Chisox_cali
02-15-2002, 03:07 PM
From TSN:
DARK-HORSE CANDIDATE
A year ago, righthander Jon Rauch showed up at spring training with a lengthy list of achievements to go with an imposing 6-11 frame. The can't-miss prospect more than held his own in Cactus League play before being sent down to Class AAA Charlotte for more seasoning. Had he stayed healthy, Rauch probably would have made his major-league debut around the All-Star break. But the top prospect made only six starts at Class AAA before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
Rauch is probably headed back to Charlotte for most, or all, of the 2002 season. But a strong showing in spring training could earn Rauch a job as the team's fifth starter. Righthanders Gary Glover and Dan Wright are expected to compete for the final spot in the rotation, but both youngsters are question marks. If they falter and Rauch bounces back from the surgery, a change could be in the works.
With his size and power arm, Rauch has moved up the organization's ladder quickly. He impressed Manuel last spring by throwing all of his pitches for strikes and showing good poise. Assuming he is healthy, the team feels Rauch has ace potential.
I think if he pitches good enough to compete for a 5th spot and loses than we should stick him in the pen and he could get a start if a pitcher struggles. Parque if not fully recovered, etc.
Because I belive he'll be an important starter in 2003.
DARK-HORSE CANDIDATE
A year ago, righthander Jon Rauch showed up at spring training with a lengthy list of achievements to go with an imposing 6-11 frame. The can't-miss prospect more than held his own in Cactus League play before being sent down to Class AAA Charlotte for more seasoning. Had he stayed healthy, Rauch probably would have made his major-league debut around the All-Star break. But the top prospect made only six starts at Class AAA before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
Rauch is probably headed back to Charlotte for most, or all, of the 2002 season. But a strong showing in spring training could earn Rauch a job as the team's fifth starter. Righthanders Gary Glover and Dan Wright are expected to compete for the final spot in the rotation, but both youngsters are question marks. If they falter and Rauch bounces back from the surgery, a change could be in the works.
With his size and power arm, Rauch has moved up the organization's ladder quickly. He impressed Manuel last spring by throwing all of his pitches for strikes and showing good poise. Assuming he is healthy, the team feels Rauch has ace potential.
I think if he pitches good enough to compete for a 5th spot and loses than we should stick him in the pen and he could get a start if a pitcher struggles. Parque if not fully recovered, etc.
Because I belive he'll be an important starter in 2003.