It's the "if everything goes well" statement that threw me. I'm not saying I think they get there or that many things produce best outcome.

If the best-case scenario happens, we're going to have a lot of fun in KC this year.

I really hope Mendoza gets the #5 spot.

down to him or smith.

He has to be the 5th.

I agree... he showed it last year with solid work at th ML level, dominated AAA, and is putting up great numbers right now through spring training...

What more could the guy do to win a spot? Just kills me seeing guys like hochevar\Davies etc are given half a decade to prove they suck... yet it seems like others that just produce are given a half decade to prove themselves, yet Dayton continues to look for reasons to not give them that opportunity. Give me a break.

Mendoza is younger than Hochevar by about 6 weeks
http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/tea...an.jsp?c_id=kc

Actually, one of the scenarios that could have hurt us has already been resolved...moving Hochevar out of the rotation.

I didn't think GMDM had it in him.

Now, if they can do the right thing and go to Mendoza that would be best, IMO. The last start Chen had he got shelled, and Mendoza was sharp. Are the baseball gods finally smiling on Kansas City???

I was just waking up when I heard this, but I believe Mendoza pitched 5 shut-out innings yesterday.

Yes he did.

If mendoza replicated what he did last year, he would be a damned good #5. He ate 166 innings with a 4.23 ERA. He eats innings and gives you a chance to win with him on the mound.

I just don't get this 5th starter talk ... It's been obvious for quite some time now that Mendoza should be the 5th starter.

Screw the fact that we have to pay Chen and Hoch more money.

Mendoza should be the 5, but we should have better options later in the season coming up from Omaha.

Once Duffy and Paulino are ready post-TJ, I am not sure how we will adjust the rotation. Maybe deal a hot hand around ASB time?

I realize I'm a Bruce Chen apologist, of sorts, but I don't have a problem with him getting a look at the No. 5 spot.

Chen was very good for KC in 2011 and 2010. He was pretty bad in 2009. He's got a little more of a positive track record than Mendoza in KC. It makes sense to me that he'd get a shot to win the No. 5 job.

I think they stretched him out too much last year and asked him to pitch too many innings. Used a little more judiciously - and with a quicker hook - I think we can once again see the numbers he posted in 2011 and 2010.

His peripheral stats have actually improved each year he's been with KC. More Ks, fewer walks. Last year was not an exception.

Erwin Santana (if he turns around) could be dealt for the right price.