[DeepSouth]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

General thoughts:

Service time concerns on Ventura are probably silly, anyway, since it's HIGHLY likely, IMO, that they are able to work out a contract extension for him quickly. Dayton mentioned Ventura specifically when talking about extending Salvy and Escobar and how it was easier with guys from Latin America who did not sign for huge amounts.

His service time issues are likely blown away when the Royals buy out 2-3 years of his free agency, anyway.

As for Duffy, working him out of the pen would not be an awful way to reduce his innings this season. Work him as the long man/6th/7th guy for the first few months of the season. Gradually increase his workload. Let him work on command and "put away" pitches.

Then, at some point, swap his role with Chen's (and piggy-back Chen on Danny while you stretch him out).

My only concern with putting Duffy in the pen is the Royals will probably loose another relief pitcher that is out of options.