Six-man rotation?

[Guest Mets Guy in Michigan]

Mike and Mike on ESPN Radio, took a rare break from discussing football to invite Ron Darling as a guest. The topic of the Mets pitching came up and Ron offered an unusual idea: a six-man rotation.

Darling said the Mets could turn the surplus of starting pitching into a plus, saying the plan would allow Harvey to limit his post-surgery innings, allow the others youngsters to avoid strain that comes with accumulated innings and give Colon the breather he needs to stay fresh.

I wonder if the pitchers could stay sharp with such long gaps between games and whether an extra starter would mean one less arm in the bullpen or one less bat on the bench.

What do you think?

[Guest d'Kong76]

Don't like it at all, with off-days they'd have some pitchers
going on six days rest. Not the way to go.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I can see how it might make sense to give a sixth guy a spot start every once in a while, but not as part of a regular rotation.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Yeah, early in the season maybe... but not as a rule of thumb.

[Lefty Specialist]

Too many off days at the beginning of the season (planned and weather-induced) to go with a 6-man. Plus, you're throwing 5 other guys out of rhythm. Don't like it.

[MFS62]

6 man rotation:
Pro:
* Limits the innings of Harvey, giving him a chance to build up arm strength
* Gives them a chance to showcase all of their starters for potential trade partners
* Reduces the number of starts for Niese (always a good thing)
* Starters can pitch in relief, if needed, on days when they would normally be "getting in work". This used to be done all the time.

Con:
* More starts for the 4-6 starters, fewer for the better pitchers, and resultant impact on pennant race.
* Niese still pitches every 6 days.

Later

[Benjamin Grimm]

Someone appears to be rather down on Jon Niese.

[Edgy MD]

He does like his whipping boys.

[MFS62]

I root for all the players on the Mets to do well. And Niese is probably a very nice guy who loves kids and small animals. But when he pitches, he is hazardous to my health. I get agita. That's all.
Later

[Edgy MD]

That's all?

There's usually a why or a because in there.

[nymr83]

I don't find Niese all that objectionable, he's no Steve Traschel at least who pitched fairly well but would agitate the hell out of you

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

It's a Ragsdalian cry for attention.

[MFS62]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: It's a Ragsdalian cry for attention.

I read last year that he is managing in the minors (Texas org.?) and has been very successful. Good for him.

Later