Originally Posted by
moonslav59
We don't really know this.
We have ERod and Wright returning at some point- maybe earlier than we think.
If Pom stays healthy, we could be okay with just needing one 6th starter until one of those two return.
I'd like to add some inexpensive depth, but I'm not sure what's left.
Johnson has been on the 40 man roster since 2015. He's dealt with health issues here and there, but he's 27 now and has plkayed 3 years of college ball and 8 years of professional ball. It's finally time, once and for all, to find out what this guy can do. If he fails, we can finally clear his dead weight roster spot. If he does well, we'll have save money for a summer pick-up.
Velazquez is 29. He's played in professional ball since 2010 and been under a 3.00 ERA for the last 3 years in a row. I'd like to see what he's got. He looked good in a tiny sample size last year, so let him show what he's got.
Keep a short leash on both of these guys, and if the suck, trade for a guy and use the $4M remaining on a pro-rated deal.
Also, Elias looked good in Seatlle for a year or two. He's been on the 40 man since 2015. He also has dealt with injuries, but has looked good so far this Spring and had a nice winter league session. I'm not going to say, "He deserves a shot," but I wouldn't be very surprised, if he does well when called upon.
Beeks, Haley and Shepherd are a long shots.