Jerome Williams As 4th or 5th Starter

[Blueheart05]

And possible trade bait...

 

Today's Daily Southtown quotes Hendry saying that he might consider skipping the 5th spot in the rotation. Also, it appears that he views Williams as the potential 5th starter (barring a trade).

 

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is not ready to predict Wood will miss any time. But he knows it's a possibility and believes that with Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and Glendon Rusch, the Cubs have a solid staff. If Wood isn't ready, look for Jerome Williams to fight rookies Rich Hill and Angel Guzman for the fifth spot — that is, if Hendry doesn't trade for a starter before then.

 

"We look at it that we have the depth," Hendry said. "Early in the year, you have some off days where you certainly don't even need a fifth starter. But five of the pitchers are major league starters with Rusch and Jerome, at worst, the (No.) 4 or (No.) 5 guys, for Opening Day.

 

It appears that Hendry values Rusch over Williams so the speculation about his departure may have legs.

[badgercub]

Not to beat a dead horse and bring this up again but..... Just heard Stone and Murph on the Score talking about a possible deal for Zito still being bandied about. I would assume that deal would include Williams going to Oakland with a few other youngsters.

[soapy]

And possible trade bait...

 

Today's Daily Southtown quotes Hendry saying that he might consider skipping the 5th spot in the rotation. Also, it appears that he views Williams as the potential 5th starter (barring a trade).

 

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is not ready to predict Wood will miss any time. But he knows it's a possibility and believes that with Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and Glendon Rusch, the Cubs have a solid staff. If Wood isn't ready, look for Jerome Williams to fight rookies Rich Hill and Angel Guzman for the fifth spot — that is, if Hendry doesn't trade for a starter before then.

 

"We look at it that we have the depth," Hendry said. "Early in the year, you have some off days where you certainly don't even need a fifth starter. But five of the pitchers are major league starters with Rusch and Jerome, at worst, the (No.) 4 or (No.) 5 guys, for Opening Day.

 

It appears that Hendry values Rusch over Williams so the speculation about his departure may have legs.

 

That's unfortunate. If Hendry feels that way, I really disagree with him. Williams > Rusch.

 

Having said that, I kind of figured Rusch was penciled into the rotation when he was signed. I doubt Hendry invisioned three LHP in the pen when he signed Glendon.

[Blueheart05]

Not to beat a dead horse and bring this up again but..... Just heard Stone and Murph on the Score talking about a possible deal for Zito still being bandied about. I would assume that deal would include Williams going to Oakland with a few other youngsters.

 

What specifically did Stone say about Zito that makes him so convinced that a trade (with the Cubs and Oakland) might be in the futrue?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Not to beat a dead horse and bring this up again but..... Just heard Stone and Murph on the Score talking about a possible deal for Zito still being bandied about. I would assume that deal would include Williams going to Oakland with a few other youngsters.

 

If that's going on, they had better be some lower-level prospects. I think Williams's value is much higher than a lot of people (especially Murph) think.

[neely crenshaw]

i like williams. but if we are looking at 3,4,5 of maddux,rusch and williams then had better sign some more offense. i like all three but there is a big difference in maddux 3 and maddux 4 or 5. if we are looking at 70 starts from those 3 rather than 75-80 from the big three...then we must have an offense that doesn't rely on pitching alone to win.

[badgercub]

Not to beat a dead horse and bring this up again but..... Just heard Stone and Murph on the Score talking about a possible deal for Zito still being bandied about. I would assume that deal would include Williams going to Oakland with a few other youngsters.

 

What specifically did Stone say about Zito that makes him so convinced that a trade (with the Cubs and Oakland) might be in the futrue?

 

There were not really any specifics. He mentioned that there was a three team deal on the table in which the Cubs sent youngsters to Oakland, Zito to Baltimore, and Tejada to the Cubs. Using this logic, and it is only speculation, he believed Hendry could still possibly make a deal for Zito.

[UK1679666180]

"We look at it that we have the depth," Hendry said. "Early in the year, you have some off days where you certainly don't even need a fifth starter. But five of the pitchers are major league starters with Rusch and Jerome, at worst, the (No.) 4 or (No.) 5 guys, for Opening Day.

 

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

[neely crenshaw]

i beleive stoney said the cubs were hot after zito.

