Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine
The Jays' starting rotation, be it five-man or four-man, figures to see major changes in the immediate future, says the Toronto Sun. Halladay is confirmed as the ace, Lidle will provide useful innings, and Escobar will be in the rotation until he's dealt or his arm falls off. But Mark Hendrickson has been getting lit up lately (13 runs in his last 2 starts, 29 hits in his last 18 IP), and Doug Davis has been tentative and has gone 6 innings just once since his wins over Anaheim. Tanyon Sturtze apparently isn't going to a second chance as a starter, so Corey Thurman's name is now bring floated as the next candidate.

Those who read my dispatch from Thurman's last AAA start know that I came away less than impressed, but in truth, his mediocre start against the Lynx broke a string of solid outings throughout mid-May and June. Is he ready for the big leagues? I think he's about as ready now as he would be in August, but not as ready as he'd be next April. But Toronto needs starting help now, and Corey's education can continue at the major-league level without too much disruption. If he comes up now, don't expect miracles -- but do expect to see a better pitcher than either of the two lefties he could displace.
Rotating Rotation | 5 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
_Chuck Van Den C - Tuesday, June 10 2003 @ 01:49 PM EDT (#100443) #
Any idea why Thurman is averaging pitching so few innings per start?
_Jurgen - Tuesday, June 10 2003 @ 01:58 PM EDT (#100444) #
HIJACK ALERT:

Neyer's All-Time Lineups are out, and here's what he's got for the Jays:

DH Molitor
C Whitt
1B Delgado
2B Alomar
SS Fernandez
3B Gruber
LF Bell
CF Moseby
RF Barfield
SP Stieb
SP Key
SP Hentgen
SP Clancy
RP Henke

The lineup is basically identical to the club that Spicol assembled to face the Yankees. (Delgado instead of Olerud, which I think is the right call--even before Carlos morphed into Bonds.)

But those pitchers... No Clemens for Neyer, which is odd considering he often lets other clubs claim visiting superstars as their own. (Neyer lets SD claim Alomar as one of their own, despite only playing three seasons there of 100 OPS+ ball.) I think Neyer's Jays team is closer to the "best representative", rather than "All Time Best".
Pistol - Tuesday, June 10 2003 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#100445) #
The starting pitching dilemma, in regards to Thurman, will be interesting to watch.

JP continually points to 2005 as the target. The issue that needs to be looked at is whether Thurman will be a better pitcher in 2005 if he’s called up now or if he’ll be a better pitcher in 2005 if he’s given more time in the minors.

I think the consensus is that Thurman would benefit from starting in Syracuse the entire year so that he can develop a third pitch. If that’s the case you have to leave him in Syracuse until he’s ready, even if he’s better today than both Hendrickson or Davis (or anyone else that might start).
_Jordan - Tuesday, June 10 2003 @ 03:19 PM EDT (#100446) #
There's now a separate thread on the all-time Jays lineup.
_S.K. - Wednesday, June 11 2003 @ 12:22 AM EDT (#100447) #
I think it will be interesting to see how JP handles the rotation situation (I swear that wasn't supposed to rhyme). It's becoming increasingly obvious that quality is needed beyond Doc and Lidle, but bringing up Thurman or another prospect would violate the organization policy of "sticking to the plan" (which I whole-heartedly approve of).
Davis was a good junkheap pick-up, but he didn't work out - that's the risk you take when you shop at the thrift shop. So, what now? Bring up prospects and risk damaging them, or try to trade for a vet (which would of course use up more prospects)? Too bad we don't have any hacking third-basemen to deal away...
Rotating Rotation | 5 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.