created -- if for no other reason -- so carolina and koufax can debate :argue: Billingsley wants to start, but is there room for him? by Aaron Gleeman | NBC Hardball Talk -- May 30, 2014_(AP)Last month Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley had to stop his minor-league rehab assignment for Tommy John surgery due to a setback, but he returned to the mound yesterday by throwing a simulated game. Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times reports that Billingsley will throw at least one more simulated game before trying another minor-league rehab stint, but he generally seemed pleased with how things are going:"My arm is feeling really good right now and I’m real happy the way itresponded. It’s not throbbing or anything like that. It wasn’t really fatiguedafter throwing 30 pitches, so it’s definitely responding very well right now."Billingsley hasn’t been healthy and effective since 2012, but before the elbow problems he was a very effective mid-rotation starter for the Dodgers with a 3.66 ERA in 1,163 innings from 2006-2012. Because of that success Billingsley understandably wants to return to the majors as a starter, saying: “If they had some other thing [in mind], why would I be doing multiple innings?” However, right now there’s no clear spot for him in a Dodgers rotation that includes Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Dan Haren, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Josh Beckett. __
No room for another heartless puke on the roster in general. But I am not against the Tin Man in the pen. They need a guy they can eat up innings. When have two #5 guys in our rotation. No need to move one for another.
BP at best... And don't be dissing Haren quite yet... he's been waaaaay more clutch than Bills ever was...
We'll cross this bridge when we get to it. Remember the 1st year of a pitcher who recovered from TJ surgery is usually bad. Hate to trade him prematurely if that is on the minds of this board.
YOU are correct, sir. It takes a while after TJ to find the 'groove'. However, in the case of one Mr. Billingsley it is the option that will preclude any notions of keeping him. Unless management can make him a free agent, and then re-sign him to a low to no risk deal, then I don't see him wearing The Blue next season. If they were to try and trade him prior to the end of the year I doubt they could get much for him because he's "at risk".
