Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Starting pitcher Brad Peacock is the first, of what I think will be three, to lose his job as a starting pitcher. For the time being, Peacock will be coming out of the bullpen for the Houston Astros. Out of Philip Humber, Erik Bedard and Peacock, I would have guessed Humber would be the first one to be removed from the rotation. I was wrong though. Earlier, Houston Astros manager Bo Porter mentioned that he wasn’t planning on changing up the rotation. Two days later, the first one is moved to the bullpen.
Personally, had I made this decision, I would have sent Peacock down to Triple-A Oklahoma City so he could work on his command, and get a little confidence. Like I said earlier, he wouldn’t have been the first one I would have taken out of the starting rotation. I think pitchers like Bedard and Humber should have had shorter leashes than that of a rookie, but hey, someone HAD to go, and I completely understand the move.
The Astros have yet to name a replacement, but all signs point to either Paul Clemens or Travis Blackley to take the rotation spot. Which ever one of these two get the spot, I think it is safe to say the other one is sure to follow. I have been lobbying for the Astros to move Clemens into the rotation since his five scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
However, with Blackley coming into the rotation, that could also help. With out Blackley last season, the Oakland Athletics would not have won the AL West, and he’ll bring in experience in both the division, and in winning games. So I don’t think the Astros can go wrong with either of their choices.
The Astros have also said they are not afraid to call up prospect Jarred Cosart, but they do not want to rush him, and jump the gun on him.
