Phillies: New 2-slot starter
By Tal Venada
Bottom to top:
In reverse order, this forecast begins with the bottom rung of the five-man staff. And although the number two will be in the rotation on Opening Day, he’ll earn that second spot during April. The exception will be an unforeseen event: a trade, an injury or a free-agent signing.
Firstly, this moundsman reportedly has elite control and was a real get by the red pinstripes in their rebuilding plan: dealing valuable pieces for multiple prospects. And who will be the fifth starter? Eshelman!
Granted, the right-hander will open the season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs for the first two months. And when an opportunity arises, he’ll have his first shot.
In the four slot, this hurler has above-average smoke and could be on the verge of putting it all together. So, who will fill this spot for most of 2018? Velasquez!
Though many fans gave up on him as a starter, others stated he doesn’t have the control to be a reliever. Unfortunately, the hometown nine don’t have an immediate replacement, and swapping for or signing a starter is currently a problem for most execs.
In a similar situation, Carlos Carrasco had 47 starts before he developed into a solid two-slot arm in 2014, and Velasquez is currently at the 46-game mark. But because most players don’t make an impact until the third year, the fireballer could exceed the zero expectations of some locals. Additionally, Carrasco was 27 at that time and Velasquez will be 26.
The Cleveland Indians had moved Carrasco to the bullpen after four debacles in ’14, and he earned another rotation shot in August. As for Velasquez, he like third baseman Maikel Franco probably has one more chance because of his fastball and four open spots on the starting staff.
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Nobody wants a prediction that the future will be more or less like the present, even if that is, statistically speaking, an excellent prediction.” – Nathan Myhrvold"