Possible Fifth Starters

Below are reports on the four pitchers most likely to end up as the fifth member of the starting rotation. Of the losers, one or two could find themselves in bullpen.

1. Zach Day, RHP, 26
2004: 5-10 (win-loss) 19 (games) 116 2/3 (innings) 117 (hits allowed) 45-61 (BB-SO) 3.93 (ERA)

Day is the best bet to fill the final spot in the Nationals rotation due to his solid career numbers. The only real problems that Day has are that he cannot seem to stay healthy and he could stand to strikeout more batters. Day relies on putting the ball in play, rather than rearing back and trying to blow the ball past hitters. Luckily for him, the Nationals have an above-average infield defense.

2. John Patterson, RHP, 27
2004: 4-7 (win-loss) 19 (games) 98 1/3 (innings) 100 (hits allowed) 46–99 (BB-SO) 5.03 (ERA)

Patterson finally found his way to the Expos’ organization last year after being a first round pick by them in 1996. However, a loophole, found by his agent, allowed him to become a free agent and he received a huge signing bonus from the new Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Things did not work out, mainly due to health concerns and inconsistency, so Patterson was dealt to the Expos when he ran out of options and could not be sent down without having to clear waivers.

Because Patterson, like all four of the pitchers featured here, is out of options he is likely to stick in the bullpen as a long reliever. His stuff probably translates better in the pen and he could eventually become a solid setup man or even a closer. He still has promise but time is running out for the 27-year-old. After I wrote this, John Dever of the Washington Nationals confirmed for me that only Patterson and Claudio Vargas are out of options. Thanks, John.

3. Jon Rauch, RHP, 26
2004: 4-1 (win-loss) 11 (games) 32 (innings) 30 (hits allowed) 11-22 (BB-SO) 2.81 (ERA)

At 6’10’’ Rauch looks like a monster on the mound but he has not been able to translate that imposing feature into any big league success, as of yet. One of the biggest problems Rauch had in the past was his maturity level and controversy with the White Sox last year resulted in the trade that found him in Montreal and now Washington.

Rauch did pitch a lot better in the National League after the trade and he might finally be ready to turn things around. The big question this year will be whether or not he gets another shot at the starting rotation.

4. Claudio Vargas, RHP, 26
2004: 5-5 (win-loss) 45 (games) 118 1/3 (innings) 120 (hit allowed) 64-89 (BB-SO) 5.25 (ERA)

Vargas is probably the pitcher most likely to lose out in a roster squeeze and could find himself in Triple-A New Orleans if he passes safely through waivers. Vargas’ ERA was a full run better as a reliever than as a starter and he has questionable control.