There really isn't anyone in the rotation looking terrible right now. When Erv comes back would it be advantageous to go to a 6 man rotation? Especially while Erv is building up stamina. I mean can a 6 man rotation hurt the starters? Especially if they are getting in some bullpens in between starts. Would they potentially be fresher at the end if they are in the hunt for the playoffs?

 

Just some thoughts.

Also, it would keep Romero's work load down a little so as not to wear him out in his first year in the majors.

Unless the plan is to have the 6 starters each go longer, the net result is the same number of innings (or pitches if you count it that way) for the bullpen, but with 1 fewer member to share the load. Some of us already clamor for removing the starter the third time through the opposing lineup, and the manager/coach seems to treat 100 pitches as sacrosanct - will having 6 starters (and longer rest between starts) really change that?

I wouldn't expect to see Erv anytime soon.

Still, there will be a jam-up at some point, with May lurking, Gonsalves on the cusp.

 

Lynn looks like a bullpen piece to me. Take his 95 heater and ramp it to 97 for an inning. If he can find the plate.

Twins have every Monday off in June, with one doubleheader on June 5. A six-man rotation would mean pitching once per week. In July, the Twins play every day except for the all-star break. That might be a better stretch for six SP.

 

A team needs two long relievers to make it work. If Santana and May are available, the Twins would have a 6th starter and one long reliever (May?). The Twins could shuffle staff between AAA and the 2nd long relief position. 

 

I'm not sure I like this option if the team crawls back into the race in June. I'd consider it if the Twins fall further back. Save some miles on Berrios and Romero. They'd also have room for Slegers and Gonsalves if they trade one or two of the veterans. 

 

Still, there will be a jam-up at some point, with May lurking, Gonsalves on the cusp.

 

Lynn looks like a bullpen piece to me. Take his 95 heater and ramp it to 97 for an inning. If he can find the plate.

 

Lynn and Odorizzi will regress in opposite directions if you believe in FIP.

 

It's a really tough choice at the moment, but you can be certain that unless there are injuries there will be no May or Gonsalves as starters anytime soon. 

I do it as soon as Santana gets back. Romero looks like the real deal as he rebounded nicely from his “worst start” in his young career. As mentioned a 6 man rotation can save some innings for Berrios and Romero and give Santana time to get back to feeling like himself in the rotation.

 

There really isn't anyone in the rotation looking terrible right now. When Erv comes back would it be advantageous to go to a 6 man rotation? Especially while Erv is building up stamina. I mean can a 6 man rotation hurt the starters? Especially if they are getting in some bullpens in between starts. Would they potentially be fresher at the end if they are in the hunt for the playoffs?

Just some thoughts.

 

Should be if not when Santana comes back.  His velocity is just not there.  

I'd expect at least 3-4 weeks before Ervin could be back.  A lot could change with the Twins rotation in the meantime.  I don't think we need to worry about the idea of a 6-man rotation.

I'm going to have to disagree with a true 6 man rotation for all the previously stated reasons. The bullpen doesn't get any extra help, the best starters lose a valuable turn here and there and lose consistency in their workload. I get saving arms for the finish to the season, but a missed start here or there due to an off day and the All Star break can help with that.

 

We're the Twins to attempt said 6 man rotation...please correct me if I'm wrong here...thoight I had seen in the minors before where the actual rotation was still 5 man, but each starter would miss a start here and there, but work an inning or two in the pen before sliding back in to the rotation and the next guy would miss a start.

It will work itself out and we'll probably end up with another starter at some point as well.

I'm going to have to disagree with a true 6 man rotation for all the previously stated reasons. The bullpen doesn't get any extra help, the best starters lose a valuable turn here and there and lose consistency in their workload. I get saving arms for the finish to the season, but a missed start here or there due to an off day and the All Star break can help with that.

We're the Twins to attempt said 6 man rotation...please correct me if I'm wrong here...thoight I had seen in the minors before where the actual rotation was still 5 man, but each starter would miss a start here and there, but work an inning or two in the pen before sliding back in to the rotation and the next guy would miss a start.

I’ve always assumed it was a arraign 6-man rotation, but I’m intrigued. Consider:

 

1 2 3 4 5

6 2 3 4 5

1 6 3 4 5

1 2 6 4 5

1 2 3 6 5

1 2 3 4 6

 

No. 6 always pitches on 5 days’ rest. The others are usually on their 4-day’ rest cycles, but skipped every six times through. They would be available for 3-4 innings on 1-2 occasions between. Would also give a chance to bring them in mid-game and/or with runners on base a la the playoffs.

I’ve always assumed it was a arraign 6-man rotation, but I’m intrigued. Consider:

1 2 3 4 5

6 2 3 4 5

1 6 3 4 5

1 2 6 4 5

1 2 3 6 5

1 2 3 4 6

No. 6 always pitches on 5 days’ rest. The others are usually on their 4-day’ rest cycles, but skipped every six times through. They would be available for 3-4 innings on 1-2 occasions between. Would also give a chance to bring them in mid-game and/or with runners on base a la the playoffs.

My head is in the wrong place right now to do match, lol. So I'm a tiny bit confused on the #6 guy. But generally speaking, I think we're on the same page and I get the gist of what you are saying. Everyone, more or less, stays on a fairly normal rotation but misses a start here and there, does bullpens and can be used out of the pen, and then gets re-inserted again.

 

Assuming eventually healthy and ready to go, would Santana be your most logical choice for the #6 spot?