5th Starter?

[randyf10]

It is still very early, but it is looking like Turner is quickly pitching his way out of any chance for the 5th spot. I think Oliver and Smyly have looked the best , so far, but now Oliver needs too move up and pitch in the first 3 or 4 innings to get some innings against the major leaguers. What do you think and who will win the spot or do we need to go find someone?

 

[mjsb2]

Oliver shouldn't even be given a look.

I'd rather Below than him.

 

[Rebbiv]

Right now I believe the 5th spot is between Below and Wilk. Below will probably get it out of ST, but I see Wilk making the team also.

 

[kingofdetroit57]

Any chance Crosby is in the mix? I haven't gotten to see any of the ST games, but I've heard he's looked great.

 

[Thumb]

Below has an advantage in experience and maturity over the others, but he's not going to get anyone excited.

I think that's what we need in a 5th starter, just a left-handed workhorse who can hopefully eat innings and keep his ERA 4.00 or under.

The advantage is if Below does not work out, we have 2 or 3 other viable options without having to throw Turner into the fire before he's ready.

 

[jimrice]

Below has an advantage in experience and maturity over the others, but he's not going to get anyone excited.

I think that's what we need in a 5th starter, just a left-handed workhorse who can hopefully eat innings and keep his ERA 4.00 or under.

The advantage is if Below does not work out, we have 2 or 3 other viable options without having to throw Turner into the fire before he's ready.

A workhorse lefthander that can keep his ERA under 4.00 would make about 12 million on the free agent market. I think you might be setting the bar a little too high.

How about "better than Penny was in 2011"?

 

[Thumb]

Except we're not talking about free agents, we're talking about rookie prospects, and notice I said "hopefully", as in what we need, not what we might get.

 

[sggatecl]

One of the perks of being 90 minutes from Lakeland is getting to see spring training first hand.

I'm no scout but from my seat, Oliver looks really strong for that fifth spot. Control has been above average at worst all spring. Turner looks lost.

 

[turok]

Well, I would hazard a guess that unless the Tigers are extremely fortunate and whoever "wins" the 5th spot and goes north with the team, can then pitch his spot for nearly the entire season (except September, when roster expansion occurs) OR they intend/decide to rotate/platoon/promote/demote two or more pitchers back and forth from Toledo, the club will still be seeking a 5th starter in a trade prior to the deadline, with the degree of desperation/urgency based on how well he (or they) pitch, dictating how soon or when a trade or trades might occur.

 

[Mitchrapp]

I still wish we'd gotten a vet 5th starter. None of these guys do anything for me. And Turner doesn't even look like he belongs on a minor league team. I know he's young but chances last season, ST -- he better pick it up. For a top 30 MLB prospect I was expecting better.

 

[Rebbiv]

AA + AAA Stats

Turner (20) 3.27 xFIP 1.16 WHIP 3.14 SO/BB

Wilk (24) 3.66 xFIP 1.06 WHIP 4.74 SO/BB

Oliver (24) 3.85 xFIP 1.43 WHIP 2.02 SO/BB

Below (26) 3.98 xFIP 1.28 WHIP 2.41 SO/BB

Crosby (23) 4.12 xFIP 1.51 WHIP 1.57 SO/BB


At 26, this is the year that Below stops being a prospect. It is do or die.

 

[lonesometiger]

Tonight game will be the 12th game of ST. And there will be 13 ST games after it. So depends on how you look at it, one could say half way point tonight.
Leyland still has not made up his mind on a 5th starter? and really there are still games to be played. But the Starters that are going north need to start going more innings in their Games. And really the rotation needs to start being set for the start of thee season. However As I read things the last ST game is the26th of March and the first season game is April 5Th. So setting up the rotation should not be a problem. still that 5 man rotation needs to addressed soon.
IMO Turner has to put up in his next outing or it's, next season all ready. Oliver has looked good but needs to start in the first inning now.
rebbiv makes a find point about Below @ 26, but Oliver and Wilk @ 24 are getting at the crossroad as well. Wilk's should make the team in the pen as well and really Below could as well.
IMO the locks are Verlander, Scherzer, Porcello, Fister, Valverde, Dotel, Coke, and Benoit. Schlereth,Balester, and Alburquerque,Question here is he healthy?, are in unless something goes south. That puts the bubble on Crosby he's done OK, Oliver, Question here would this be his 3rd option should he make the 25 man roster?/is that a factor?, Smyly,he's work his way into the mix now, Turner now a ? mark, Villarreal, and Wilk.
Below gets the start tonight, IMO this could be a big one, as time is getting shorter now.

 

[lonesometiger]

Tonight game will be the 12th game of ST. And there will be 13 ST games after it. So depends on how you look at it, one could say half way point tonight.
Leyland still has not made up his mind on a 5th starter? and really there are still games to be played. But the Starters that are going north need to start going more innings in their Games. And really the rotation needs to start being set for the start of thee season. However As I read things the last ST game is the26th of March and the first season game is April 5Th. So setting up the rotation should not be a problem. still that 5 man rotation needs to addressed soon.
IMO Turner has to put up in his next outing or it's, next season all ready. Oliver has looked good but needs to start in the first inning now.
rebbiv makes a find point about Below @ 26, but Oliver and Wilk @ 24 are getting at the crossroad as well. Wilk's should make the team in the pen as well and really Below could as well.
IMO the locks are Verlander, Scherzer, Porcello, Fister, Valverde, Dotel, Coke, and Benoit. Schlereth,Balester, and Alburquerque,Question here is he healthy?, are in unless something goes south. That puts the bubble on Crosby he's done OK, Oliver, Question here would this be his 3rd option should he make the 25 man roster?/is that a factor?, Smyly,he's work his way into the mix now, Turner now a ? mark, Villarreal, and Wilk.
Below gets the start tonight, IMO this could be a big one, as time is getting shorter now.

Fister's injury has now put something into the mix now? IMO Below did a fine job Saturday and by using him he is now set up in the rotation order that the Tigers can use him in Fister starts, until Fister return.