Things are looking incredibly bright right now and would be even brighter if the Cubs would lose one of these days, but the Brewers are approaching a stranglehold on the Wild Card with each passing day. I'm beginning to think that the division is out of reach, but who knows.
Out of the shadows in San Diego this week, where the Brewers are going for a sweep today behind Ben Sheets, is Yovani Gallardo. Despite the talk from the reporters and TV broadcasters, I say there is, at most, a 1% chance Gallardo pitches in September/October. I believe in his talent and he will be fixture in the rotation once Sheets and Sabathia call it a Milwaukee career, but I don't think Gallardo will be an upgrade for the staff in 2008.
Why? Oh there are a few reasons … first of which is innings available. I don't think the fabulous pitching of the starting rotation will continue, but each of the starters appears entrenched in the rotation. No way the crafty-veteran of Suppan will be moved to the bullpen, nor the solid stylings of Dave Bush. Earlier this season I would say that moving Parra to the pen to limit his innings would be fine, but the way he is pitching I don't see the braintrust moving him anytime soon. Roster-wise, since they expand 9/1, no one would have to be moved, so McClung would be safe. In any case, Gallardo, on a recuperating knee coming out of the bullpen is not a tasty option.
Secondly, there's the effectiveness issue. Gallardo has all the talent in the world, has a minimally stressful windup, and appears to be very smart on the field. However, he only began throwing lately and by the time he's ready for a minor-league assignment against real, live hitters, the farm clubs will be in the playoffs or done already. If Gallardo were to come back to the team I would want assurance that he pitched effective innings in real-live game situations before throwing him into a pennant race. A fresh start for Gallardo and the knowledge that he can take his time and heal the right way over winter is an optimal situation.
This doesn't specifically pertain to Gallardo, but I think when the Twins brought back Francisco Liriano at the end of the 2006 season set him back a number of months … whereas Liriano could have been his dominant self at the beginning of this season instead of starting in July. There is little room for error with Brewers pitching, something they have not had any luck in developing, and with Sheets and Sabathia more than likely gone after this season, they're going to need a new, ascendant one-two inexpensive punch of Gallardo and Parra to make up for it.
So, that's my thought … the team is pitching absurdly well and I'd much rather them save Gallardo and ride the guys they have. My predictions for next season haven't come out so well thus far, I'm beginning Doug Melvin hates me.
Not related:
Tom Haudricourt if baffled by the team's low BA and its consistent winning
Tom Haudricourt believes Escobar is the best hitter in the system; fielder, yet, hitter, not really
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