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Monday, March 29, 2010

Talbot Wins Indians Rotation Spot Over Laffey

The Indians announced Friday night that recently acquired Mitch Talbot will be in the starting rotation this season. With this move, last year’s most consistent starter, Aaron Laffey, moved to the bullpen as the competition continues for Cleveland’s fifth starter.

...Certainly, we don’t really know all that much about Talbot just yet. In four spring appearances the right-hander has gone 1-0 with a 0.79 ERA in 11 1/3 innings, and he turned 26 this past October. Acquired by the Tribe as the player-to-be-named-later in the Kelly Shoppach trade with the Rays, he must have done enough to change the organization’s mind on Laffey.

As for the future, it appears that lefty David Huff and righty Carlos Carrasco remain in a competition for the final spot in the starting rotation. There is no word yet on whether the Indians will keep Hector Ambriz as well, who was acquired in the Rule 5 Draft from Arizona.

The Indians have some interesting starters. Of course, you’d prefer them to be good and boring. At least I won’t be watching Jeremy Sowers every fifth day.

The Pequod Posted: March 29, 2010 at 01:36 PM | 9 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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1. Tim Stauffer, Trot Nixon's Coming (Dan Lee) Posted: March 29, 2010 at 11:02 PM (#3488319)

Aaron Laffey ran over Mark Shapiro's dog with his car. That's the only possible reason Laffey keeps getting beaten out by inferior pitchers for the rotation, year after year after year.

edit: I know Talbot has solid K/BB numbers and a good minor league track record and I don't mean to disparage him, but after 44 starts with a career 98 ERA+, Laffey deserves better than to get bumped by David Huff.

2. Voros McCracken, Human Shield Posted: March 29, 2010 at 11:10 PM (#3488325)

Laffey really is a one trick pony, but it's a nice trick and the Indians really aren't in a position to turn their noses up at a guy who can throw a few strikes and do a great job of keeping the ball in the park, even if he's likely gonna give up a bunch of hits.

There's nothing that wrong with the Indians infield defense that they can't afford a ground baller like him.

3. i'm not STEAGLES and you shouldn't be either Posted: March 29, 2010 at 11:19 PM (#3488336)

Laffey really is a one trick pony, but it's a nice trick and the Indians really aren't in a position to turn their noses up at a guy who can throw a few strikes and do a great job of keeping the ball in the park, even if he's likely gonna give up a bunch of hits.

There's nothing that wrong with the Indians infield defense that they can't afford a ground baller like him.

laffey has a few tricks. he has good control, and uses it to limit walks, he gets a ton of GBs, but he's also great at holding runners on (he allowed just 1 SB in 120 IP).

as for talbot, he's got a solid FB (90-93), and multiple good secondary pitches. he's got solid control, and would have been a starter for TB in 2008 or '09 except that organization was flush with SP.

also, carlos carrasco will be just 23 years old this year. his FB is hittable, but it does run up to 95 MPH, and his changeup is his best pitch.

4. Voros McCracken, Human Shield Posted: March 29, 2010 at 11:25 PM (#3488345)

So far Laffey appears to have roughly average control, so I suppose I could quibble as to whether that qualifies as 'good.' The 'trick' I was talking about was the ground balls and that really is his meal ticket. Didn't notice the base stealing, but that's a good point and another point in his favor.

I'm in general agreement that if the Indians had a rotation of five of him, they'd likely have a better rotation than the one they'll have this year, so it does seem strange to see him not make the top 5.

5. The Pequod Posted: March 30, 2010 at 02:23 AM (#3488445)

Well, I get the Talbot decision. He's out of options, sort of interesting, and had a great spring.

Tomo Ohka and Jeremy Sowers last year, on the other hand...

6. Greg (U)K Posted: March 30, 2010 at 03:12 AM (#3488462)

Hey!
Jeremy Sowers once led the league in shutouts, and one season almost struck out 5 an inning, he's a star in the making.

7. Best Dressed Chicken in Town Posted: March 30, 2010 at 03:39 AM (#3488473)

First I was incredulous, and then I barfed.

Actually, first I was incredulous, and then I spelled his name "Showers," and then I barfed.

If that's not reason enough to let starters work more IP, I don't know what is.

8. Greg (U)K Posted: March 30, 2010 at 03:48 AM (#3488476)

What I've always found fun is that Joel Piniero did it twice.

9. Best Dressed Chicken in Town Posted: March 30, 2010 at 03:56 AM (#3488478)

Always, for the last few months?

Lackey has done it three times, and has half as many career SHO as Alexander had in '16.

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Monday, March 29, 2010

Talbot Wins Indians Rotation Spot Over Laffey

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