Add new comment

and given that we have four legit SP prospects knocking on the door (The Big Three plus Ramirez), the issue could be addressed by a time-of-season-rotation. By that I mean, put Ramirez in the rotation now. By May 1st, whichever of your 4 or 5 starters is not cutting it, swap them out for one of your Big Three, the one most MLB-ready. Meanwhile, Big Three numbers 2 and 3 keep preparing in the minors. At some point, when it seems right, move one Ramirez to the pen and bring up another of the Big Three to joing the rotation. Wash, rinse, repeat. No one young SP gets too many innings, and by the end of the season all three will have MLB experience, some rotation experience and some bullpen experience. In addition, you will greatly strengthen your bullpen and starting rotation. By 2013 you're ready to rock 'n' roll.
This will not happen, I'm fairly certain, but it's a creative way of approaching things.