The Rays have a lot of decisions to make about their starting pitching situation. The Rays have 6 starters competing for a 5 man rotation. The Rays could always go to a 6 man rotation, but in the most likely case, one of the 6 will become a closer. Then, you just have to decide which one. Decisions, decisions.
The Rays have James Shields, Matt Garza, Wade Davis, Jeff Niemann, David Price, and Jeremy Hellickson all fighting for 5 spots. IMO, you can’t trade any of them, so you have to figure out what to do with one of them. The Rays also have guys like Kyle Lobstien, Nick Barnese, and Alex Cobb in the minors. The Rays have a log jam on their hands.
We know that Shields or Garza will be in the rotation next year. Davis should be, since he has proven he can work efficiently, go deep into games, and get people out. That leaves Niemann, Hellickson, and Price. Hellickson should also be in the rotation, since he works more efficiently than Price, so he will get a spot. Now, the Rays have to decide whether Niemann or Price should close. I think Price would be the better closer, but he has more potential in the rotation. Niemann will be the closer. He throws hard and gets people out. That’s what you need in a closer.
Now, the Rays will probably do what they always do and leave Hellickson to rot in the minors for a while so that all five of the other guys can be in the rotation. The Rays will still run into this problem down the road, and I don’t see them trading any of them. I could change my mind if the Rays could send Niemann and a couple prospects to a team for a guy like Russel Martin or Buster Posey. Now, for the depth chart.
2010 Opening Day Rotation:
1. James Shields
2. Matt Garza
3. Wade Davis
4. Jeff Niemann
5. David Price
Mid-season Rotation
1. James Shields
2. Matt Garza
3. Wade Davis
4. Jeremy Hellickson
5. David Price
Closer: Jeff Niemann
Waiting in the Minors:
1. Carlos Hernandez
2. Jason Cromer
3. Darrin Downs
4. Alex Cobb
5. Kyle Lobstein
6. Nick Barnese
