Rodrigo Lopez to SP

[stomperrob]

That's the reason I have him on my team; 'cause of what he has been doing as a reliever, puttin' up great numbers - not sure I want him startin' on my team

[Jer19G]

I don't think Mazilli wants to put him in the rotation, but he has no choice. Ainsworth was moved down to AAA, Riley is on the DL and could easily move down to AAA once he returns, and Omar Daal is hurt. They have already brought up Cabrera from AA, so they don't have much of a choice but to use Rodrigo in the rotation. Personaly I think he could go either way as a starter. He has been amazing in relief and that is where he has the most skill. The bullpen has allowed Rodrigo to pitch ~3 mph higher which is helping him a lot. I am not sure if his velocity will drop a few mph as a starter. If Baltimore had more pitching Rodrigo would continue to be a gem RP... but what can you do? Also keep in mind that yes he was terrible last year but he also had injury problems. Take his winter ball experience as you like it.

[nmarq8]

some pitchers are just a lot better at focusing on throwing 1-2 innings as opposed to starting a game. eric gagne started out as a starter in the dodger's rotation when he first came up from the minors and didn't do too well at all. then they moved him to the bullpen and his #'s got better right away. then when the closer role opened up...well you know how it's gone.

and also if you look at lopez's game log this year he gave up his only ER of the year to the mariners in 3.2 innings of work. just food for thought.

[DieHardCubbie]

I agree with the skepticism...He has had problems going as a starter...and now that he has been in a RP role...what will his stamina be....plus his ER came when he (or Mazilli) tried to stretch to far...I would let him sit his first start anyway...

[DieHardCubbie]

crytonite

???

what his owners will do if they leave him in the lineup....

[Madison]

crytonite

???

what his owners will do if they leave him in the lineup....

Lmao!

[Transmogrifier]

crytonite

???

what his owners will do if they leave him in the lineup....

Lmao!

They're really big on him down here, and he did looked nasty! But that stint as a starter last year is enough to keep me away. If he comes out strong this week, then I'll consider him.

[KULCAT]

I see him was what he is. AN SP who´s pitching at his best to get a crack at rotation spot. We all know his stuff isnt great wich makes longterm success almost impossible. i see him as a great short term pick up. Maybe he pitches great for 3 weeks depending on the opponent. A great spot start for Thursday and could become a sell high candidate fast.

[OREO fan]

rodrigo did win 15 games 2 years ago as a rookie - he battled an injury at the beginning of the year last year and never looked the same

obviously he is not quite the talented youngster that some other bigger prospects might be but he has had success in the past as a starter - and that was with a much worse lineup than he has now

give the man a chance - he can be a sneaky pitcher

[Yuds]

I see him was what he is. AN SP who´s pitching at his best to get a crack at rotation spot. We all know his stuff isnt great wich makes longterm success almost impossible. i see him as a great short term pick up. Maybe he pitches great for 3 weeks depending on the opponent. A great spot start for Thursday and could become a sell high candidate fast.

I've actually heard that he has one of the best sliders in baseball. When it's on, it's virtually unhittable.

He has pretty good stuff. It's the mental aspect that gets Rodrigo down, plus the fact that he always pitches too many innings in winter ball and therefore tires himself out during the season.