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Sunday, July 06, 2008

MLB.com: Van Benschoten to fill Gorzelanny’s spot

Tom Gorzelanny’s loss serves to potentially be John Van Benschoten’s gain. With the Pirates’ decision to option Gorzelanny to Triple-A on Saturday, Van Benschoten stands in line to be the immediate replacement in the rotation.
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Though Gorzelanny had not proven the ability to pitch effectively in the Majors this season, the question was asked of Huntington as to whether putting Van Benschoten into the rotation would give the team a better chance of winning every fifth day.

“We got to a point where we’re not talking about Tom Gorzelanny with 14 wins and 200-plus innings last year,” Huntington answered. “We’re talking about a pitcher that is running out there with, unfortunately, nearly a 6.50 ERA, so that’s what we’re replacing.”

NTNgod Posted: July 06, 2008 at 12:03 AM | 12 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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1. Crispix Attacks Posted: July 06, 2008 at 12:12 AM (#2844887)

Somehow I presumed this was another one of those leaked stories about the All-Star roster. "If a team's token representative is injured, the team gets ANOTHER token representative?" I thought.

Anyway, I like Huntington's lowering of the expectations there. If Van Benschoten can get below a 6.50 ERA, he's fulfilling the team's every wish. I think he has a reasonable shot at that.

The best outcome would be to combine them into one pitcher named Tom Van John Gorzbenschelannoteny.

2. StillFlash Posted: July 06, 2008 at 12:15 AM (#2844896)

But JVB is 2-12 9.04 in 3 MLB seasons

3. StillFlash Posted: July 06, 2008 at 12:26 AM (#2844910)

With 3 Pgh pitchers going on the DL in a week and Bullington getting DFA'd when Duffy came off the 60, Indy is really hurting for starting pitching - they probably hope they can resign Bullington.

4. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 06, 2008 at 12:40 AM (#2844929)

Indy can keep Bullington, since he's never been outrighted before, and there's no earthly reason why anyone'd claim him on waivers.

JVB really belongs in short relief, IMO.

5. Sox Machine Posted: July 06, 2008 at 12:45 AM (#2844939)

At least they're not losing any syllables.

6. Mike Emeigh

Posted: July 06, 2008 at 01:35 AM (#2845063)

Indy is really hurting for starting pitching

The rotation right now is Mike Thompson, Jason Davis, Jimmy Barthmaier, Ty Taubenheim, and Corey Hamman, with Gorzelanny and Herrera scheduled to join it soon. That's not all that bad for AAA. Where Indy is hurting right now is in the bullpen.

-- MWE

7. alkeiper Posted: July 06, 2008 at 02:00 AM (#2845139)

Somehow I presumed this was another one of those leaked stories about the All-Star roster. "If a team's token representative is injured, the team gets ANOTHER token representative?" I thought.

Which would fulfill John Sickels' projection of the 2008 All-Star team from five years ago. Not to pick on him, that one just sticks out in my mind.

8. JoeHova Posted: July 06, 2008 at 02:03 AM (#2845149)

Which would fulfill John Sickels' projection of the 2008 All-Star team from five years ago. Not to pick on him, that one just sticks out in my mind.

Who did he have on it? Gorzelanny or Van Benschoten? Or both?

9. StillFlash Posted: July 06, 2008 at 11:04 AM (#2845312)

Mike - let me clarify that the Pirates problems ripple down the organization. JVB is now the #3 starter behind Duke and Maholm, with #4 and #5 yet to be determined. probably coming from Taubenheim, Barthmaier or Herrera, still leaving Indy short on bodies, having to resort to the likes of Ryan Drese. Every one of the first five names you mention was either released or was a six-year free agent, with no real upside or prospect status. Barthmaier has pitched the best so far and had a credible career record if you ignore 2007.

10. Alan S Posted: July 06, 2008 at 11:32 AM (#2845314)

Is it too late to turn JVB back into a hitter?

11. Jimmy P Posted: July 06, 2008 at 07:41 PM (#2845714)

The gift of Tracy and Cobourn keeps on giving and giving

12. Mike Emeigh

Posted: July 06, 2008 at 08:02 PM (#2845777)

Dumatrait and Snell are coming off the DL this week.

-- MWE

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MLB.com: Van Benschoten to fill Gorzelanny’s spot

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