Big Moe Stays in the Rotation

by craig on Jun 30, 2006 7:27 AM EDT in News and Rumors

Girardi has made the call and Brian Moehler is keeping his slot in the rotation for the series against the Red Sox.

Girardi said right-hander Brian Moehler will pitch Saturday against Boston and promised that rookie Anibal Sanchez will get a start on the team's final road trip of the first half next week, perhaps in the July 8 doubleheader against the Mets.

Sanchez will be in the pen as long relief should any of the starters get into trouble. His next start is tentatively scheduled for the upcoming double header.

This really isn't surprising since it was the plan along. I think it is a good plan for many reasons.

Moehler has been pitching well of late and if it is the intention of the club to use him as trade bait - they have to keep showcasing him. Even if he isn't trade bait - he is a veteran who is pitching well and he deserves to play.
Sanchez making his home debut against the best team in the AL at hitting right-handed pitchers probably isn't the best idea.
Sanchez came to the Marlins from Boston. The last thing I want to see him do is overthrowing trying to prove the point that the Red Sox were idiots for letting him go.

I like the plan to pitch Sanchez against the Mets and not the Red Sox. Besides, there is no way the Marlins can salvage the interleague record for the whole NL. Therefore it makes more sense to pitch him against a division rival, assuming he is the real deal. which most think he is. You may have different thoughts.

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Comments

Good move

I think Sanchez in the bullpen is a great plan. Look at what happened to Pedro Martinez in Fenway this week when he was trying to make a statement.

by striketwo on Jun 30, 2006 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

Early picks

I am going to be in Orlando with a couple of friends who have already left for college, and we're going to be celebrating mine and another friend's birthdays, so I'm not going to be able to make my picks for the weekend, so I'd like to make some standing picks for the weekend

Friday:
37,283
Cabrera
Hanley and Cabrera's Hits > Lowell and Gonzalez's hits

Saturday:
38,978
Cabrera
Marlins' starting pitcher more innings than Red Sox pitcher

Sunday:
34,583
Cabrera
Cabrera and Hanley's Total bases > Lowell and Gonzo's total at bats

by bobbob1313 on Jun 30, 2006 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

It makes sense

in the "Moe as trade bait" theory as well, as you say, craig. Show Big Moe off to potential buyers, against the Sawx at that. Of course if he gets his doors blown off it doesn't really help. But still, a logical move. Of course, if Moehler gets rung up early, then you have Sanchez for a long relief job.

The Kids Are Alright. Sometimes.

by Dr F on Jun 30, 2006 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

It wasn't set up to happen anyway, but...

...I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see a Sanchez vs. Lester "No, I was considered the second-best Sox pitching prospect!" battle. If I recall, Baseball America had it Papelbon/Lester/Sanchez, while Sickels went Papelbon/Sanchez/Lester.

by dan 2.0 on Jun 30, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions