Starting Rotation Almost Set

[DonBo]

Blackburn had another good outing today. Soon after, Gardy named his as being the forth starter.

He'll be following Pavano, Liriano and Duensing. That means Baker and Slowey are battling for the final spot in the rotation. If all these guys pitch to their potential, it's not a bad lineup.

The bullpen is also coming together and should be pretty good again, even with the new look. Nathan looks like he'll be ready to go, even if not as a closer. Capps has been solid and Neshek looks like he may be back. That's an awefully potent back end to the pen. With Mijares and probably Burnett, Manship, Swarzak filling out the pen, this may even be our strongest position. A guy's gotta hope....

Jeez, is it ever gonna be spring?

[soldoncass]

I don't see Swarzak making it over Perkins.....Gardy is going to want another lefty. Manship and Burnett scare me, cause I remember them last year.....NOT GOOD. Gotta have a flamethrower out there from someplace....I am hoping that is one of the new guys, from trades.

[blue_healer_guy]

Same old same old for the rotation, nothing to get excited over for me. Bullpen is gonna have it's issues.

[SledNeck]

rotation looks good

Duensing should have another stellar year. If blackburn pitches like he did after his demotion he should be very good again.

[B. Amish]

it wouldn't surprise me to see us trade a starter this spring. gibson is lurking in the minors.

[Harmonica Bear]

IMO, Slowey gets traded, no sure for what, maybe a for someone elses pain the rear, but I think he'll be gone by opening day. I dont think he gets along so well with the coaches.

[Stcloudangler]

Agreed w/ post 2, we will have more than one lefty reliever

[Harmonica Bear]

Agree as well on Perkins making the pen. As I read this weekend TK once said:

"He's got two things going for him," Kelly used to say of certain pitching prospects. "He's lefthanded. And he's breathing."

That's classic!

[schmitty3]

Stating rotation has looked good so far this spring. Blackburn, Duensing, and Pavano have collectively pitched 15 inning without giving up a run.

[DonBo]

Baker had a decent outing today too. 3 innings, one run, two hits (one on the very first pitch of the game), three strikeouts.

[schmitty3]

Another good outing by Pavano! 4 more scoreless innings. He's now got 9 innings in the book this spring and has yet to allow a run. It will be interesting to see how Frankie does tomorrow.

[CodyDawg]

I would guess that if they dont trade a starter, one of your bullpen slots is going to go to the Baker/Slowey loser. Not a bad way to start the season either....it is pretty unlikely that all 5 starters pitch all year without missing a start. having a slowey or baker to step in is quite a luxury. gibson is icing on the cake. Some team may just dig deep for a quality starter. most of baseball is looking for starting pitching. i would like to see them upgrade at SS or maybe the outfield. just for giggles, what could you get for Span and Slowey???

[schmitty3]

Liriano REALLY struggled today giving up 6 runs in less than 2 innings. He also gave up 3 walks.

[SledNeck]

Trade Liriano now

[Jarrod32]

Slowey has been scouted pretty heavily by the Blue Jays, and there are lots of rumors around a Slowey trade to the Jays...

[Zelmsdawg]

Try not to read too much into spring training. I think a lot of the pitchers are just focusing on one pitch or new mechanics

F bomb will have a good year

Zelmsdawg

[mainbutter]

Liriano REALLY struggled today giving up 6 runs in less than 2 innings. He also gave up 3 walks.

Any idea if it was fastball/changeup day?

Don't read too much into spring training stats.