I think we hope that 1 or 2 of those guys fill in at the 4-5 spot. Gilbert will pitch for Seattle next year by July imo and I think he is the only guy in the Mariners system I think will be a #2 starter or better. Kirby had a chance too, but I have to see how he does next year. He is long term a #4 at worst.bpj wrote: ↑Thu Oct 03, 2019 4:36 pmHe would be a great guy to pick up for the #2 spot behind Cole.
All of a sudden we don't have the pitching problems we had this season and aren't all that far from contending. Say, 1 or 2 more good additions after that.
I'm not sold that all of Sheffield, Dunn and Kikuchi will keep starting roles. I'd prefer to see them fill in at the front end of the rotation and let the back end sort itself out.
I think Dunn ends up as the closer long term. I don't trust him to go 5-6 innings regularly, but in the pen, if he cam get up to high 90s like he's supposed to be capable of, that is pretty dang good. No need to move him there now though. Give him more time in Arkansas to work on his changeup, and call him up in June, give him 8-10 starts to see how he does.
Sheffield needs to start in Seattle. Do or die time for him.
Definitely need 1 more starter though. Cole would be great, but it ain't happening. Someone like Boyd would be a pretty good alternative though.