But then there’s that fifth spot.
As much improved as some of the rotation is, that last spot is still a pretty big hole. I like Scott Mathieson’s potential, and I think he’s going to be a pretty solid starter eventually, but he’s definitely not there yet. For now every fifth day is going to be a real adventure for the Phils. The thing is, I’m not sure what there is the way of alternatives. Gavin Floyd is pitching better at Scranton, but he’s still not dominating and I’m starting to think that if he ever makes it in the majors it’s going to be somewhere else. Eude Brito is probably the best bet but my gut feeling is that he’d have the same sort of adjustment period that Mathieson is dealing with.
If this were a sane playoff race where it would take 90 wins, this wouldn’t be an issue, they’d just leave Mathieson out there to see how he adjusts. But with this wacky mediocrity, things get a little strange.