McBush Platoon

The Seth McClung/Dave Bush Experiment is on.

As he suggested he would prior to the all-star break, Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost told us a little while ago that he intends to use both McClung and Bush in the same spot in the rotation. McClung will pitch on the road, beginning Monday in St. Louis, and Bush at home, with his first assignment next Saturday against Houston.

11 months ago SgtClueLs Comment 9 comments 0 recs |

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Experimental Baseball Rotation Saga

(onscreen graphics: “I, Ned Yost, give permission to convert this season into a dramatic competition for the fifth rotation spot.”)

Hilarity then ensues, Il Palazzo tries to take over the NL Central, Dave “Hyatt” Bush desperately tries to avoid the DL, Seth “Excel” McClung tries to carry out his missions without falling victim to the trap door, etc.

At the end: “Experiment Failed.”

by morineko on Jul 19, 2008 2:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

another roster spot erased

Mota and Gagne are already risky as hell and probably aren’t trusted by Yost and Maddux. Now another pitching spot won’t be able to go on most days?

Someone will probably have a sore something and the problem will solve itself. Maybe its just a short term stall tactic by Yost, Melvin and Maddux, or M/Y/M.

by ol Pete on Jul 19, 2008 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I smell 13 pitchers..

Upon Soups return?

by SgtClueLs on Jul 19, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

????

How is it a roster spot wasted?

It is pretty easy to project when a guy will need to be ready to start. So, if you are on a 6 game roadtrip for instance, Bush is available out of the pen for most of that time.

For instance, McClung is going on Monday, which means Bush’s turn would not come up until July 26, at home against Houston. That means that Bush is available every day until say, July 22nd.

Since McClung is going on the 21st, he would be available in the pen starting about the 24th (remember, it would be in a relief role), since the next road trip does not occur until August.

You are looking at a couple day window right at the turnaround time where you are down a pitcher, but I don’t see that as a problem given the performance of the starters, especially over the last month or two.

Personally, I love the move and I think it shows Yost’s growth as a manager. He is thinking outside the box and using non-conventional thinking to maximize the solution to an interesting problem.

by badgermaniac on Jul 19, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

+ 1

"If there is a more reactionary blog with idiotic commentary out there I'd be surprised." -On Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Michael M on Jul 19, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

“I think it shows Yost’s growth as a manager.”

What’s interesting to me is that he has shown he’s willing to do weird stuff (kendall 9th, also), even when the players aren’t on board. McClung wasn’t really negative, but some of his quotes took a while to get to the boilerplate “I’ll do anything for the team” stuff. I haven’t seen a Bush quote, but McCalvy said he wasn’t thrilled about it. In other words, this is nearly a complete 180 from the bad-tactician/good-clubhouse-manager we had gotten used to.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jul 19, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the new ideas part

Here’s the confusing part though- say you do bring Bush in the game on the road. Does he suck then? Is he supposed to suck? I understand the concept of the platoon, and in general I would be in favor of it, but that part is weird.

I’m not totally opposed to the idea, but I think it would be a better plan put McClung in the pen and make Mota the guy you put in when the game is a blowout. McClung could be that ‘setup’ guy everyone seems to want. Consistency is an issue, but I think he could get the job done in a role like Villy was in last year.

And neck size to baby eating ratio.

by Jordan M on Jul 19, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More likely, Yost has a growth.

This move by Yost is a triumph of statistics over “intangibles.” Doesn’t sound like Yost consulted either player. Do these guys know what the plan is for them on their “off fortnight?” Long relief? An occasional inning? What?

Here’s another wacko idea for Yost. Pitch BOTH pitchers on the same start, and rotate them for the opening innings with Bush starting home games and McClung starting the away games. That way their routines remain constant, but the nod to the statistics is made. If the starting pitcher does well, he pitches into the sixth, seventh and eighth inning. If not, then the long relief guy is ready to go – from the get-go.

Acid test: Has LaRussa every done this? ;)

by heybatterbatter on Jul 19, 2008 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Acid test indeed

I was surprised to not see this happen. During the game, the announcers mentioned sharing starts similarly to spring training. I would think this would really help out the pen, especially since Sabathia and Sheets give you a chance for a complete game each time out. Surely both of them can’t suck in the same game?

by dickie_thon on Jul 22, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	44	39	.530	0	Lost 1
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	43	38	.530	0	Won 1
Cincinnati Red Reporter	40	39	.506	2	Won 1
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	39	39	.500	2.5	Lost 1
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	38	41	.481	4	Lost 2
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	37	44	.456	6	Lost 1