The Tribe rotation going forward
I’ve already commented on how the Indians should handle Carmona, but after the struggles from Tomlin and Gomez, I felt it appropriate to address the rest of the rotation as well.
With September rapidly approaching, many youth will be getting a shot at the big leagues, and the rotation could be shaken up quite a bit. Without further ado, here is my take on how the rotation should shake down:
Fausto Carmona
Mitch Talbot
Jeanmar Gomez
Justin Masterson
Carlos Carrasco
These five would make their scheduled starts, however, after one start Fausto would take a break and David Huff would start in his place. Gomez would also sit out his second start, with Yohan Pino taking his turn. Because Carrasco is new to the rotation, no break would be necessary, but the third time through the rotation Talbot and Masterson would get a rest, respectively.
After a rough couple of outings, Josh Tomlin has earned a well deserved rest, and maybe a few bullpen appearances so he can stay with the team. His value has been demonstrated very well so far this season, but in my mind, he needs to shut down and get ready for what should be a fierce battle in the spring.
Feel free to add your two cents about the rotation in the comments, discussion is always welcome.
Fausto needs to be shut down
[picappgallerysingle id="6062199"]The Indians began their late-season starter resting earlier this week when youngster Josh Tomlin’s start was passed over to give his arm a bit of a reprieve.
This is not a bad idea by any stretch of the imagination. The Indians organizational philosophy dictates that no pitcher shall see more than a 30 percent increase in their total innings thrown from one season to the next. Though Tomlin is no to that number yet, the team wants to ensure he can coast his way to that mythical goal at the end of the year.
Already management has announced that a sixth starter will fill in starts for Justin Masterson and Mitch Talbot, surely we can assume that Jeanmar Gomez is on that list as well. One name that is absent, yet must be included, is Fausto Carmona.
The resurgent righty has been anything but dominant in his last five starts, putting together a stat line that makes you want to cringe: 1-4, 28 innings, 7.07 ERA, three home runs, four hit-by-pitch.
In the 20 starts that came previously, Fausto was 10-7, 128.1 innings, 3.51 ERA, 50 walks, 71 strikeouts. Last season he spent a good deal of time in the Minors (46.1 innings), and his total number of innings pitched was only 171.2. This season he has thrown 156.1, but, as evidenced by his 28 innings in his last five starts, he is tiring.
The time is coming that the Tribe needs to slow down Fausto’s arm and get him ready for a restful off season. At just 26 years old, his is certainly a young arm that must be protected.
Stark’s got a clue
Sorry for the lack of posts since the draft. Things have been a bit wild around here.
As I mentioned (once or twice) I can’t help but think that the MLB draft is a terrible process for teams and players, and the whole system needs to be overhauled.
I’m not the only one who thinks so, and Jayson Stark actually has ideas, check ‘em out: Rumblings.
Draft Update: The death of it
Fifteen minutes to go, and we’re not much closer to having some real talent in the system. Oh, the system is broken, that’s why.
I’m not going to be able to keep up with the last few signings, so head over to www.MLBTradeRumors.com to see all the latest as it happens.
I’ll recap the whole thing tomorrow.
Draft Update: Pomeranz talking
Plain Dealer beat writer Paul Hoynes tweeted about an hour ago about Indians negotiations with top pick Drew Pomeranz:
Heard serious negotiations have just now started, 7:32 p.m. EDT, between Indians and No.1 pick Drew Pomeranz. Cld be a long night.
Despite the limiations that 140 characters put on him, the Tribe scribe seems to have struck the right chord. About three and a half hours left for signing to take place, hang on fans.
