Shutdown Shields and Garza

by RaysTheRoof on Sep 4, 2009 10:56 AM EDT

We are out of the playoff race -- according to coolstandings.com are odds at capturing the wild card sit below 5%. At this point, it is time to start planning for next season. Not only does this entail evaluating minor leaguers who have a legitimate shot at contributing next season by giving them a few ML starts in September, it should also include resting proven assets who have been overworked.

Over the past two season James Shields has pitched 426 innings. Matt Garza has pitched 386 innings. Both of those numbers are high. Now, as we all know, determining the IP limit per season on a pitcher if far from a science. However, at this point I think it is fair to say that shutting down both Shields and Garza for the rest of the season won't hurt them and has the distinct possibility of helping them, and the team, going into 2010.

In their place, I would like the rotation to look something like this:

Niemann

Price

Davis

Talbot/Sonny

Hernandez/Cromer

I know this isn't sexy, but it is best for the team. It allows proven players to rest weary arms and gives the front office the ability to evaluate high-level minor league players who could contribute in the bullpen next year and who cost roughly half of a typical relief FA (i.e. Joe Nelson, Shouse, etc).

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Comments

By your theory

shouldn’t Niemann and Price be shut down as well? I know both are quickly approaching the 20% increase in innings, especially Price.

by usfraysfan on Sep 4, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe. I'm more worried about guys that have been highly worked for 2 straight seasons.

Plus, I don’t know if we’d have enough pitchers to replace Price and Niemann too.

by RaysTheRoof on Sep 4, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Garza and Shields aren't going to have nearly as much of an increase in IP as Niemann and Price

GZA and Shields pitched in the post season last year, and also have shown that they can throw 200+ innings in a season. I’d be more inclined to shut down price or Niemann

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by staplemaniac on Sep 4, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

This would go over well in the community.

by rglass44 on Sep 4, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

The "retard" community had already been alienated by the Kaz trade

Might as well go all the way. They will jump back on the bandwagon next year if the team is successful.

by RaysTheRoof on Sep 4, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

That will piss everyone off.

Save a handful here.

by rglass44 on Sep 4, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I wish we had Price's exact pitch count for last year.

I know he’s gotta be closing in on it.

But yeah, I don’t think I’d be opposed to shutting a few of the arms down.

by R.J. Anderson on Sep 4, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

You don't give up with a month to go

Sure – odds look pretty bad right now, but you don’t quit (which is what shutting down your top pitchers would be.)

by TallMatt on Sep 4, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

I have to disagree. It's time to throw in the towel.

by RaysTheRoof on Sep 4, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

The Phillies would disagree with you

In 2007 and 2008, they overcame 5+ game deficits in September to pass the Mets and win the division. The game is not played on paper.

by dannythegreat on Sep 6, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

agreed

by rglass44 on Sep 4, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

With everyones expectations after last season

shutting them down now and “folding” the season might make the bandwagon fans even more scarce, and that worries me.

by BrokeBearMountain on Sep 4, 2009 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

I hope they bought season tix first

Embrace Eternity

by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 4, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

no playoffs

i agree i dont see the playoffs this year…and I think it would bring some extra interest into the games for the next month..I would love to see Jennings,hell boy and a few others get their feet wet for the last month…I would also agree with another comment I saw on here a little while ago that said “Even if the Rays dont make the playoffs this year..I would still rather be disappointed in september than in april.” Still love the Rays..will still enjoy the last month no matter what happens..and am looking forward to next year…i hope we beat the tigers tonight..we had Verlander beat last time..lets hang on this time…go rays

by electriclott on Sep 4, 2009 6:07 PM EDT reply actions

I agree with this

As much as the Front Office said trading Kaz wasn’t throwing in the towel, it was more that their intent wasn’t to throw in the towel, even though their action was mutually exclusive.

They needed to move money, and in the process set us up for a rough game with Sonny against the Sox.

They have already set their priority—and while they may want it both ways (not giving up, and also trading Kaz) it’s pretty much impossible to do both given the need to free up money.

Therefore the Rays should also do everything else to prepare for 2010, today. I think shutting down arms is a good example of such a strategy.

by plasticman on Sep 5, 2009 2:10 AM EDT reply actions

not too stomp on your theory

but Mitch Talbot isn’t pitching anywhere near the majors this year, he is rehabbing with GCL right now and will be shut down before he gets called up and Carlos Hernandez hasn’t pitched since August 6th so I doubt he is ready to make some big league starts.

While I don’t disagree with the idea of shutting a couple guys down we don’t have the guys on the 40 man to take their spots and I don’t see them making special roster moves to accomidate this. Although everyone and their mom and DRB knows I’d love to see Hellboy in a Rays uniform ASAP.

Jennings, Hellickson, Davis, Brignac, Beckham, Moore > Your top 3

by Dbullsfan on Sep 5, 2009 8:56 AM EDT reply actions