According to the Daily Herald;

 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a long season, and that’s why the White Sox are seriously considering using a shorter leash to protect some of their starting pitchers.

 

Orlando “El Duque’’ Hernandez is at the top of that list, and the 35-year-old right-hander might be pulled earlier than usual from today’s start against the Devil Rays.

 

In his last three outings, two of them wins, Hernandez has averaged 115 pitches. Considering Hernandez missed the entire 2003 season after having rotator surgery and half of last year as well, the Sox don’t want to take any unnecessary chances.

 

“One of the reasons we brought up another pitcher is because I want to protect the guys that are supposed to be protected, especially El Duque and Freddy (Garcia),’’ said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. “We don’t want to let them go too far without a reason.’’

 

On Monday, the Sox called up left-handed reliever Kevin Walker from Class AAA Charlotte, expanding their staff to 12 pitchers.

 

So far, Hernandez has shown no signs of fatigue and he has welcomed the chance to stay in the game as long as possible.

 

“I think El Duque’s healthy,’’ Guillen said. “He prepares himself every day to give you everything he has. He’s going to be out there as long as he’s good. I’m going to give him all the opportunities to win games.

 

“If he’s tired, we’ll do something about it. We might let him miss a start, but it’s too early to say what we’re going to do.’’

That's scary. So we are basically looking at the Kevin Walker show today... Great.

what's the scouting report on Walker, stats?

what's the scouting report on Walker, stats?

Stats aren't good. He struggled in Charlotte, and his last good season was back in 2000 IIRC going 7-1 4.43 ERA.

Stats aren't good. He struggled in Charlotte, and his last good season was back in 2000 IIRC going 7-1 4.43 ERA.

 

That's what I thought, the guy is average at best. Why not use B-Mac for long middle relief. It would rest our starters and get B Mac some experience in the bigs.

Guys, this is a nothing article.

 

I wouldn't put much stock in it.

That's what I thought, the guy is average at best. Why not use B-Mac for long middle relief. It would rest our starters and get B Mac some experience in the bigs.

Probably because they want him to stay starting down at Charlotte. It's not like we need another Neal Cotts situation again. Also he's still not that ready yet (Cheat said 1.5 HR's given up per start) so he's still got some small things to work on. Also you waste another option, and start the arbitration process earlier, so there are a lot of factors to consider.

Probably because they want him to stay starting down at Charlotte. It's not like we need another Neal Cotts situation again. Also he's still not that ready yet (Cheat said 1.5 HR's given up per start) so he's still got some small things to work on. Also you waste another option, and start the arbitration process earlier, so there are a lot of factors to consider.

 

In other words ... it doesn't make sense to bring up BMac at this point.

Probably because they want him to stay starting down at Charlotte. It's not like we need another Neal Cotts situation again. Also he's still not that ready yet (Cheat said 1.5 HR's given up per start) so he's still got some small things to work on. Also you waste another option, and start the arbitration process earlier, so there are a lot of factors to consider.

I see, good points, so Walker is our best option, wow.

In other words ... it doesn't make sense to bring up BMac at this point.

I need to learn to simplify things don't I.

I need to learn to simplify things don't I. 

 

You explained quite well. My post was just a bit of reinforcement.

It's Ozzie's fault for leaving him in 115.

 

The guy needs to throw 90-100 max if we want him to last all season.

If he'd cut down on walks, he wouldn't have to throw that many pitches in the first place.