A SP's spot in the rotation?

[Sp_Da_Man]

We always here stuff like "he's slated to be the #3 in the starting rotation" etc.. Does it really matter? Do we take too much into it?

Specifically I read where Jon Lieber is going to be Philly's #1 and that hurts his value because he'll be going against other teams #1 starter.

I'm sure the first few weeks that might be the case but won't once we get going will it really matter?

[Pogotheostrich]

No it doesn't matter.

[Dans]

Honestly it doesn't matter after the first week or so.
If his oppoent has had an extra off day during week 1, now he's pitching against the #5 starter.
Between skipping starts/injuries and scheduling differences, the spot in the rotation is irrelevant.