March 26, 2007
Battle for Fifth
Rays Index looks at the battle for the 5th slot in the Devil Rays rotation. Edwin Jackson might have the edge because he's out of options:
Jackson and Howell two have very similar spring numbers. Howell has given up 13 hits, 5 walks and 1 hit batter with 9 strikeouts in 15 innings (1.80 ERA). In 14.2 innings, Jackson has allowed 10 hits, 8 walks and struck out 13 (1.84 ERA). With Jackson out of minor league options Howell probably would have needed to be markedly better than Jackson this spring to win the final spot. Maddon will probably make his decision official on Thursday. Whoever starts on Thursday will be on schedule to pitch the 5th game of the season.
With that many walks, I'm surprised their ERAs are so low, but it's a small sample size. I would go with Howell, simply because his minor league numbers show him to be the better pitcher. Then again, being the fifth starter on the Devil Rays makes you close to Mr. Irrelevant.
Posted by David Pinto at
01:44 PM
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