I just reacquired a young, 24 year-old starter, planning too add him to the high-duration rotation that I'm crafting. You can find his information
here. The listed potentials are correct, though I happen to know that his numerical ratings, under a brilliant scout, are actually 5/6/6/5/5/6/6 right now, not 4/5/6/4/5/6/6 as the html report suggests.
Had I still had him on my team last season, I think I would have given him some more time in AAA. But as his previous team used him at the ML level, he obviously needs as much time as he can get on my own major league club.
My situation is as follows: I use the four-man rotation, and I already have four good starters. Though I do intend to eventually move two of them to allow room for the previously mentioned Williams and another pitcher currently in AAA, I'm looking at ways to keep them for now.
So my question is, what can I do with Williams that won't stunt his final developmental stage? Note that he has a D endurance rating at relief, and that my pen could use some help- could I pitch him in a middle-relief and mop-up role this season (and the odd start) without risking any damage to him should he pitch in limited (50-100) innings? My other options would be to go to a five-man rotation (which I don't want to do, as I've had great success with the four), or to trade a starter, likely
this one to clear some cap room. I could probably
do with the room, to sign a couple of minor FA's, but it might be a loss to my pitching staff.
Just looking for some advice/insight, anything you could give me would be great. Thank you very much!