Bedard to the bullpen?

[rp0806]

Given Bedard's recent struggles and his inability to go deep into games, I wonder if the Orioles should consider moving him to the bullpen. I think everyone agrees that he has great stuff, but I'm starting to wonder if he'll ever become the starter we all hoped for (and, I'll admit, I was as high on him as anyone going into this season).

Moving him to the bullpen could light a fire under him and force him to push himself to improve. And he could be an outstanding setup guy/spot starter (the Aaron Heilmann role with the Mets or the Ramiro Mendoza role with the Yankees in the late 90s). If he doesn't have to worry about pitch counts, he could probably dominate for a couple innings at a time. I'm usually opposed to the idea of moving a starter to the bullpen (an average starter is usually worth far more than an excellent reliever), but it might make sense in this case.

Of course this raises the question of what to do about Bedard's spot in the rotation. I would give Birkins or even Johnson a few starts until Penn comes back, and then have a rotation of Cabrera, Benson, Loewen, Penn, and Lopez. If Lopez pitches reasonably well, trade him at the deadline for something and trade Tejada to the Angels in one of the much discussed trades for a package of players, including Santana or Jered Weaver. Santana or Weaver then takes Lopez's spot in the rotation.

[NewMarketSean]

This is Bedard we're talking about. He's got boatloads of talent, but there is not "fire" to be ignited, as you say.

I think a demotion to the bullpen would make him care even less.

[Sports Guy]

He should be dealt before being sent to the BP.

[mikezpen]

Maybe. But in any event Bedard has definitly regressed.Then again, the prospect of he, Chen and Halama coming out of the bullpen mite spur the starters to go deep enough that Ray can bail them out. In which case, those three might start racking up "scares" if not wins or saves.

[Sports Guy]

Maybe. But in any event Bedard has definitly regressed.Then again, the prospect of he, Chen and Halama coming out of the bullpen mite spur the starters to go deep enough that Ray can bail them out. In which case, those three might start racking up "scares" if not wins or saves.

Despite the number of pitches, he has pitched better the last 2 outings and the K's yesterday were a good sign.

I think he will be fine.

[Frobby]

I think we have to give Bedard a full year under Mazzone's tutelage and then see where things stand. He has not gone deep in games lately, but I still feel he can turn things around.

[bgfield]

I think a demotion to the bullpen would make him care even less.

If that's his attitude, I hope the O's trade him and fast.

[rp0806]

He should be dealt before being sent to the BP.

I'm not opposed to dealing him, but how much trade value does he have at the moment? If he spends a month dominating in the BP he might be a little more attractive.

[Sports Guy]

I'm not opposed to dealing him, but how much trade value does he have at the moment?

Alot

If he spends a month dominating in the BP he might be a little more attractive

No he won't.

[Gentile]

Given Bedard's recent struggles and his inability to go deep into games, I wonder if the Orioles should consider moving him to the bullpen.

AYOOYFM?....

[Moose Milligan]

Whatever happens, it needs to be done soon. Bullpen, trade, whatever. He's arguably our worst starter now.

[markdublya]

Whatever happens, it needs to be done soon.

Why? Pennant race? Because he is blocking a REAL talent? If there is one thing this team doesn't have - it's urgency. Bedard has no business in the 'pen.

[Sports Guy]

He's arguably our worst starter now.

No he's not and even if he was, why does something HAVE to be done?

If he is our worse starter and we are getting QS out of him, then i would say we have a very good staff.

So, why again does something need to be done with him?

[Moose Milligan]

No he's not and even if he was, why does something HAVE to be done?

If he is our worse starter and we are getting QS out of him, then i would say we have a very good staff.

So, why again does something need to be done with him?

Because he's not pitching as well as he could be.

Something needs to be done to light a fire under his ass.

[Sports Guy]

Because he's not pitching as well as he could be.

Well he has pitched better his last few outings...So how about we see how he continues to progress under Mazzone before we do something stupid?