Melvin’s Claudio vision clears up

March 25, 2008

Nevermind this.

I’m in love with Doug Melvin right now for choosing talent over depth, choosing to eat a partial contract over playing it out, choosing Villanueva over Vargas.  It should mean that Carlos gets the fifth start for the Brewers this year. And it should mean that Claudio is walking the bases loaded for Pittsburgh by Monday.

To be clear, I never had a problem with depth. Eight was a lot of starting pitchers, but the Brewers injure a lot of starting pitchers. I’m proud of Doug for taking the whole spring, seeing who was left with an arm and picking the best five.

Now, before Gallardo comes back, something else will have to happen. An injury in the bullpen could probably save Villanueva from being sent to Triple-A; otherwise, he’s probably out. I wish he didn’t know that, too. I wish he could go out and pitch like a starter with a guaranteed job, rather than a guy who’s still trying to impress management.

Villanueva locked into 2008 starting rotation

December 23, 2007

I mean, it’s what we’ve been hoping all along. It’s always made sense, but you never know. Now Doug Melvin seems to have confirmed it to the Journal Sentinel.

“Having Gallardo and Villanueva in the rotation from Day 1 should make our rotation better,” he said.

OK, then. So [1] Sheets, [2] Gallardo, [3] Villanueva, [4] Suppan, and wild card. Your left-handed options are Capuano and Parra. Your right-handed options are Vargas and Bush.

Your trade options with the remainders are probably limited.