Brewers throwing darts for starts

May 20, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

Could Ned Yost just be throwing darts at a board to choose the Milwaukee Brewers next starting pitcher? The Brewers have decided to move Carlos Villanueva out of the rotation, and make him work out of the bullpen for a while. The choice to replace Villanueva? It’s Seth McClung. Yep Seth McClung, the guy who couldn’t even cut it in Tampa Bay. There’s no doubt Carlos needs some more seasoning, and just time to work through his struggles, but Seth McClung?

Villanueva has struggled all year long, currently sporting a 6.43 era. Even worse then that he’s given up 22 runs in his last 20 innings, including 8 homers. “I talked to Carlos and a 7, 7-plus ERA is not getting it done,” Yost said. “We have to find ways to get it done in certain spots.” One can understand why Villanueva was given the chance to start this year, in 6 starts in 2007 he had a 2.06 era in 35 innings. He has had mild success as a reliever with a 4.76 era in 79+ innings last season and almost a strikeout per inning. “He’s had success in the ‘pen. We’ll get him back in short stints.”, added Yost.

Like I said, I’m all about getting this kid some work, he’s only 24 and still has a chance to be a special pitcher in the league. But Seth McClung? I just can’t get by the fact that this guy is getting a chance to start again. Yes, he’s been very good in the ‘pen for the Brewers this year going 19 innings with a 3.79 era. But if you go back to his days as a Tampa Bay Ray, as a start he was just atrocious. Over 3 seasons, he compiled a 12-20 record with a 6.17 era in 37 starts. I don’t see whats improved so much that’s going to get this guy to look like a real big league pitcher. Regardless, his first start is tentatively scheduled for Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

With this decision, you’ve got to wonder what is Ned Yost doing? Could he really be throwing darts at the board, hoping someone catches fire and saves his job. He’s definitely managing for that right now, its pretty much obvious. They’ve got the talent but he’s just not getting this team to perform up to it. My call is Yost is unemployed at the end of the season, but the financially responsible Brewers won’t do it before the season is up. They won’t pay someone for doing nothing.

Here’s an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about this. Photo is courtesy of mlb.com

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