With 4 spots in the rotation locked down, all eyes are on the competition for the 5th spot. Will the incumbent hold on to it? Will a newcomer grab it? Will someone from the farm shine in Spring Training? We have 2 more weeks to answer these questions.
The Contenders
Incumbent - Quintiliano Rodeia - Last year’s 5th starter is fighting to hold on to his job. Rodeo has been in the rotation for 2 years and is 17-21, 5.16 ERA. Those numbers explain why there is a competition for his spot this year. Additionally, Rodeo has pitched better in his relief opportunities then he has as a starter so that may be his better slot.
Perennial Prospect - Tokimasha Ihara - This lefty from Hiroshima has been a top prospect in the Calgary system for what seems like forever. Many expected him to get his shot last year, but he was terrible in Spring Training and was given another season at AAA. The big question is will he be good enough against right handed hitters. He kills lefties and like Rodeia may be better positioned in the bullpen. He will get a full look in camp this year.
Newcomer #1 - Chris Thomas - A free agent signing, with an April opt out, Thomas was viewed mainly as a reliever. He has 3 okay pitches, but probably not the stuff or movement to make it as a BBA starter. He will get his shot, but it is more likely that he will start the season in AAA and serve as injury insurance if needed.
Newcomer #2 - Demy Mouwen - This lefty was signed as a reliever, but new pitching coach urged the team to give him a shot at the rotation. The veteran spent 6 seasons with Mexico City before signing a 2 year deal with Calgary. He has the stamina to start and has better pitches then Thomas, but like him he may not have the stuff and movement to cut it in the rotation.
Ace Reliever - Carlos GranadosCarlos Granados - Over the past 2 seasons he has proven to be one of the most reliable members of the Calgary bullpen. He has faltered when given the chance to start in the past, but if the team isn’t sold on anyone else he could swap places with Rodeia this year.
Spring Training Stats
Odds | Player | GS | IP | Record | ERA | WHIP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40% | Rodeia | 2 | 6.2 | 0-1 | 5.40 | 1.65 |
25% | Ihara | 3 | 11.1 | 1-1 | 5.56 | 1.68 |
15% | Mouwen | 2 | 8 | 0-2 | 6/75 | 1.00 |
15% | Granados | 0 | 6.1 | 0-0 | 2.84 | 0.95 |
5% | Thomas | 3 | 11 | 0-3 | 6.55 | 1.82 |
With the rest of the rotation needing to get starts, the team will have to decide which 2 of these guys gets starts during the remainder of Spring Training and who gets evaluated out of the pen.