ORUalum Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 Chi Chi starts making case for Opening Day rotation - MLB.com Realistically, Gonzalez would have to blow hitters away all spring to win himself a spot on the roster. But new manager Jeff Banister seems impressed with Gonzalez thus far -- specifically his poise in tough situations. "For Chi Chi, this is a situation -- show us what you can do and who you are, and don't worry about anything else," Banister said. "... This is a guy that's poised, he's got pitches, he throws strikes. He doesn't get rattled. Texas Rangers roster projection, Version 2.0: Will Chi Chi Cha Cha Cha his way into rotation? - DMN STARTING PITCHERS (5): LHP Derek Holland, RHP Yovani Gallardo, LHP Ross Detwiler, RHP Colby Lewis and RHP Alex “Chi Chi†Gonzalez Out: RHP Yu Darvish; In: RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez The scoop: With Darvish out, likely for the year, Detwiler should be assured of a spot. And I’d actually pitch him in the third spot to give the rotation balance through the first four games. Of the remaining contenders for the final spot – Gonzalez, Nick Tepesch, Nick Martinez and Anthony Ranaudo – Gonzalez has the best pitchability, presence and the best out pitch. He could use some more refinement, though. It will likely leave the Rangers with this decision to make: If the competition is close on the field, should Gonzalez start the year in the minors and be prepared to be an early-season callup? That would also potentially buy the Rangers an extra year of his service long-term based on how arbitration and free agency works. On the other hand, if he starts in the majors and struggles, he’s going to get sent down anyway and the club will exact the same effect in terms of service time. The risk associated with the latter is the potential damage done to his confidence by possible early failure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.