El Duque has stated that he is not going into the bullpen. He has also been injured all spring and has yet to pitch a game-but yesterday he pitched a simulated game and will make is spring debut on Sunday.
Mike Perfrey has made several starts this spring and has been very effective.
Who does Willie go with, the aging veteran or the kid?
El Duque always breaks down, and is only good for about 125 innings, so long relief work of say 75 innings this year will keep him healthy and effective. While this sounds like a no brainier, as a starter El Duque could make an argument that he was the most effective started behind John Maine all year and definitely the most effective during points in early September.
While Mike Pelfrey was effective this spring, he was effective last spring and earned a spot on the rotation and went 0-5 before being sent back to AAA ball. Will the same happen this year?
What to do? Willie has 2 weeks to decide.
Posted by Steve in New York