I need help from a stat person. Ignoring the fact that Vaz is making 10+ million a year and McCarthy probably the minimum, could their roles be reversed? I would love to see stats on success at different pitch counts. Javy is getting hammered later in games it seems. Could he be a dominant reliever ala Smoltz? I am not advocating replacing Jenks, I am just discussing making the best puzzle out of the available pieces. When you get to the playoffs one starter is heading to the pen. Garcia has big game success, McCarthy has some relief experience, Javy none that I can find in his career stats. Maybe Javy gets experience now or in September when call ups provide further depth. I understand why he drives people crazy because he has great talent. I don't know if it is physical or mental fatigue that is causing his trouble.

Most definitely their roles should be reversed---and right now.

 

Vazquez does great the first couple of times through the lineup but can't pitch well the third time to a hitter in the same game.

 

Salary is not even an issue, because the total salary remains the same no matter which role McCarthy and Vazquez are in.

Of course the roles should be reversed. Unfortunately the only way I see Brandon moving into the rotation is by trading one of our starters.

I think Vaz could actually resemble Shields if he was a 2 inning reliever, but I'm sure we won't do it.

That's a move that seems to make too much sense not to try.