As absolutely bad as Mike Pelfrey was (4 1-3 IP, 8 ER, 13 hits, 1 walk, 1 K), I still think he earned the spot in rotation over Orlando Hernandez, due to the rest of his spring and the ability to throw over 85 mph. Oh, and to stay healthy, of course.
El Duque only lasted 3 innings, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks, while striking out 1. El Duque topped out at 85 mph, and had to be pulled from the game before his slotted four innings. Eddie Kunz had to come out for the 4th because Pelfrey was not ready to come into the game as early as they needed him.
I am officially cutting all emotional ties to El Duque.
We have the best 1-4 starters in the league, and the biggest question mark in the 5th spot.
I'm penciling in Pelfrey as the 5th starter, but you never know...Nelson Figueroa could make a late spring push. Wouldn't that be nice?
