I agree in theory, but I think Lance will be back soon enough that Feliz won't have a chance to grow into that just yet. Maybe later on, or if there's another injury in the meantime..
Odds are something happens before LMJ comes back whether it be injury or sucking by a pitcher. I'm guessing that provided Feliz isn't sucking, he is on team when LMJ comes back. If everything goes perfectly, Feliz could be sent down, but that would be a nice problem to have.
Certainly makes sense, but in reality, I can't imagine them sending down any of the rostered pitchers for performance (except maybe Fields) that quickly. Out of the pen, they'd get what, maybe 6 or 7 appearances by then at most? Agree that it'd be a nice problem to have and that injuries may happen. Just think it's extremely likely that Feliz or Fields goes back.
I don't think anyone else gets sent down for performance...traded, released possible. There is a solid chance Feldman or Fister either get hurt or just can't pitch well enough to be on roster.
Fair, traded is possible. If Feldman or Fister (or Neshek, Sipp, Harris, etc.) are released due to inept pitching in the first 4-6 weeks, I will be pretty down and very surprised
The Astros are a little different with relief pitchers. Because of sample size a relief pitcher for the Astros could have good conventional numbers early and still get the hook by the organization. If someone isn't doing well in pen sessions l could see them sent down fairly quickly.
Any one incident is unlikely. The 12 opening day pitchers making it a month in the season without anything happening would be just as surprising.
Well damn, I took tomorrow off work to watch opening day but the weather forecast doesn't look like there will be a game. Tuesday is the only day without rain/snow in the forecast. They're going to be hard pressed to get in 3 games in these 4 days in NY.
Cold weather favors power pitchers as it is harder to control pitches, pitches get less movement, and fly balls don't travel as far (most power pitchers are fly ball pitchers).
Sounds like the league should consider putting the northern region teams on the road to start the season, not the warm weather ones.
Looking at the forecast, it looks like it going to rain all afternoon in NY Game time temp to be 51F http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USNY0996