[badgercub]

Not to beat a dead horse and bring this up again but..... Just heard Stone and Murph on the Score talking about a possible deal for Zito still being bandied about. I would assume that deal would include Williams going to Oakland with a few other youngsters.

 

If that's going on, they had better be some lower-level prospects. I think Williams's value is much higher than a lot of people (especially Murph) think.

 

Having Williams in the deal was just my own thinking. Murph or Stone did not mention any names.

[goonys evil twin]

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

 

I would not have a problem skipping the 5th guy early. I don't think the extra day off here and there is helpful that early in the season. I do think you should find way to skip guys by June/July though. 12 pitchers is dumb though, and 8 relievers is asinine, but very Cubslike as well.

[Blueheart05]

And possible trade bait...

 

Today's Daily Southtown quotes Hendry saying that he might consider skipping the 5th spot in the rotation. Also, it appears that he views Williams as the potential 5th starter (barring a trade).

 

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is not ready to predict Wood will miss any time. But he knows it's a possibility and believes that with Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Greg Maddux and Glendon Rusch, the Cubs have a solid staff. If Wood isn't ready, look for Jerome Williams to fight rookies Rich Hill and Angel Guzman for the fifth spot — that is, if Hendry doesn't trade for a starter before then.

 

"We look at it that we have the depth," Hendry said. "Early in the year, you have some off days where you certainly don't even need a fifth starter. But five of the pitchers are major league starters with Rusch and Jerome, at worst, the (No.) 4 or (No.) 5 guys, for Opening Day.

 

It appears that Hendry values Rusch over Williams so the speculation about his departure may have legs.

 

That's unfortunate. If Hendry feels that way, I really disagree with him. Williams > Rusch.

 

Having said that, I kind of figured Rusch was penciled into the rotation when he was signed. I doubt Hendry invisioned three LHP in the pen when he signed Glendon.

 

To be fair, Hendry never guaranteed Rusch a spot in the rotation; I believe he said Rusch would have the opportunity to fight for a spot... However, his comments do lead me to think that Rusch is the first option. Or, he's planning on using Jerome as the center piece for another trade. Williams in the bullpen is a waste and so is the idea of sending him to AAA when he can clearly pitch in the MLs.

 

Edit: for spelling

Edited January 13, 2006 by Blueheart05

[goonys evil twin]

To be fair, Hendry never guaranteed Rusch a spot in the rotation; I believe he said Rusch would have the opportunity to fight for a spot... However, his comments do lead me to think that Rusch is the first option. Or, he's planning on using Jerome as the center piece for another trade. Williams in the bullpen is a waste and so is the idea of sending him to AAA when he can clearly pitcher in the MLs.

 

He has left the door open, but I think it's no more than a token gesture. I think he really likes having a lefty in the rotation, and appreciates what Rusch has done while believing he'd be a great 5th starter. It's just unfortunate that he's already the likely 4th, and probably won't be bumped even if Wood returns.

[UK1679666180]

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

 

I would not have a problem skipping the 5th guy early. I don't think the extra day off here and there is helpful that early in the season. I do think you should find way to skip guys by June/July though. 12 pitchers is dumb though, and 8 relievers is asinine, but very Cubslike as well.

 

Why? Pitching is a tearing down process.

 

They have 5 starters avail., there's no severe dropoff between Williams and Zambrano and certainly minimal difference between Maddux/Rusch to Williams, not to the point where it would have any impact of the standings.

 

Early on in the year, it will take their bodies longer to recover, especially with the colder weather.

[goonys evil twin]

Why? Ptching is a tearing down process.

 

They have 5 starters avail., there's no severe dropoff between Williams and Zambrano and certainly minimal difference between Maddux/Rusch to Williams, not to the point where it would have any impact of the standings.

 

Early on in the year, it will take their bodies longer to recover, especially with the colder weather.

 

I'm not saying I'm against giving guys rest. But if you have guys like Rusch in your rotation, it's not a bad idea. If I had a nice set 5 man, I'd be all about the rest whenever possible. I just don't think the 1 day of extra rest in April is all that helpful, or as helpful as a couple extra days in June/July.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

If Rich Hill is so damn valuable that Hendry wouldn't use him in trade this winter, then we isn't he penciled in as the 5 starter right NOW. The guy is 26 years old already, what are they thinking, maybe he'll blossom when he's thirty?

