What do you think of the idea of using a bunch of pitchers for 1-3 innings each game rather than the traditional tactic of having a starter going 5-9 innings. I just ask because pitchers do better the first time through the order than the 2nd and 3rd.
Fred’s idea would likely require larger rosters in order to work, but, ultimately, it would help more pitchers get jobs and one would think that union would support that.
I don’t really understand what the players union could do about it. If anything they would probably favour increased roster size. They can’t control how you use the pitchers on your roster. It would probably also help pitchers extend the length of their careers.
Although increased roster size would make the tactic easier to implement, I do not think that increasing roster size is necessary. If you have 12 pitchers on the roster, you could use four pitchers a game and rotate them every three games. If I were to use the tactic I would probably use 14 pitchers and 11 fielders. You could have a backup catcher, infielder, and 1b/OF.
Jack Nugent
15 years ago
I’m sorry, but the idea that the Reds have the best rotation in the NL Central is just nuts to me.
I realize this wasn’t really the main premise of your argument, but Aroldis Chapman is still something of an unknown quantity going forward. Sure, if end up in the rotation– and still seems like a big if– then MAYBE he has a big time impact. But it’s still very possible if not likely that his youth and the struggles with control that often accompany it will prevent him from reaching immediate stardom.
And the guys who are better bets to make the rotation? Cueto, Arroyo, Bailey and Wood are all varying degrees of good, but none of them are elite pitchers. I mean, the Reds didn’t have a single pitcher more than 3 WAR last year. You could argue that Volquez is a good bet to top that next year, but until he can put a big dent in his walk rate he’ll be just good, not great.
The Brewers brought in two very, very good pitchers from the AL and brought them into the weakest division in baseball. Greinke and Marcum are gonna tear it up this year, and Yovani Gallardo was already one of the very best pitchers in the NL. I get that the back end up their rotation isn’t great, although Wolf at least will give them 200 innings, but I think you’re badly underestimating just how much better Milwaukee’s top of the rotation is than Cincinnati’s.
Definitely, his defense of having them as the top rotation in the central is awful as well.
Derek
15 years ago
I think better Stats are one of the reasons for not as offensively minded SS. All of the SS you mentioned were average to below average defensive SS.
Now that teams know the worth of defense, especially from the SS position, they are less willing to give up a large defensive value for an offensive oriented SS.
I think if it wasn’t for the increase in value of defense, players like Zimmerman, Longoria, and Brandon Phillips would probably be at the SS position because they can hit and wouldn’t be an eyesore there.
Alex Rodriguez, in his prime in Seattle and Texas, was a Gold Glove caliber shortstop. He really was worth every penny of the contract he signed with Texas.
What do you think of the idea of using a bunch of pitchers for 1-3 innings each game rather than the traditional tactic of having a starter going 5-9 innings. I just ask because pitchers do better the first time through the order than the 2nd and 3rd.
Fred, two words: Players Union.
Fred’s idea would likely require larger rosters in order to work, but, ultimately, it would help more pitchers get jobs and one would think that union would support that.
I don’t really understand what the players union could do about it. If anything they would probably favour increased roster size. They can’t control how you use the pitchers on your roster. It would probably also help pitchers extend the length of their careers.
Although increased roster size would make the tactic easier to implement, I do not think that increasing roster size is necessary. If you have 12 pitchers on the roster, you could use four pitchers a game and rotate them every three games. If I were to use the tactic I would probably use 14 pitchers and 11 fielders. You could have a backup catcher, infielder, and 1b/OF.
I’m sorry, but the idea that the Reds have the best rotation in the NL Central is just nuts to me.
I realize this wasn’t really the main premise of your argument, but Aroldis Chapman is still something of an unknown quantity going forward. Sure, if end up in the rotation– and still seems like a big if– then MAYBE he has a big time impact. But it’s still very possible if not likely that his youth and the struggles with control that often accompany it will prevent him from reaching immediate stardom.
And the guys who are better bets to make the rotation? Cueto, Arroyo, Bailey and Wood are all varying degrees of good, but none of them are elite pitchers. I mean, the Reds didn’t have a single pitcher more than 3 WAR last year. You could argue that Volquez is a good bet to top that next year, but until he can put a big dent in his walk rate he’ll be just good, not great.
The Brewers brought in two very, very good pitchers from the AL and brought them into the weakest division in baseball. Greinke and Marcum are gonna tear it up this year, and Yovani Gallardo was already one of the very best pitchers in the NL. I get that the back end up their rotation isn’t great, although Wolf at least will give them 200 innings, but I think you’re badly underestimating just how much better Milwaukee’s top of the rotation is than Cincinnati’s.
Yeah, saying Cincinnati will have the best rotation is ridiculous. If it’s not Milwaukee, it will be St. Louis.
Definitely, his defense of having them as the top rotation in the central is awful as well.
I think better Stats are one of the reasons for not as offensively minded SS. All of the SS you mentioned were average to below average defensive SS.
Now that teams know the worth of defense, especially from the SS position, they are less willing to give up a large defensive value for an offensive oriented SS.
I think if it wasn’t for the increase in value of defense, players like Zimmerman, Longoria, and Brandon Phillips would probably be at the SS position because they can hit and wouldn’t be an eyesore there.
Alex Rodriguez, in his prime in Seattle and Texas, was a Gold Glove caliber shortstop. He really was worth every penny of the contract he signed with Texas.
Agreed but so is Troy Tulowitski