I know, it appears I am getting a little ahead of myself. The Arizona Diamondbacks have NOT sent Trevor Cahill to the bullpen, to the Minor Leagues or to another team. At 0-4 with a 9.17 ERA, one would think Cahill is heading for a demotion of some kind, particularly since Randall Delgado was banished after less of a hook and a better 2013. I want to be clear: I am not rooting for Trevor to get replaced. Losing your position in sports or anywhere in your chosen profession is painful. I go by the logic by what we have seen and heard from D’backs’ management over the past two months. It would stand to reason that Cahill’s time in the rotation has run out. Who would be the candidates to replace the sinkerballer? I have identified four candidates, all of whom have sub-3.00 ERA’s at Triple A Reno:
Archie Bradley: He is the organization’s top prospect and the one most fans would want to see. He was dynamite in his last outing, throwing seven innings with sharp control as he walked only two batters and while giving up a scant three hits. However, it would probably take more than just one great start in order to bring Bradley up to Arizona. In his first outing, he walked two in five innings. Control will remain an issue until he can be consistent in the strike zone. Plus, keep in mind he is only 21 and that by keeping him down until at least May, he is kept from free agency for an additional year. Odds: 35-1
Charles Brewer: He pitched in six games last year for the Snakes, all in relief. The 26-year old Brewer has thrown 11 innings in two starts for the Aces. He has allowed 12 hits but only two walks while striking out 12. He is not considered a high-end prospect but maybe just the type of pitcher to help the parent club get through what is obviously a rough patch to start 2014. Odds: 10-1
Mike Bolsinger: Kevin Towers mentioned his name in a piece written by Nick Piecoro at azcentral.com. Towers indicated that the 26-year old Bolsinger is on his radar given his initial outing of 2014 when he tossed 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball. He followed that up with a solid six innings, surrendering two earned runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out five. Bolsinger is scheduled to pitch for Reno early this week. Odds: 5-2
Bo Schultz: He managed to make it to Australia where he threw a scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers before being sent down. If it was up to me, Schultz would be my pick to take Cahill’s spot in the rotation. His story to even have gotten to this point reminds me of Tim Wakefield and his progress from the last two seasons has opened eyebrows throughout the organization. Schultz had a great start on Saturday, going 6 2/3 innings allowing one earned run on only three hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. Odds: 12-1
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