Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
Use him at the front end, and you keep those young starters fresh all year.
|
I'm in the minority, but I don't agree with this at all. While the evidence is spotty, I've noticed some real strong performances from Chen during the hotter months. He's had struggles with the early season over the past few years. I think his key value is to give the young arms a rest in the middle of the summer or when fatigue/deadarm sets in. I think a strong start is really important to this team and I think your best chance at a strong start involves both Duffy and Ventura forcing their way into the rotation from day one. Fifth starter will sit most of the first month anyway. I'd prefer that be Duffy over Ventura, so that he can be limited to about 150 innings this year.