2022 Starting Rotation Thread

[mvp 78]

The rotation is currently:

 

Eovaldi

Sale

Hill

Pivetta

Wacha/Houck/Whitlock

 

The rotation seems good enough to compete on paper and barring injury.

 

Will Sale regain his form somewhat or look how he did in 2021, which wasn't necessarily great?

 

Who becomes the 5th starter?

 

Can they expect anything from Paxton in the 2nd half? Should they just put Paxton in the pen for this year?

[moonslav59]

If we sign McHugh, I'd feel better about moving Whitlock to the rotation, but I'd start with Wacha as the #5, assuming ST'ing goes okay.

[notin]

If we sign McHugh, I'd feel better about moving Whitlock to the rotation, but I'd start with Wacha as the #5, assuming ST'ing goes okay.

 

Wacha signed for $7mill. The Sox aren’t paying him that much to pitch in long relief and mop up roles…

[moonslav59]

Wacha signed for $7mill. The Sox aren’t paying him that much to pitch in long relief and mop up roles…

 

Agreed. Even with McHugh, I'd try to start the season with Houck & Whitlock in the pen, if at all possible.

 

What's the chances Seabold, Winckowski or someone else moves into the rotation, if someone falters?

[mvp 78]

Wacha signed for $7mill. The Sox aren’t paying him that much to pitch in long relief and mop up roles…

 

We'll see. I think they'll slot guys based on performance, not based on price tag.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

We'll see. I think they'll slot guys based on performance, not based on price tag.

 

How about this price: Duran for Manea? The Trade Simulator calls it a minor overpay... by Boston.

[mvp 78]

How about this price: Duran for Manea? The Trade Simulator calls it a minor overpay... by Boston.

 

I'm fine with it. I'd do the deal and then extend Manea.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I'm fine with it. I'd do the deal and then extend Manea.

 

The other option that was accepted: Dalbec, Downs and Duran for Montas.

[mvp 78]

The other option that was accepted: Dalbec, Downs and Duran for Montas.

 

Ok. Additional year of control is nice. Dalbec has a replacement in the system. Downs hasn't even succeeded in AAA yet.

[mvp 78]

@jcmccaffrey

Bloom said they took Whitlock in the Rule 5 draft with the expectation he’d be a starter.

Talked to Dave Bush yesterday about the process of starting to stretch out Whitlock. He’s hoping to get him to 3-4 innings by end of spring.

[Old Red]

We'll see. I think they'll slot guys based on performance, not based on price tag.

 

Not to start the season?

[mvp 78]

Agreed. Even with McHugh, I'd try to start the season with Houck & Whitlock in the pen, if at all possible.

 

What's the chances Seabold, Winckowski or someone else moves into the rotation, if someone falters?

 

Seabold? Close to zero. He was terrible at AAA last season with diminished stuff. Maybe he has a spot start or two, but more likely that would go to Kutter.

 

Winckowski could see some time depending on how he is pitching in AAA. Only has 12 innings above AA. He's got some work to do to be in that conversation though.

[mvp 78]

Not to start the season?

 

Spring Training matters.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Ok. Additional year of control is nice. Dalbec has a replacement in the system. Downs hasn't even succeeded in AAA yet.

 

Forward to GM BOH ASAP!

 

(O'Halloran has been in a few front offices that went for it)

[Old Red]

Spring Training matters.

 

Not with a shortened version this year.

[mvp 78]

I think it matters even more.

[Old Red]

I think it matters even more.

 

Think what you want, but it is most likely going to be a cluster either way. I think they should have scrapped the 162, and had the regular length ST, and then picked up from there.

[mvp 78]

Think what you want, but it is most likely going to be a cluster either way. I think they should have scrapped the 162, and had the regular length ST, and then picked up from there.

 

I agree. 150 games or less would have made more sense.

[notin]

We'll see. I think they'll slot guys based on performance, not based on price tag.

 

Right now all performances are equal.

 

And Wacha has a lengthy track record both good and bad that inspired his short term deal.

 

He’ll start the year in the rotation, barring injury…

[mvp 78]

Right now all performances are equal.

 

And Wacha has a lengthy track record both good and bad that inspired his short term deal.

 

He’ll start the year in the rotation, barring injury…

 

I'm currently reaching out to Jeff Gillooly.

[notin]

I'm currently reaching out to Jeff Gillooly.

 

I say let Wacha pitch a little first. Bloom has earned some credibility and he must have seen something of promise in Wacha.

 

Also Sean Payton would be more accessible…

[moonslav59]

Seabold? Close to zero. He was terrible at AAA last season with diminished stuff.

 

 

Terrible?

 

AAA

54 IP

4.00 ERA

1.14 WHIP

.667 OPS Against

 

Did you mean he sucked in the Fall League?

[mvp 78]

Terrible?

 

AAA

54 IP

4.00 ERA

1.14 WHIP

.667 OPS Against

 

Did you mean he sucked in the Fall League?

 

Terrible in terms of him throwing 5 mph slower than he was when thought he'd be a SP for us. From SoxProspects: "Needs velocity and feel for changeup to return to reach his ceiling. With diminished velocity projects more as a spot-starter or low-end number five type."

[mvp 78]

You can just scout the boxscores if you want, but that's less than ideal.

[mvp 78]

I say let Wacha pitch a little first. Bloom has earned some credibility and he must have seen something of promise in Wacha.

 

Also Sean Payton would be more accessible…

 

Last year's rotation started the year with Richards and Perez. I'm fine with not going that route again.

[moonslav59]

Last year's rotation started the year with Richards and Perez. I'm fine with not going that route again.

 

Lightening does strike twice, sometimes.

[Swiharts Ghost]

Could we see a trade for a starter still ?

[Old Red]

Could we see a trade for a starter still ?

 

Bloom has already picked up 3 starters, so why do you think he’d trade for more?

[Nick]

No to trading Duran, Dalbec or Downs.

 

None has shown me that they won't succeed in majors. Do you honestly think Duran has been given a fair shot?

 

We'll wish we have Downs when Xander opts out and Devers sign elsewhere.

 

Dalbec and Casas can be in the same lineup.

 

Do you think Verdugo, Kike and JBJ is enough? Duran can't hit less than JBJ.

 

No to trading our younger players.

[moonslav59]

Bloom has already picked up 3 starters, so why do you think he’d trade for more?

 

I seriously doubt he does, but there are a few scenarios...

 

1) Move Wacha or Hill to the pen.

2) Assume someone will be on the IL

3) Trade Pivetta while his stock is high---a la Renfroe

 

Again, I don't see it happening, but I'm always thinking about upgrading the rotation.