FanPost

The future of the #5 spot....

Though I am quite willing to listen to contrary opinions, I think tonight's game showed us what we have in Captain Kirk Sarloos: a pitcher who can be reasonably effective for 5 innings and/or 80 pitches, who then rapidly goes downhill afterwards. Given the youth of our rotation, is having such a pitcher in our rotation worthwhile, given the potential strain on the 'pen?

Of course, Sarloos is keeping the spot warm until Meyer is deemed ready. (Isn't there some sort of arbitration rule that makes the first hearing a year later if the player comes to the majors after May as opposed to before, like what happened to Dontrelle Willis? This might signal when we can expect Meyer.) Therefore, a solution outside the organization is unlikely.

A previous diary mentioned Duke as a possible starter, but his value to the bullpen and Meyer's impending arrival make such a move highly unlikely. How about putting Yabu in the rotation? Then, Kirk could pitch in 3-4 inning outings from the bullpen, a role in which he could be very effective.

This would of course depend on how effective Yabu could be as a starter. So what do you guys think: Give Yabu a shot, or keep Sarloos in the rotation?