 

Idiot Cubs, as usual.

[UK1679666180]

You're not just giving Rusch extra work, you're also giving it to Z and Prior.

 

It equates to one extra start through the month of April. If they went with a 5 man rotation thru April, the #1 starter will get 5 starts, his 5th start will be on April 28th. If they go w/a 4 man rotation, the #1 starter will have 6 starts, with his 6th start on April 28th.

 

That's an extra start and approx. 160-180 extra pitches that could be saved.

 

I agree with you on the extra rest in June/July, I'd have each starter skip a spot in the rotation twice, Interleague and the DH all ow the perfect time to do so, IMO.

 

If you have the chance to give a starter some rest, use it.

[jmajew]

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

 

I would not have a problem skipping the 5th guy early. I don't think the extra day off here and there is helpful that early in the season. I do think you should find way to skip guys by June/July though. 12 pitchers is dumb though, and 8 relievers is asinine, but very Cubslike as well.

 

Why? Pitching is a tearing down process.

 

They have 5 starters avail., there's no severe dropoff between Williams and Zambrano and certainly minimal difference between Maddux/Rusch to Williams, not to the point where it would have any impact of the standings.

 

Early on in the year, it will take their bodies longer to recover, especially with the colder weather.

 

I definitely agree with UK on this. Whenever you can give a guy a little extra rest we should always do it. With the way Baker rides his pitchers I think it is imperative to get them as much rest whenever possible. Seeing as Prior has yet to pitch a full season I think he most of all should get the extra days rest.

 

Just an idea to throw out there but if wood is healthy in july wouldn't it be advantageous to go with a 6 man rotation for the month. That way Prior, Wood, Zambrano, and Maddux can all be primed to go for the stretch run.

[UK1679666180]

Just an idea to throw out there but if wood is healthy in july wouldn't it be advantageous to go with a 6 man rotation for the month. That way Prior, Wood, Zambrano, and Maddux can all be primed to go for the stretch run.

 

I wouldn't mind it either, but I am in favor of just skipping a start. I think it leads to a better recovery more than just extra day of rest throughout the month.

 

I'd rather see stick with a 4-5 day rest period and skip a start rather than every 5-6 days between every start. Either way it would equate to that extra starter getting 5-6 starts a month.

[Blueheart05]

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

 

I would not have a problem skipping the 5th guy early. I don't think the extra day off here and there is helpful that early in the season. I do think you should find way to skip guys by June/July though. 12 pitchers is dumb though, and 8 relievers is asinine, but very Cubslike as well.

 

Why? Pitching is a tearing down process.

 

They have 5 starters avail., there's no severe dropoff between Williams and Zambrano and certainly minimal difference between Maddux/Rusch to Williams, not to the point where it would have any impact of the standings.

 

Early on in the year, it will take their bodies longer to recover, especially with the colder weather.

 

I definitely agree with UK on this. Whenever you can give a guy a little extra rest we should always do it. With the way Baker rides his pitchers I think it is imperative to get them as much rest whenever possible. Seeing as Prior has yet to pitch a full season I think he most of all should get the extra days rest.

 

Just an idea to throw out there but if wood is healthy in july wouldn't it be advantageous to go with a 6 man rotation for the month. That way Prior, Wood, Zambrano, and Maddux can all be primed to go for the stretch run.

 

I also agree with saving the starters arms whenever possible. However, this year I think Baker will be more apt to go to the bullpen than in previous seasons. Not only will there be a good mix of veterans and youth in the 'pen there will also be some high priced arms (and even though Dusty shouldn't be influenced by salaries he does seem to take that into consideration when giving play time.)

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

 

I would not have a problem skipping the 5th guy early. I don't think the extra day off here and there is helpful that early in the season. I do think you should find way to skip guys by June/July though. 12 pitchers is dumb though, and 8 relievers is asinine, but very Cubslike as well.

 

Why? Pitching is a tearing down process.

 

They have 5 starters avail., there's no severe dropoff between Williams and Zambrano and certainly minimal difference between Maddux/Rusch to Williams, not to the point where it would have any impact of the standings.

 

Early on in the year, it will take their bodies longer to recover, especially with the colder weather.

 

I definitely agree with UK on this. Whenever you can give a guy a little extra rest we should always do it. With the way Baker rides his pitchers I think it is imperative to get them as much rest whenever possible. Seeing as Prior has yet to pitch a full season I think he most of all should get the extra days rest.

