Quote:
Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames
Going to sound weird, but I think that McGowan/Alvarez/Morrow's progression is far more important than Cecil's contributions. I have never really thought of Cecil as more than a really good 4th starter, where as McGowan/Morrow could easily slot into that #2/3 starter postion, if they reach their ceilings/regain form. I guess I just don't find Cecil's success that imperitive to the club's success - and that is taking nothing away from Cecil. He had a really good season, and until his drop in velocity, appeared to be on track to becoming a good #3.
I feel that kids like Hutchison, Jenkins, Drabek could all have solid seasons, and really help off set the loss of Cecil in a rotation - similar to what Alvarez did last year. The loss of Morrow or McGowan (if he regains his form), would be crippling to the franchise's hopes of a playoff birth.
EDIT - all personal opinion of course  |
I 100% agree that for both the short term and long term, these guys need to progress to where they're capable.
It's really a make or break year for Morrow in terms of being front end starter. He needs to win more than 11 games and bring more consistency for this team to take the next step.
McGowan has a strict 150 inning limit so it is hard to expect too much out of him. Personally, I'd be thrilled with 10 wins.
The reason I singled out Cecil is because he's only 2 years removed from a 15 win season and physically looks to have made some strides. If he could regain any sort of form I think it would be hugely beneficial and not having to throw one of the prominent young arms like Hutchinson/McGuire/Jenkins into the fire would be a good thing IMO.