Fifth Starter?

[Tadasimha]

Dusty seems to be taking his own sweet time deciding on a fifth starter. According to cnati.com, the 5th starter spot is a three horse race between Aroldis Chapman, Mike Leake and Travis Wood. Chapman and Leake have NO minor league experience at all, while Wood has been in the system for a couple of seasons. All three have pitched really well this spring.

Surprisingly, Micah Owings has been effectively removed as an option to start, being kept for long relief work (and his bat). Last season he finished in this role after starting earlier in the year.

I'd like to have the lineup firmed up since opening day is only a week away! If it was up to me, Chapman and Leake would pitch in AA for at least three starts, then probably move up to AAA until the mid-point of the season when a call up might be in order. Wood has earned the shot with his time in the minors already.

[gman5431]

No reason to hurry when it comes to selecting a fifth starter. With the off day in the first week we won't need a fifth started until April 14th. Its funny how coming into spring it was assumed Owings and Lehr would be front runners for the spot. As you mentioned it definately appears Owings is slated for long relief (which kind of sucks because we lose our best pinch hitter, or at least some flexibility on when/how to use him - but i agree its not enough to overlook his lack of pitching skill).

I've always wanted to see Aroldis get the spot, but i think this is very unlikely due to the financial impact (arbitration eligible earlier if he starts season in the bigs). I would be in favor of Leake, even though he hasnt thrown a minor league inning, he awed scouts in the AZ Fall League and its not like he was drafted out of high school (he was a jr. at AZ St when the Reds got him). Don't know a lot about Wood, but with the money we have committed to the first two i'd like to see them get the spot.

G Rizzle

[gman5431]

Chapman likely headed to the minors. The back issue he had gave the management the excuse they needed to make that move. Looks like today may go a long way in deciding the fifth starters spot, if you believe in an open tryout. Wood is pitching against the Dodgers in Vegas and Leake is facing the A's in Phoenix.

G Rizzle

[Tadasimha]

It's a nice problem to have, when you think about it, for the Reds to have such solid options and prospects in their pitching for the first time in a long time.

[gman5431]

It's a nice problem to have, when you think about it, for the Reds to have such solid options and prospects in their pitching for the first time in a long time.

Preach on. Got to be excited about the potential of the Reds pitching staff going forward. With Harangatang and Arroyo coming of the books this off season, there will be spots open for the young arms and hopefully some cash to keep them.

G Rizzle

[Tadasimha]

Mike Leake has been awarded the fifth starters spot (the first to jump straight from college to the majors since Dan Driefort in '94). Both Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman have been sent to AAA Louisville to start the season.

[gman5431]

Glad Leake got it. Lets see how he does when he makes his pro debut on Sunday.

G Rizzle

[stejay]

Leake will have it.....until Chapman is ready, and he will then lose it IMO

[gman5431]

Leake wont lose his spot unless he is getting hit around. If he is solid then Chapman will remain in majors until a spot opens up due to injury, ineffectiveness, or trade.

G Man

[Dick Groat's syndrome]

I feel that the best case scenario involves Leake pitching well (league average or so), Chapman tearing up the minors, and Harang remaining serviceable through the All-Star Break. Let Jocketty deal Harang and bring up Chapman to take over the role of the fifth starter. Depending how well the Reds are doing as a team, maybe Jocketty would also consider trading Arroyo.

[Tadasimha]

I feel that the best case scenario involves Leake pitching well (league average or so), Chapman tearing up the minors, and Harang remaining serviceable through the All-Star Break. Let Jocketty deal Harang and bring up Chapman to take over the role of the fifth starter. Depending how well the Reds are doing as a team, maybe Jocketty would also consider trading Arroyo.

I can't see Arroyo being moved this season unless the team has hit the skids. His work in his first outing against the Cardinals was very impressive, the best pitching from any of the Reds starters we've seen so far.

[gman5431]

I can't see Arroyo being moved this season unless the team has hit the skids. His work in his first outing against the Cardinals was very impressive, the best pitching from any of the Reds starters we've seen so far.

But you both said it exactly, if the Reds are in contention, they stick with what they have and improve it by brining up Chapman (if someone is struggling). If they arent in contention, they deal Harangatang or Arroyo, or both because its very likely that neither will be here next year.

G Rizzle

[Tadasimha]

But you both said it exactly, if the Reds are in contention, they stick with what they have and improve it by brining up Chapman (if someone is struggling). If they arent in contention, they deal Harangatang or Arroyo, or both because its very likely that neither will be here next year.

G Rizzle

So we did - didn't read that very clearly, did I? Sorry for the extra post!

[gman5431]

So we did - didn't read that very clearly, did I? Sorry for the extra post!

I didnt mean it in a negative way - you were both right on point. Hopefully they are in first and there is no reason to trade anyone.

G Rizzle

[Dick Groat's syndrome]

Honestly, I would like to see the team deal either Harang or Arroyo for another hitter, but that's probably just me.

[Tadasimha]

Honestly, I would like to see the team deal either Harang or Arroyo for another hitter, but that's probably just me.

Maybe Harang for a better hitting coach instead?

[gman5431]

One thing we can agree on, especially if the season turns south, one of those two guys is probably going to be dealt.

G Man

[Dick Groat's syndrome]

Maybe Harang for a better hitting coach instead?

We can only dream...

[Tadasimha]

We can only dream...

After last nights' performance, they'd be lucky to get a bucket of balls and a few rosen bags for Harang. I was really hoping he'd come back strong this season after the last two, but I'm thinking he may not have it in him to be a starter anymore. Perhaps he should go to the pen for long relief and they could bring up Woods to start?