A Flock of Bluebirds 2042.5- Checking the Locks: Starting Pitchers

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Hat tip to Edmonton's Chris Robillard who introduced this awesome format.

Sure Fire Locks (5):
RHP: Eru Likiliki
LHP: Chin Kim
RHP: Freddy Delgado
LHP: Hao Kun
RHP: Elliot Buckland

These five are set in stone going into Spring Training. The only issue right now is the health of Likiliki, who strained his elbow in his first spring start and is projected to miss 3-4 weeks. If he recovers in time he could still make the Opening Day roster but it seems more likely he'll get a rehab start or two with Orlando (AAA) to get him in shape after the layoff. Kim was the most consistent of the Nashville starters last season. Kun was maddening after coming over via trade from California, and he'll need to pitch well early to keep his spot. Because of that, the Bluebirds signed Delgado late in the offseason to what is, essentially, a one year prove it deal. Buckland comes back from missing damn near all of 2041 and will get every opportunity to make his comeback story a great one.

Near Locks (1):
LHP: Gerald Abbott
With Likiliki expected to miss at least his first start of the year, Abbott seems likely to make the Opening Day roster for the second year in a row. This time, though, he'll be starting games. Two outstanding Spring Training starts to open camp have not hurt his cause.

Trying To Break In (2):
RHP: Pedro Sanchez
RHP: Roman Sanchez

The "Sanchez Brothers" are the top two minor league starters currently on the 40 man roster, even though neither has a path to the bigs right now.

Breaking In The Back Door (NRI) (2):
RHP: Juan Ruiz
RHP: Chris Moran

Two of the Bluebirds' top pitching prospects, both Ruiz and Moran are in camp for some exposure.