26 Comments

Substitute Chandler for Oviedo and this rotation has the makings of being truly special compared to the other NLC teams.

With Oviedo coming off injury it’s maybe the best, maybe middle of the pack. Still better than Cards and Brewers though.

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Seems like Oviedo would need time in AAA to get his command back. That wasn't exactly his strong suit to begin with.

Anyway, I don't worry too much about which five guys start the season. They're ultimately going to need 8 at least.

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1. Pirates

2. Cubs

3. Brewers

4. Reds

5. Cardinals

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Pirates

Brewers

Cubs

Reds

Cardinals

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Pirates

Reds

Brewers

Cubs

Cards

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I’d still like to have one more bridge SP for depth due to injury or until the young guys are ready. Plenty are still available. Gimme Mike Clevinger. If not him, then let’s go full circle. Gimme Johnny Cueeeeeeeetoooooo!!

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I was all about bringing Clevinger in last year. Glad they didn’t bc he lost almost the entire year to injury. I wouldn’t be opposed this year, but he would need to build back before you could let him loose, which is kind of similar to Oviedo. Also, not sure he would be amicable to such a plan.

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I think it's probably pretty clear that Bubba is a top 5 starter right now annnnnd I have a hard time imagining there's much left in the tank after August.

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Pirates

Cubs

Brewers

Reds

Cards

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Where we putting the Pirates’ rotation ranked among the rest of the division?

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Reds

Pirates

Cubs

Cards

Brewers

No standouts, though, top four could be a tossup.

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What’s your thinking having the reds above us? I’m curious

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Smidge deeper until Bubba establishes himself and Lodolo about to launch.

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Fair enough, i think you’re sleeping on the brewers personally

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Quite possible.

Is your presumption that they're gonna do something to get a whole lot better? Or that Woodruff and Nester are already a huge lift?

They were easily worst in the Division last year.

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I guess I see peralta and woodruff as potentially a great 1-2. If Nestor is a sub 4 innings eater again that’s super valuable and Tobias Myers quietly was fantastic last year. Not sure I see the depth but their upside is with anyone in the division I think

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Interesting article over at MLBTR regarding jones and the Red Sox. I’m guessing cherington wanted a massive return and they said no.

If they’re going to trade jones, they’re going to need more than casas and a prospect. Id imagine cherington asked for Duran +

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As he should. I’d think long and hard about that Duran. Casas is interesting, but he’s more of a strong second player in that deal as opposed to a centerpiece.

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I'm pretty sure Rhett Lowder will be in the Reds rotation to start the year.

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I’d imagine so too. Some competition though for sure

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I had forgotten Keller's contract amount. He'll make $15M in 2025, which is a record-breaker for Pirates. Why do I have bad vibes about that contract? Would be nice to see him post a sub 4.00 ERA.

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Keller is the 37th highest paid starting pitcher in the majors for 2025. Probably at least half of the 36 pitchers paid more than him would be traded for little by their teams just to get out of the contract. That being said, I am glad we signed Keller.

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15M is what good relievers make. 15M for a middle of the rotation arm is a steal.

If there's one Bucco that I wouldn't bet against, it's Mitch Keller.

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Got a bit of the bulldog in him!

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Bulldog? Keller? I don't see that at all. Skenes, of course. Jones, you bet. Keller reminds me of Taillon. Been thru the school of hard knocks, which will help him compete, it just took about 5 years to get there.

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Actually, it's the Iowa farm-boy mentality. I'll take that in an athlete any day of the week. Quiet fortitude and perseverance, baby!

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