Porcello thoughts

by pfuhrmeister on Mar 13, 2009 9:28 AM EDT

The more I think about this, the more I think he should start the season with the big league club.

Why?

Well, for one, let's say he's only worth 150 total innings this season. If he starts at Toledo and pitches 50 fantastic innings, then when they get ready to call him up, he's only got 100 innings left.

Second - There's really nothing to lose (except maybe Willis and Robertson) by having him start with the Tigers. If he can't handle the pressure, go ahead and send him down.

Third - Take advantage of off days. Use the five man rotation, but when there's a day off, let Porcello have a breather. That way you don't burn him out too soon.

Fourth - Use a spot starter if he needs a break. Bring in one of the long relievers once a month and let him throw a few innings.

I guess my point here is that I feel that people have been looking at this as an all or nothing idea. And from that angle, it can be a difficult decison. But when I look at this way, it's really an easy one. Bring him up, give him a shot, and if he can't do it, then he'll be a bit more seasoned when he comes back up next time.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff.

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my only problem with that approach is that – I think – Porcello will be on a strict pitch count <85 pitches. It’s very hard to help a major league baseball club only throwing 85 pitches a week. It would work out where Leyland would have to hold relievers back in order to have enough to pitch (at least) innings 5/6 – 9 of every fifth game. Granted, if he selects Willis or Robertson he’ll probably need his bullpen to pitch innings 2 – 9 of every fifth game, but that’s another story…

by TigerFaninDC on Mar 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

I looked this up

and Galarraga’s average pitch count per game was about 90. So 85 really isn’t that much off from 90. And if he’s getting batters to put the ball in play, he could very well have more efficient innings.

Mack Avenue Tigers

by Kurt Mensching on Mar 15, 2009 6:16 PM EDT reply actions

Contract concerns...

…may render baseball concerns moot. If he’s on the minor league roster for 12 games, we delay his free agency by a year. The Rays did this last year with Evan Longoria. (They then rendered it somewhat moot by signing him to a contract until after the end of his arb period.) If he’s on the minor league roster for 2 months, we delay it by another year, as I understand it.

This might not matter as much normally, but remember that he’s a Scott Boras client — there will be no “current team discount”.

I don't want to hear any weak sh*t from Jason Grilli.

by cherub_daemon on Mar 16, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

I think that....

….If willis struggles as the 5th starter come may Porcelo is the man……I think he needsto go down to the minors and make 4 or 5 starts at least. then if he shows promise and Willis struggles……We will see him in Detroit.

by BennieBladesFan on Mar 19, 2009 10:52 AM EDT reply actions