Who should be the fifth man? I heard a lot of good things out of Redding in the minors then when he came up he didn't exactly blow up. Not to say he did poorly, he just wasn't that great. Maybe this year he is more accustomed to the majors and can do better. As for Hernandez, I heard his name mentioned a couple of times right before he came up. When he did pitch his first game he was outstanding. I think he only gave up like 1 hit. I was worried that it was just a little luck, but he did it again in the next game allowing like 3 hits. In his third start I don't think he did that great compared to his first 2 starts, but still was impressive. He also didn't do to bad at bat, hence the injury. Plus he's a lefty. Right now I have to go with Carlos if he's fully healed, but I haven't seen how Redding's improved. What do you think?
Personally, I think that Hernandez, Redding and Mlicki should all be competing for the final two spots. While Mlicki's pitching towards the end of last season, and his excellent NLDS game against the Braves were nice, his pitches and reportoire are still lacking in many areas, and I don't think he deserves to be simply handed a spot. I am hoping that Hernandez gets the 4th spot and Redding gets the 5th. Although in reality I think it will work out that Mlicki gets the 4th spot, Hernandez gets the 5th and Redding becomes our best long relief man. I really see Redding being more like Dotel right now. He has a blistering fastball, but not much else, and you can't really survive as a starting pitcher with just heat. But if Redding shows improvement with his other pitches and the ability to pitch into the 5th inning, by all means make him a starter over Mlicki, who I would say is definitely not in our long term plans.
I hope Hernandez gets it. He only gave up 2 runs last year in 3 or 4 games, and those were both after he hurt himself doing that base slide. Otherwise, he was absolutely perfect. I think he deserves a shot, regardless of how he does in spring training.
Exactly what Major said...I never felt real comfortable with Redding in there like I did with Hernandez. Eventually, they'll both be in the rotation but this year it should be Reynolds Miller Oswalt Hernandez Mlicki with Redding in the bullpen.
I think as people have pointed out, Hernandez is a little better right now. I did read that Redding was going to start using some kind of splitfinger fastball pitch that the Astros made him stop using in the minors. Apparently they didn't want him screwing up his arm with a splitfinger but now they're letting him experiment with it. We'll see how it goes I guess.
i think both hernandez and redding should be the 4 and 5 on the staff and miliki should go back to spot and long relief
Nitkowski, Franklin, Rodriguez and McElroy are all lefthanded. One of them, most likely Nitkowski or Rodriguez, will make the team unless another left hander is acquired.
Wilfredo Rodriguez makes me cringe every time he pitches . . . And based on their play, Hernandez has been better than Redding at every stop along the way, which isn't so much a slight at Redding as it is a commendation on Hernandez' ability, and downright vicious pitches. Wade Miller Roy Oswalt Carlos Hernandez Tim Redding Brad Lidge This team is sticked to the brim with good, young pitchers, all of whom have very high ceilings as future starters/relievers.
Rodriguez has only pitched 3 innings in the major leagues (2 appearances). Did you watch him at Round Rock?
Redding put up better numbers than Hernandez at Round Rock last year. Redding was shredding that league pretty good, that's why he was promoted to New Orleans.
Yes. He has good stuff, but its so sporadic, and so out of control it makes me cringe to watch it. He can go from striking out the side in one inning to walking 4 batters and giving up a pair of doubles in the next. He's still young enough to turn it around, but I still cringe when he pitches.
If only we hadn't give up Garcia and Halama for that one year wonder guy,...ummm...what was his name?....
hernandez totally blew me away with his confidence in his first start. he just doesn't seem to get rattled and i guess it helps when you don't let anyone get on base. even if him and redding perform equally in camp, he gets the nod simply because he's a lefty. i'm pretty sure the other guy will be sent to new orleans to get more pitching in rather than sit in the pen.
That´s the most exact description to Rodriguez I´ve seen. However, he showed a bit more consistency in Venezuela this season, maybe not enough, but definitely is a progress. I´m rooting for him for make team, but I think maybe starting the season in the minors could help him a lot.
Our starting pitching should be better than last year since the team is more seasoned...I am excited about Oswalt, Hernandez, and the rest of the staff...
Nomar, I suggest you go watch some Astros games unless you accidentally typed Rodriguez for Hernandez. Carlos has earned a rotation spot, no doubt. He has a quality fastball with excellent late life and a curve that rivals Barry Zito's as the best from a lefty in the game today. He also has no fear and knows how to pitch. This guy shouldn't even need to be in competition for his job if he's healthy-which he seems to be. I also believe redding should start, but for dave mlicki. I do not like dangerous dave one bit and he epitomizes mediocre. If I were Jimy, I start: Wade Miller Roy Oswalt Shane Reynolds Carlos Hernandez Tim Redding Mlicki would be my long relief specialist in the bullpen.
