The Reds have an absolute ton of young arms that will be available to them for next year's rotation. But, I don't know that there's any one of them that you could necessarily pencil in for 200+ innings. And even the lone "veteran" that'll be coming back (Homer Bailey), is returning from an injury...so, I think they'll be cautious with his innings, too.

 

So, would it make sense for the Reds to go to a 6 man rotation to spread the starts/innings out for the 2016 season? Under normal circumstances, I'd say no way...I'd never want to trade multiple starts from my #1 (and even #2 ) starters to get extra appearances from my number 5 and number 6 guys. But, in this instance, I don't know that there's going to be that much disparity.

 

And, I don't know that it'll affect the bullpen that much...they're still going to get worked to death. Even with a 5 man rotation, you're probably looking at a lot of 5-6 inning starts from these guys. And if your #1 or #2 guy is going the same distance as your #5 and #6 guy, it really makes no difference.

 

So, would it make sense to do it?

No, they need all the bullpen help they can get with only 25 on the roster.

It would make sense but those 6 are only going to go 3-6 innings so your bullpen would be dead. Maybe if you used 9 guys as starters but only 6 at a time and the other 3 were long relief. And those rotated. But then you are not developing the dreaded 7th and 8th inning guys.

Meanwhile Chapman can pitch every 10th day in a 9th inning save situation.

I have often wondered if the concept of a 5 man rotation hasn't passed. I agree if you have a "hammer" or 2, put them on a schedule and let 'em pitch as scheduled unless injured. However, take the rest of the "rotation" and mix it up with some "startievers" / "relters." It would work particularly well if you have a mix of righties / lefties.

 

Instead of having 5 starters, 2 longish relievers and 3/4 specialists (closer, setup, LHP to face lefties), construct the staff as 1/2 starters, 5-7 startievers and 2-4 specialists.

 

Maybe you always list your starter as your pitcher until the game begins. Prevents opposing manager from loading up righty / lefty. Pick a startiever and they go 2-5 innings (depending on quality & pitch count) and hand it over to another startiever to bridge you to the specialists (if warranted based on game situation).

 

Using 2 startievers each game puts you at needing 6-8 "arms" in your non-starter games (depending on whether you have 1 or 2 "hammers). But remember, the startievers don't have to wait 4 full days rest before next appearance. Long appearance, give 'em 3. Short appearance, bring 'em back on 1-2 days rest.

 

Key question is how / when do you transition a very good startiever into a hammer starter? It would certainly be a great problem to have.