May 29, 200422 yr http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/8789988.htm Regardless of how Tommy Phelps does in his next start Monday, he'll probably lose his spot in the rotation when Burnett returns. ''I'm not going to say he's going to the bullpen. But he's probably the logical choice right now,'' manager Jack McKeon said. ``We know one thing: Burnett's going to pitch.'' Phelps held the Cincinnati Reds scoreless on one hit in seven innings Wednesday night in his first start of the season, leading to speculation that Dontrelle Willis -- like Phelps, a left-hander -- would be sent to the bullpen instead. But McKeon nixed that. ''We're not going to put Dontrelle in the bullpen. Not right now. No thoughts of that,'' he said before Willis held the Mets to a run in seven innings. ``What he's showed us so far, you've got to have some confidence in the kid. And if he turns it back on again, then we're in great shape. ``Someone's going to have to go to the bullpen. And the guy that probably can help us the most right now is Phelps. He's a unique guy because he can do two things for you: He can come out of the bullpen for you or he can spot start.''
May 29, 200422 yr Dontrelle certainly helped his case with a great performance last night. Tommy is a gamer as well, so it will be comforting to know he is available if one of the starters goes on the DL.
May 29, 200422 yr This, however, presents an issue. Phelps would start Monday. AJ pitched Friday, slating his long awaited return for Wednesday, June 2nd. Dontrelle, having pitched yesterday, would be pitching.....June 2nd. If Phelps is coming out, what happens with the rotation? Everyone goes a game back as if there was an off day?
May 29, 200422 yr It is good to know that McKeon has some sense. Because the idea of putting Willis in the bullpen is stupid, in my opinion. Why? Because a move to the pen demonstrates that you have no confidence in him and D wouldnt be working on becoming a better starter - which is what he has been groomed for. Besides, you dont win 14 games and maintain an ERA under 4 because you are lucky. Dontrelle has good stuff, and yes, needs to develop better command of all his pitches, but is most qualified to start AND contribute to this team's success. Phelps is nice, but he is not as good as Willis. Sorry, PhelpsPhans. And we need some reliability in the pen and Phelps, along with Perisho and even Borland, seem to offer that right now.
May 29, 200422 yr Phelps will work in the bullpen makes the most sense...I don't think I remember a return with such anticipation as AJ's assuming it comes this Wed.
May 29, 200422 yr This, however, presents an issue. Phelps would start Monday. AJ pitched Friday, slating his long awaited return for Wednesday, June 2nd. Dontrelle, having pitched yesterday, would be pitching.....June 2nd. If Phelps is coming out, what happens with the rotation? Everyone goes a game back as if there was an off day? It would be a stretch to call this an issue. This is no big deal. Just push everyone back.
May 29, 200422 yr Heh, whatever, you know my feelings on this. Trust in McKeon. If I were Rosenthal and McKeon I'd do this: 29 Pavano, 30 Beckett, 31 Phelps, 1 Penny, 2 Burnett, 3 Pavano, 4 Beckett, 5 Willis, 6 Penny It gives everyone their 4 days off (or more), and places our most dependable starter (Penny) between the two that are likely to need more help from the bullpen (Willis, Burnett).
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