The Pirates 5th Starter
Alright so the race is heating up for the Pirates 5th spot in the rotation. The two battling for the job in spring training are Jeff Karstens and Virgil Vasquez. Neither of these guys have been fairing well in camp.
Karstens had a great stretch with the Pirates last summer, he had a series of great starts, including one near no hitter, but then fell apart late in the year. He finished 2-6 with a 4.03 ERA. Now that ERA is completely acceptable for a 5th starter (for the Pirates at least), but there is no signs that say he will be able to replicate it.
As for Vasquez, this guy really has nothing. I don’t understand why he is even in the race. I guess it’s because he is one of the only guys who can throw a lot of innings and has actually faced big league hitters. Vasquez is fairly young, he’s 26 years old. He has only been in the majors once, and that was in 2007 with the Tigers. There he pitched 16.7 (I’m not sure how that number works out… I’m guessing that translates to 18 & 1/3), he gave up 27 hits, 7 HR, 5 walks, had an ERA 8.64, all while striking out only 7 batters. Terrible numbers.
Picking a starter out of camp is not the only option, thankfully. There have been talks about Jeff Niemann or Jason Hammel from the Rays, whichever one gets cuts and released (they are both out of options). Also, I have heard rumors about Kyle Kendrick from the Phillies. I am extremely doubtful on the Kendrick thing, although he is definitely be the best pitcher mentioned here. I’d like to say that I have confidence in the Pirates signing the pitcher that the Rays discard, but honestly, knowing the Pirates, I don’t see it happening. Who knows, my fingers are crossed.
If it really does come down between Karstens and Vasquez, I am pulling for Karstens. I don’t like either guy, but Karstens just makes more sense to me.
mlblogseatsleepmlb
I’m obviously pulling for Karstens. I liked him when he was with the Yankees, and I hope that he enjoys major league success. To answer your question, Johnny Damon is locked in at left field for the Yanks. Rest assured that he’ll be part of the regular lineup. The Yanks need him too much. My Phillies friends are not too high on Kyle Kendrick. It would be great to see the Pirates in the playoffs again…
Scott
http://fotr.mlblogs.com
It’ll be Karstens to me it is kind of obvious. Also please sign my letter to Bud Selig!
Bob, http://bostonsports.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/03/baseball_bucks.html
I think the Pirates should definitely pick up anyone who gets let go just to have more options. It’s always great to have extra pitching.
Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
Well its official…ITS KARSETNS. Personally I would have liked to see Ohlendorf get the spot
http://pittpeas.mlblogs.com