Too Many Starters?

Friday, August 22 2003 @ 09:57 AM EDT

Contributed by: Coach

If you saw Josh Towers the other night, especially in the adrenalin-charged ninth inning, it's hard to believe he isn't going to stay in the rotation. But with Pete Walker and Cory Lidle ready to return, someone has to be odd man out, says Spencer Fordin on the Official Site:

The Jays are just taking their time in naming Tuesday's starter, waiting to see how things shake out over the weekend. With an off-day next Thursday, the Jays can afford to mull every option. For now, Towers is on hand as a contingency plan, a handy fallback option if Walker or Lidle gets knocked around. Tosca said that was a natural role for Towers, but that he still projects as a starter over the long haul.

"I think he's probably a little more suited to be a starter or a long man," he said. "His strength is his control. His changeup is improving, and that's going to be a big pitch for him."


I prefer Walker in the 'pen and would give Towers a regular turn for the rest of the year. Presumably, Brian Bowles will be returned to AAA to make room for Pete on Saturday (new papa Cliff Politte will be back from St. Louis, with at least his arm well rested) but the bigger question is, who gets shipped out when Lidle is activated? If it's Towers, I'll be upset; my two cents is on Reichert. Perhaps someone will develop a timely injury, like Josh Phelps' earlier back spasms.

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