Volquez, there is plenty of competition. If he isn’t ready, or if someone else is more ready, he has options and will be sent out.
Sunday, 24. February 2008
In the case of Majewski, prospects ready or not, they could have gone out and given the exact same as an injured Majewski if not better.
Sunday, 24. February 2008
Majewski pitched 15 innings TOTAL for the Reds in 2006. He was on the DL from 8/7-8/31, opening the door for the prospects you were talking about.
Following his return on 9/1, he posted 1.59 ERA in 8 games.
And that’s the basis for your comment that Volquez will be kept around even if only to “justify a trade?”
Sunday, 24. February 2008
The upside is to have all these great arms on the team! What a ‘problem” to have! Affeldt and Fogg, are relatively inexpensive and give the team great flexibility. We have options. I like the fact that Krivsky hasn’t sold out the farm system and traded away all of the talent. If nothing else, you can move these guys around and have them in your bullpen if need be. This team has a lot of great young talent, some good experienced palyers and a chance to post a winning record and maybe contend for the division this year. I am excited and optimistic about this year and VERY excited about 2009. Barring injury we should have a great staff.