I see more teams giving young pitchers 1-2 years in the bullpen to hone their craft before being given a big league rotation spot. Drew Smyly, Tanner Scheppers, Kevin Gausman, and Hector Santiago are some of the most recent examples of this development strategy.
So who are the most likely current middle relievers to see an attempt at an SP conversion?
My personal faves:
Brandon Workman - Put up solid numbers in the pen in 2013. If he can take those numbers to the next level, I bet he gets a shot in the rotation before the end of the year.
Drew Pomeranz - Fresh start going from one of the worst parks to pitch in to one of the best. Really dominated in spring training, and could similarly get a shot at the rotation if he performs in the pen.
Brandon Maurer? I'm not too familiar with his upside, but he pitches in a good park.
Brad Peacock? - Not sure if he's in the Astros plans to start again. Jason Collette was counted among his believers, as I thought he had figured things out towards the end of last season... Seems way more valuable in the rotation, but too many moving pieces in Houston to have confidence. Stock is at an all-time low, so there are surely worse $1 stashes.
Adam Warren? - Yankee rotation would need to implode for him to get a chance, but it could happen. Not sure he'd impress enough to keep a rotation spot long term though.
Any others I'm missing in the AL? Who are the NL guys that fit this mold?
So who are the most likely current middle relievers to see an attempt at an SP conversion?
My personal faves:
Brandon Workman - Put up solid numbers in the pen in 2013. If he can take those numbers to the next level, I bet he gets a shot in the rotation before the end of the year.
Drew Pomeranz - Fresh start going from one of the worst parks to pitch in to one of the best. Really dominated in spring training, and could similarly get a shot at the rotation if he performs in the pen.
Brandon Maurer? I'm not too familiar with his upside, but he pitches in a good park.
Brad Peacock? - Not sure if he's in the Astros plans to start again. Jason Collette was counted among his believers, as I thought he had figured things out towards the end of last season... Seems way more valuable in the rotation, but too many moving pieces in Houston to have confidence. Stock is at an all-time low, so there are surely worse $1 stashes.
Adam Warren? - Yankee rotation would need to implode for him to get a chance, but it could happen. Not sure he'd impress enough to keep a rotation spot long term though.
Any others I'm missing in the AL? Who are the NL guys that fit this mold?
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