There’s a Storm on the Horizon

Nope.  I’m not referring to the rain which will likely prevent my evaluation of Carlos Zambrano tonight in Reading.

It’s a storm of Starting Pitchers.  There are worse problems to have, to be sure.  Let’s review a few things we know, and speculate about some possibilities.  I won’t provide any answers–or even many guesses, though–because I have no concrete information and there are too many moving parts.

Part 1: John Lannan

I’ve never been a fan of John Lannan, but despite his inability to pitch effectively against the IronPigs last season (that’s ok with me!) he did do well for the Nationals down the stretch.  He started the year rather well for the Phillies, too, allowing three ER over seven innings in his first start, and one ER over six innings in his second.  He got rocked by the Reds just before he went on the DL.  He was due to make a rehab start for Clearwater last evening in Jupiter, but that game was cancelled due to rain.  He’s slated to start tonight for the Threshers in Dunedin.  That would put his next start on Wednesday if all goes well.  For reference, the IronPigs have an off day, and Reading is home for Bowie.  I’m unsure how many rehab starts Lannan will require, but I’d guess it will be more than one.  I suppose he could stay in Florida as Thresher’s games are usually pretty nearby if they’re not at home.

Part 2: Carlos Zambrano

I have to admit, I’ve never been a Carlos Zambrano fan, either.  In fact, I was down on this signing even more than I was down on the Delmon Young and Yunesky Bettancourt signings by the Phillies earlier this season.  However, he’s done well thus far, and reportedly has his mental game in order.  The more the merrier I say right now; let’s see what he’s got.

He’s scheduled to start tonight for Reading, but the weather does not look good.  Where and when would his next start be?  It’s hard to say.  Both Reading and the IronPigs are home for Saturday night.  It does look like the ‘Pigs will get their double-header in this evening in Buffalo.  Ethan Martin will get his turn to pitch tonight, with Greg Smith to start the nightcap.  The extra innings tonight, though, could put the ‘Pigs in need of an arm for tomorrow.  Hmmmm….

But I’m not going to predict it.  I did that last week (several times) and it didn’t work out.  I’m just saying.  I’ll also point out that Zambrano isn’t an official “rehab.”  He’s on a minor league contract right now and would need a roster spot.  Also of note:  Miguel Abreu was added to the “inactive” list for the IronPigs yesterday, freeing up a spot.  I’m not predicting anything, I’m just saying…

Perhaps of minor concern, but still notable:  Top prospect Jesse Biddle was pushed back from his start for the R-Fightins Friday to allow for the Zambrano spot.  Would they push him back again to keep the Big Z in Reading, or would they rather he stay close to his regular schedule.  I’m not predicting anything, I’m just saying…

If Zambrano starts tonight, his next turn would be Wednesday as well (see Lannan, above) but if he starts Saturday, it would be Thursday.  The IronPigs will be home for the RailYankees on Thursday.  Wild Twitter speculation also has Carlos Ruiz here on the same night for rehab.  Want more conspiracy stuff:  I recently tried to get extra tickets for the Thursday game for no other reason but to give them away.  I was told they were in very, very short supply.  Perhaps some were being held back.  Perhaps I’ve had too much coffee this morning.  I’m just saying…

Footnote: Carlos Zambrano has an opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Phillies.  He can become a free agent again on July 1 if he’s not with the big club by then.

Part 3: The Bigs

All this minor league stuff is well and good.  It’s my thing, actually; I want nothing more than 100% IronPigs wins.  But we all know that what happens with the Phillies will ultimately determine what happens here.  I certainly understand the Phillies’ desire to get some MLB-quality arms ready to go, but the fact is, Jon Pettibone and Tyler Cloyd have done alright for themselves.  Pettibone has a 3-1 record with a 3.40 ERA over nine starts.  He’s not allowed over four earned runs in any of those starts.  Tyler Cloyd had done OK as well.  He allowed 6ER in a start in Fenway, but every other start has been 2ER or less.

I’m not sure either of these guys deserve to get demoted just yet.  It’s not like Lannan and Zambrano are immune to an occasional bad start.  I’d certainly welcome either Jon or Tyler back to the IronPigs, but the Phillies are surging, so why rush it?  Could we see Zambrano and Lannan for  a few starts?  At least until July 1?

It’s difficult to say.  As we know, injuries and rain and other untold variables could come into play.  Enjoy the ride!

See you at the park, when it’s dry,

@Kram209