FanPost

2011 Rotation Revisited


So, a while back, I posted a fanpost asking for yall's thoughts on the 2011 rotation. With Lee, Greinke, and Nolasco off the board, let's revisit this topic and try to keep everything in one thread.

Who makes the starting rotation to start the season? I have left Scooter Feldman off this list as he will not be healthy for opening day.

C.J. Wilson: Some people thought Scott Feldman was an answer for the ranger rotation after one solid year, so be weary of Wilson. That said, I think Wilson is head and shoulders above Feldman as the better pitcher. CJ should again be in the top 3 of our rotation next year.

Colby Lewis: Solid, and his WAR is a very good 4.3, we should see him in the top 3 of the rotation again in 2011.

Tommy Hunter: Solid, but nothing special. Would love to see him as our number 5 starter, but not too much more.

Derek Holland: He could be our number 3 or 4 starter going into next year. If he continues to be plagued by inconsistency (or injuries), say hello to Brandon McCarthy 2.0

So, that is what we have right now, and here's some guys you could be looking at in the rotation.

Michael Kirkman: Does he have the stuff to succeed at the big league level? I'd love to see him try to crack the rotation next season, but not until the middle of the year. Give him more innings and see if he holds up to the challenge.

Neftali Feliz: I for one do not want to see him try to crack the rotation. He simply doesn't have the secondary stuff. Also, imagine Feliz as the closer for the next 10 to 15 years. Imagine not having to worry about a blown save costing us a game every time we are in a close game (Frank Francisco, please take note of that last line). I for one would be happy with a shut down closer for the next decade.

Tanner Scheppers: Does he have the stuff to make a run at the rotation next season? Or does he go the CJ Wilson route and go through the pen and try a year or two down the road?

Brandon Webb: Conflicting reports about our interest in him. Missed two full seasons due to injury. Can he come back and be at least a LAIE?

Matt Harrison: Interesting guy here. Has been the long man for a while now. Personally, I'd love to see him get a shot at the rotation.

Seth McClung: I don't know much about him. Your thoughts? Career WAR of -0.8

Jeremy Bonderman: Was once pretty good for the Tigers. Posted a 6.1 WAR back in 2006, but has declined since. 0.9 WAR last season, and that was an improvement from 2009.

Alexi Ogando: A lot of folks want to see him in the rotation before Feliz. Since he came up, he's been electric in the pen. Great work last season, and hopefully we've only seen a glimpse of what he can do.