Starting pitching?

[nccardfan]

I know Baseballguy will be leaving, but do we have anyone who can provide baseball updates? Its almost February and I am itching for baseball. I am a little concerned about our starting pitching, I guess because I am not as familar with the names as in the past.

Funkhouser
Ruxer - did great his FR but had a so-so sophomore year. Is he fully healthy?
Filomeno - mostly used in relief, is he capable of being a starter?
McGrath - same thing as Filomeno.
Kidston - Is he going to be a starter or relief?
Harrington - top gatorade pitcher in KY, he's only a FR but can he be a weekend starter?

Our bullpen seems to be strong with guys returning like:

Burdi
Alphin
Sturgeon

Also saw where Burdi's brother is on the roster.

 

[Bardman]

I think McGrath, Funkhouser, Ruxer and Kidston will battle it out for 1-3. Just my opinion based on last years results. Ruxer was more mental than physical as far as I know. Kidston was the who got hurt and had been pitching really well. I think it will be interesting to see who the midweek starter is. I, too, am anxiously awaiting the upcoming season. Questions: I think they will at good defense. Pitching should be decent to very good. So...can they hit with consistency and in the clutch?

 

[nccardfan]

Thanks Bardman. I am planning on going to Charleston for that first weekend (my wife thinks we are going because its Valentines weekend). Don't know if I can catch 2 games, but I plan to make the Saturday game. I will post with my observations.

I have heard that they are introducing a new baseball this year that will fly a little farther. I know Gardner has some pop and maybe Rosenbaum, but not sure if we have any other power guys?

 

[frankcard]

The change to reduce the raised seams to a ball more like MLB will not be in play until 2015. Expect to see some freshmen including the kid from Etown to get a shot at mid-week starts.

 

[had1- 2manyCardfan]

Don't sleep on Rogers, the freshman from NA, if his arm is 100% he could raise some eyebrows as well. Missed his whole SR year due to Tommy John but should be ready to go.

 

[Bardman]

So...it's going to be: Filimeno (sorry Joe for probably spelling your name wrong), Funkhouser and Ruxer. That is outstanding news about Joe! Coach said Kidson still a month out and they are being careful with him. I did not hear about the midweek starter. You could go McGrath or a FR maybe. He may want McGrath available as much as possible out of the pen.