5th Starter

With Stauffer and Gallagher out of options, they’ll both make the team, but Gallagher was injured and pitched only 40 innings at all levels. He’ll probably have to join the bullpen. Stauffer lost all of 2008 after major shoulder reconstruction – not just shoulder surgery. That might be like Tommy John surgery, where you lose a year rehabbing and spend your first year back relearning how to pitch.

Stauffer pitched 115 innings at all levels and got his fastball up to 91. He had a 94-95 FB when he was a first rounder, and had promising offspeed stuff. He looks like maybe he might pick up another mph or two, and he does know how to pitch. He’s a guy they have to see as a starter to recalibrate his all-important “upside”. I’d say he’s the prime candidate.

Don’t forget, lefty Wade LeBlanc had a terrific finish last year. He’s got major league off-speed stuff and spotted his slow fastball perfectly his last seven starts. He went 3-0 in those starts, the team went 5-2, Wade averaged 6 innings per start and had a 2.67 ERA, second only to Correia’s 2.66 ERA (in his last 13 starts). Wade also pitched 167 innings at all levels last year, and was strongest at the end of the year, in the majors. He should be the first guy they call up if Stauffer falters.

Currently stand at .079 meaning he has 79 days for service. If he spends 82 days in the majors he would become a free agent after the 2016 season. If he spends less then 82 days in the major he would become a free agent after 2017. But if he spends sowhere being 81 and about 70 (depends on other factors/players) he would become a super two and be up for arb 4 times instead of three. (Super 2 unlikely for him if he starts this year in the majors, thou possible) Given this He would have to have a call up about the same time he did last year to push back his clock (meaning somtime in late July).