D Disagree about France. He is AAA depth once he's healthy. Walter and Alexander have passed him. Neris will remain the last guy in the bullpen the rest of the year, until/unless a roster crunch means they must let him go. They like the intangibles that much, and last guy in the bullpen is not exactly the starting catcher. Too many guys out of options to put anyone like Santos or Alexander, w/ options, in the bullpen. And don't forget McCullers needs to be on 26 man when his rehab stint ends.
I don’t think France is anywhere near guaranteed a roster spot. He wasn’t that great before he got hurt, he still can be optioned, and he hasn’t pitched in over a year. Framber, Brown, Arrighetti, and now Javier are healthy SP locks for the roster. Arrighetti and Javier will get 5-6 more turns minimum unless they get hurt, regardless of how effective they are. Alexander has been pitching too well to remove from the rotation; he will get at least 3 more turns regardless of how effective he is, more if he keeps pitching well. Walter will be back in the rotation when he returns but he will have to go on rehab so he’s at least 3 weeks away. I have no expectations of McCullers pitching again this season. Hader, Abreu, King, Sousa, and Okert are locks for the bullpen. De Los Santos, Neris, and Ort are RP on the bubble. My guess is Garcia and Dubin will replace 2 of them next weekend. My hope for a Sept/playoff pitching staff is: SP: Valdez, Brown, Arrighetti, Walter, Javier RP: Garcia, Alexander, Dubin, Okert, King, Sousa, Abreu, Hader
It always felt like there was some smoke and mirrors going on with France in terms of results vs the underlying stuff. He has a career FIP of close to 5 and a WHIP of 1.41. He covered a lot of needed innings in 2023, but I don’t see him having a lock on a starting spot coming back.
I agree France is probably the biggest question mark. That gives Alexander a chance to stick. I knew i was forgetting someone, McCullers still in witness protection program, however.
Yep I'm in 100% agreement. I think we've seen the last of McCullers this year. And we'll never get an honest answer as to why. We'll know why, but they won't admit it to us.
Im still skeptical on Javier. He's still a 2 pitch pitcher and if his fastball aint right, it might be a long night. Here's to hoping for the best.
