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So, we do not know yet if big game Hunter is going to be ready in time to start the season, and based on what he looked like and what he said after the game I do not think he is going to be ready to go when his first start comes around in a little over a week. If that is the case, who will be the fifth starter to take his place. Well, I have a speculative answer for that, so, for your reading pleasure here are the
Ranger Report fifth Starter Options:
1. Dave Bush – Dave has had an alright spring, he is sporting and ERA of 4.85 after pitching 13 innings. Dave has started 184 games in his career, and I believe that the Rangers brought him in for a security blanket in case something like this happened. Dave has a career ERA of 4.66, but it is a little higher over the past 3 seasons (5.03). Dave is a guy that has worked with Mike Maddox in the past while they were both with the Brewers organization, and I think that relationship helps Dave get the edge on the spot. If Dave can pitch as well as he did in Spriing Training overall, he will be a good fill in for Hunter while he is out. If not, the Rangers have other options.
2. Alexi Ogando – I know that they just moved Ogando back to the bullpen, but he is stretched out this spring and was a canidate for the rotation up until a few days ago. He has a high ERA this spring (5.59 in 9.2 innings pitched), but as EVERYONE keeps saying, you really can’t take that much from spring training. Alexi will be considered for that spot, but I am not sure the Rangers are comfortable enought yet to give him a try there. We will have to wait and see.
3. Brett Tomko – Brett did a good job in relief yesterday and has now pitched 13 innings in spring training this season (that is in the top 6 of all Ranger pitchers this spring). He is a guy that I had making the pen, but now I think he has a legtimate shot at winning that 5th spot if Hunter is out. Tomko has an ERA of 4.85 this spring, and like Bush he has started a lot of games in his career (266 to be exact). Look for Tomko to get a serious shot at this.
4. The last two I think have a long shot are Michael Kirkman and Neftali Feliz. Kirkman just got sent to minor league camp and his spring was not that great, but I think he will get a look. He is a good pitcher, but I think the Rangers want to give him a little more time to develop a little more before starting him in the big leagues. Neftali, on the other hand had about the best spring training of any of the Ranger pitchers (ERA of 1.80 in 15 innings pitched), but the Rangers have made a decision and I think it would be a bad move for the Rangers to keep throwing him back and forth from the all star closer role he was in last season to the rotation and then back to the closer role again. I think he needs to stay the closer now that they have moved him there, just my opinion. (stats came from here)
Well, did I miss anybody? Let me know through comments, email (ben@therangerreport.com), twitter (@therangerreport) or call in when we do a podcast each week. Thanks for reading!!
