It may take a few more years before the zen of Rick Peterson wears off on me. There were no simple solutions and no easy answers for the complexities of putting together a starting rotation.
New pitching coach Dan Warthen, doesn’t worry about such things anymore. He may not be in touch with his inner self, and may not have an otherworldly connection with any of his pitchers, but I like his style.
David Lennon of Newsday, gives us a glimpse into the common sense approach of Dan Warthen and the starting rotation.
“The real questions are Pelfrey and Maine,” Warthen said yesterday. “One of them becomes the No. 2 and one of them becomes the No. 4.”
That’s because of Perez, who is being paid like a No. 2 but must be dropped to third to avoid pitching the lefthander the day after Santana, the only other lefty in the rotation.
To determine where Pelfrey and Maine fit, all Warthen really needed was a media guide. Pelfrey is 1-1 with a 4.43 ERA against the Reds and 1-5 with a 6.12 ERA against the Marlins (0-4 with a 7.11 ERA last season). Maine is 0-3 with a 9.88 ERA against Cincinnati and 3-1 with a 2.75 ERA against Florida.
“Now go ahead and figure it out,” Warthen said, smiling.
Here is how they lineup to start the season barring any injuries or unforseen changes.
1. Johan Santana vs. CIN at Cin 0-0 11.25
2. Mike Pelfrey vs. CIN at Cin 1-0 4.85
3. Oliver Perez vs. CIN at Cin 4-2 3.91
4. John Maine vs. FLA at Fla 2-0 3.22
5. Tim Redding vs. FLA at Fla 3-1 3.82
