Calling All Arms. Roster Moves In The Works?

by David Todd on Aug 22, 2011 9:55 AM EDT

As Charlie noted in his recap yesterday, the Pirates not only lost a game they could have won yesterday, the bullpen is now gassed from having to pitch so many innings in the three game series. Both Joel Hanrahan and Jose Veras pitched in all three games against the Reds, and Clint Hurdle has said repeatedly that he won't have his relievers pitch more than three days in a row.

That presents a problem. Not only are the Milwaukee Brewers, winners of 22 of their last 25 coming into town today, the two teams are scheduled to play a twinight doubleheader. For the Pirates Jeff Karstens is scheduled to pitch in game 1 and Brad Lincoln is scheduled to pitch in game 2. With Paul Maholm on the DL and visiting Dr. James Andrews today, the Pirates also need a starting pitcher for tomorrow's game. Here is how I would shuffle the roster over the next 24 hours in order to "solve" the problem.

1) Change the order of today's starting pitchers and have Lincoln pitch game 1 and Karstens game 2.

2) Before game 1 option Josh Harrison to Indianapolis and recall Chris Leroux. For game one the Pirates now have 13 pitchers. Chris Leroux can be the long/swingman and Chris Resop, Tony Watson and Dan McCutchen should be available for any high-leverage innings.

3) Before game 2 option LIncoln back to Indianapolis and recall Chase d'Arnaud. For one game the Pirates are short a utility infielder. At this point, for 10 days, d'Arnaud and Harrison are basically fungible.

4.) After game 2, option Leroux back to Indianapolis and recall Ross Ohlendorf to start tomorrow's game.

The result of all this shuffling is that d'Arnaud takes Harrison's roster spot and Ohlendorf takes Lincoln's spot. Rosters expand September 1, but both optioned players would need to stay in the minors ten days so they could be called up September 2 or after the season ends September 5.

It seems like a pretty easy solution to the problem and allows the Pirates to give Hanrahan and Veras a much-needed day off. Let's see how it plays out.

UPDATE: After tweeting my thoughts on this, Kristy Robinson tweeted that she heard Leroux was in fact on his way to Pittsburgh last night.

UPDATE 2: Leroux is in Pittsburgh, but no move will be made before game 1.

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Makes sense, but I’m a bit confused on one point; correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems like you’re suggesting we option Lincoln immediately after the 1st game of the DH so we can add Chase to the bench for the 2nd game. I’m not clear on how the rules for option players work, but I feel like we wouldn’t be allowed to make a roster change between games on the same day.

by Akshay R on Aug 22, 2011 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

Yep...

the team is allowed to make option moves between games of the DH. Obviously they have to get Leroux and d’Aranud here, but that shouldn’t be a problem. It means that Ohlie would get the first two of Maholm’s starts. After that, if Lincoln pitches well today he could potentially get the next one or a spot start.

d’Arnaud hasn’t been particularly good during his rehab in Indy, but for ten days, I can’t think of a good reason to not go through all the juggling in order to guarantee Hanrahan and Veras get today off.

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by David Todd on Aug 22, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Resop, Watson and DCutch should be available for any high leverage innings

I find this concept remarkably sad.

by DG Lewis on Aug 22, 2011 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

"UPDATE: After tweeting my thoughts on this, Kristy Robinson tweeted that she heard Leroux was in fact on his way to Pittsburgh last night."

The FO once again looks to BD for answers.

I think MLB should look at changing the roster system under the new CBA to allow for an expansion of the 25-man from Aug. 1, perhaps to a max of 27 players during the month of August. It wouldn’t necessarily always be used for two extra pitchers, but it would be useful for many teams to help pitching staffs wearing down as the summer progresses.

パトリック

by patthatt on Aug 22, 2011 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

Dr. James Andrews disapproves of this message

I think MLB should look at changing the roster system under the new CBA to allow for an expansion of the 25-man from Aug. 1, perhaps to a max of 27 players during the month of August. It wouldn’t necessarily always be used for two extra pitchers, but it would be useful for many teams to help pitching staffs wearing down as the summer progresses.

by Bishop1973 on Aug 22, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL

by WestCoastBuc on Aug 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I am not sure it is necessary to go through all of that

It is likely that the bullpen will still be very tired after the DH today, especially if one of today’s starters has to make an early exit, so it might make more sense to just stay with 13 pitchers for the next few days. Maybe option back Leroux for a different pitcher if he has to go a few innings today. We should be able to get by with just one backup MI for a few days.

Also, might want to option Pearce instead of Harrison.

by WestCoastBuc on Aug 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Fortunately, since it’s the Brewers, we won’t have to worry about any 18-inning games. 18 runs, maybe, but not innings.

You're entitled to your own opinions. You're not entitled to your own facts.

by WTM on Aug 22, 2011 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

Hey, it’s the Brewers. Might as well just trot some position players out there. Bring Aaron Heilman up. Let’s sign Walk and Blass to one day contracts and send them down there. What’s Jose Conseco up to? Can’t do any worse and you don’t get all the beer concession money if you forfeit.

by Aphthakid on Aug 22, 2011 1:46 PM EDT reply actions