12 Pitchers To Battle for 5 Rotation Spots.

[PDXChris]

The Diamondbacks will have a battle for the fifth spot this year, but they'll have battles for the third and fourth spots, as well. And the two pitchers who can be at least lightly penciled into the rotation – right-handers Josh Collmenter and Jeremy Hellickson – would probably project as back-end types for most teams with designs on contention.

The Diamondbacks will have 18 starting pitchers in big-league camp when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 19, manager Chip Hale said. Realistically, 12 could be viable candidates for rotation spots: Chase Anderson, Archie Bradley, Trevor Cahill, Andrew Chafin, Collmenter, Rubby De La Rosa, Randall Delgado, Hellickson, Daniel Hudson, Vidal Nuño, Robbie Ray and Allen Webster.

Hudson, who overcame back-to-back Tommy John surgeries to return to the big leagues late last season, will begin spring training working as a starting pitcher, but Hale said a decision won't be made on his ultimate role until sometime in March.

Looks like Hudson still may be a starter.


http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...o-have-crowded-rotation-competition/23049247/

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Well, hopefully the #1 pick in the draft will have ace potential.

 

[GatorAZ]

Well, hopefully the #1 pick in the draft will have ace potential.

Brendan Rodgers isn't a pitcher.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Brendan Rodgers isn't a pitcher.

D'oh!

Are the teams allowed to trade draft picks now? I remember some picks being traded last year, but only in specific circumstances, IIRC.

If not, I hope the new commissioner allows it. That would really reward teams who have strong scouting departments.

 

[overseascardfan]

Brendan Rodgers isn't a pitcher.

I know ARZ is slated to take Rogers but looking at that list of SP's I would think they have to at least discuss Aiken, Matuella or Kirby. They will never be able to sign an "ace" away from the big boys so they need to stock pile via the draft. Rogers maybe good but he isn't the next A-Rod or Jeter and with Owings at SS its not a major need.

 

[crisper57]

If it is anything like last year, all 12 will get their shot at some point.

 

[NavyVet]

I would hope with the changed regime, that the coaching improves and we can tweak the talent out of what we have, and expect that we not give up on talent because they don't jive with the manager. Dave Stewart was nasty during his Oakland years, which is an attitude we need, but pitched way too many innings in the beginning, all under Tony LaRussa, which worries me. Four consecutive 20+ win seasons, with high inning counts, and then, kerplunk. Yes, age was a factor, but hopefully, Chip Hale is a great counter-balance, someone experienced with young arms, who won't abuse them. Time will tell. I'm optimistic that this team can break .500 this year, and compete in 2016.

 

[NavyVet]

I know ARZ is slated to take Rogers but looking at that list of SP's I would think they have to at least discuss Aiken, Matuella or Kirby. They will never be able to sign an "ace" away from the big boys so they need to stock pile via the draft. Rogers maybe good but he isn't the next A-Rod or Jeter and with Owings at SS its not a major need.

Brendan has such a sweet, short stroke. To have a SS who can post a .300 average, and 20-25 HR's is impassible. Reminds me a lot of Chipper Jones, in that his hand/eye coordination is impeccable. This guy could be the franchise builder.

 

[overseascardfan]

Brendan has such a sweet, short stroke. To have a SS who can post a .300 average, and 20-25 HR's is impassible. Reminds me a lot of Chipper Jones, in that his hand/eye coordination is impeccable. This guy could be the franchise builder.

I guess if you really think about it, Rogers makes sense. Matuella's stock is questionable as there are questions about his health and he doesn't have eye popping stats as he only pitched like 70 innings last year for the season. Brady Aiken's health is also a huge question mark as it caused HOU to rescind their deal with him last year, you don't do that with a player of Aiken's caliber unless there is a big issue.

I guess if Rogers moves through the minors quick enough, Owings could move to 2B unless ARZ plans to move top prospect Brandon Drury to 2B.

 

[WildBB]

Saw Hellickson today in Goodyear. He gave up 3 runs 7 hits in 1 2/3 innings and left with the bases loaded. He's got a long way to go. Is kind of smallish (don't know if he's a starter long term) and struggled with his command. Got behind hitters and got rocked pretty good with two dingers into the wind in right field.

http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/articl...-not-happy-with-inability-to-make-adjustments

 

[overseascardfan]

Article in AZ Republic today where Stewart stating Archie Bradley is still not ready for the big leagues. Guy has been in the minor league system for 4 years and to still not be ready is kind of puzzling.

 

[PDXChris]

Article in AZ Republic today where Stewart stating Archie Bradley is still not ready for the big leagues. Guy has been in the minor league system for 4 years and to still not be ready is kind of puzzling.

I found this part interesting and concerning.

Also of note: Buchanan reports that Bradley’s once mid-90s fastball is now clocked most often at 92-93 miles per hour. So it might be time to re-adjust expectations for him in general.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2...t-archie-bradley-is-not-ready-for-the-majors/

 

[frankeegee1]

Has it been 4 years? Man time flies.