 

Just an idea to throw out there but if wood is healthy in july wouldn't it be advantageous to go with a 6 man rotation for the month. That way Prior, Wood, Zambrano, and Maddux can all be primed to go for the stretch run.

 

I also agree with saving the starters arms whenever possible. However, this year I think Baker will be more apt to go to the bullpen than in previous seasons. Not only will there be a good mix of veterans and youth in the 'pen there will also be some high priced arms (and even though Dusty shouldn't be influenced by salaries he does seem to take that into consideration when giving play time.)

 

I don't see a huge difference in salaries between Hawkins/Remmy and Howry/Eyre. It's the same situation as last year.

[Blueheart05]

Dumb....

 

You say you have 5 major league starters and then say you don't need 5 starters early in the year.

 

If they skip the #5 starter early on, it's a dumb move right from the start.

 

That type of crap angers me more than anything. They go with a 12 staff and 8 relievers, who are they going to use? 8 relievers would be pointless and some would get overworked and several would get underworked.

 

Utilize the extra recovery time early in the season, it's there for a reason.

 

I would not have a problem skipping the 5th guy early. I don't think the extra day off here and there is helpful that early in the season. I do think you should find way to skip guys by June/July though. 12 pitchers is dumb though, and 8 relievers is asinine, but very Cubslike as well.

 

Why? Pitching is a tearing down process.

 

They have 5 starters avail., there's no severe dropoff between Williams and Zambrano and certainly minimal difference between Maddux/Rusch to Williams, not to the point where it would have any impact of the standings.

 

Early on in the year, it will take their bodies longer to recover, especially with the colder weather.

 

I definitely agree with UK on this. Whenever you can give a guy a little extra rest we should always do it. With the way Baker rides his pitchers I think it is imperative to get them as much rest whenever possible. Seeing as Prior has yet to pitch a full season I think he most of all should get the extra days rest.

 

Just an idea to throw out there but if wood is healthy in july wouldn't it be advantageous to go with a 6 man rotation for the month. That way Prior, Wood, Zambrano, and Maddux can all be primed to go for the stretch run.

 

I also agree with saving the starters arms whenever possible. However, this year I think Baker will be more apt to go to the bullpen than in previous seasons. Not only will there be a good mix of veterans and youth in the 'pen there will also be some high priced arms (and even though Dusty shouldn't be influenced by salaries he does seem to take that into consideration when giving play time.)

 

I don't see a huge difference in salaries between Hawkins/Remmy and Howry/Eyre. It's the same situation as last year.

 

It is different when you consider that Remlinger (and Borowski) wasn't available at the start of last season. Dusty also leaned on LaTroy too much. At this point, all of the key bullpen arms are healthy so I forsee Baker calling on them a lot.

[UK1679666180]

If a starter is going well and the game is close, I don't see the quality of last year's pen and this year's dictating whether or not Dusty would use a quicker hook.

 

He had very good bullpens in SF and he still worked his starters too hard.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I also agree with saving the starters arms whenever possible. However, this year I think Baker will be more apt to go to the bullpen than in previous seasons. Not only will there be a good mix of veterans and youth in the 'pen there will also be some high priced arms (and even though Dusty shouldn't be influenced by salaries he does seem to take that into consideration when giving play time.)

 

I don't see a huge difference in salaries between Hawkins/Remmy and Howry/Eyre. It's the same situation as last year.

 

It is different when you consider that Remlinger (and Borowski) wasn't available at the start of last season. Dusty also leaned on LaTroy too much. At this point, all of the key bullpen arms are healthy so I forsee Baker calling on them a lot.

 

Remlinger didn't go down until a month and a half into last season, almost the exact time Borowski came back. Fox was there at the start of the season until his arm got blown out. We weren't hurting for the veteran arms in the pen.

[Blueheart05]

If a starter is going well and the game is close, I don't see the quality of last year's pen and this year's dictating whether or not Dusty would use a quicker hook.

 

He had very good bullpens in SF and he still worked his starters hard.

 

The last sentence is true but I do still think the quality of the bullpen gives the manager options (for instance, feeling comfortable pinch hitting late for a pitcher). Baker definitely hasn't had very good bullpens over the three seasons.