Start Gausman out at AAA

[weams]

Gonzalez if Norris can turn it around. If Norris is not getting any better in his next couple of starts I sit him down with my medical staff and make absolutely sure he's healthy. Then I tell him he has two choices, he can pitch out of the BP just like Jimenez did or he can go on the DL until he's healthy. With Ubaldo setting the precedent last year and doing it without complaining he'll look like a jerk if he doesn't accept it gracefully and if he isn't completely healthy that would explain quite a lot.

Either way, I send down someone who isn't as good as Gausman and that is the point.

You could DL Bud with his back anytime you needed. But it is still just practice right? I heard that Bud is being thought of as the Starter for the home opener. Either he or Ubaldo.

[weams]

If that was the reasoning, it would be simple. I think most of us doubt that the real reasoning is the "best 25".

It's not a contest. It's practice, and roster manipulation.

[eddie83]

Both Gausman and Gonzalez will stay on the major league roster for the simple reason that they are better than Matusz and Webb. Matusz and Webb will be traded or DFA'd and sent to Norfolk.

They are both starting pitchers. It is hard for a manager at the start of the year to get guys enough work anyway nevermind trying to do that with two starters in the pen. It isn't about who is better it is about maximizing your depth and keeping options open. Those two guys might been gone no question. Even if you get rid of both a Rule 5 guy takes one of the spots. I think whoever it is it would be foolish to keep a starter in the pen to start the year.

[Il BuonO]

Easily? You could make a case but I disagree with easily.

Yes, I think he's easily better than Gonzalez or Norris and that will be proved out over the season. I'll say he outperforms Chen, too. And I don't think it's a stretch to say he can do better than Tillman as well.

Feel free to disagree with all of it if you like.

[wildcard]

If that was the reasoning, it would be simple. I think most of us doubt that the real reasoning is the "best 25".

I do think there is a good chance that both Webb and Matusz will be gone. However, even with both gone, I could see Gausman starting at Norfolk. I think it will come down to keeping Gausman in the bullpen in the majors or starting in the minors. If he relieves in the majors it will be partly because the O's decide to offer Garcia back to the Red Sox. I do not believe both will be in the bullpen. I'm picking Garcia to be kept and Gausman to start at Norfolk.

One of Gausman/Gonzo/Norris and Garcia will make the pen.

[Il BuonO]

Both Gausman and Gonzalez will stay on the major league roster for the simple reason that they are better than Matusz and Webb. Matusz and Webb will be traded or DFA'd and sent to Norfolk.

Well, of course I'd fully endorse that.

[Crazysilver03]

Misunderstood you. So if a player gets optioned today they can be back on April 8?

Correct.

[weams]

One of Gausman/Gonzo/Norris and Garcia will make the pen.

Are you guessing? Or is there some fact there?

[wildcard]

Just your opinion though. Right? And if it works out differently, it's not because someone is being paid to sabotage under the table.

Sure. JMO.

[eddie83]

You could DL Bud with his back anytime you needed. But it is still just practice right? I heard that Bud is being thought of as the Starter for the home opener. Either he or Ubaldo.

I can't see Buck in any circumstance pitching Ubaldo for the home opener. If he struggles that will get ugly in a hurry. Not a good way to start the year.

[weams]

Yes, I think he's easily better than Gonzalez or Norris and that will be proved out over the season. I'll say he outperforms Chen, too. And I don't think it's a stretch to say he can do better than Tillman as well.

Feel free to disagree with all of it if you like.

I love watching Gausman pitch.

[weams]

I can't see Buck in any circumstance pitching Ubaldo for the home opener. If he struggles that will get ugly in a hurry. Not a good way to start the year.

That is why it will probably be Bud.

[weams]

Sure. JMO.

Good thoughts then. Thanks.

[wildcard]

You could DL Bud with his back anytime you needed. But it is still just practice right? I heard that Bud is being thought of as the Starter for the home opener. Either he or Ubaldo.

Ubaldo should pitch in Tampa where it will be 72 degrees and no wind.

[eddie83]

Yes, I think he's easily better than Gonzalez or Norris and that will be proved out over the season. I'll say he outperforms Chen, too. And I don't think it's a stretch to say he can do better than Tillman as well.

Feel free to disagree with all of it if you like.

What has Norris done to go to the pen? Either DL him or he is in the rotation. The longer he is in the pen the harder it will be to stretch him out. He can't go to the minors to do that.