Vote: The David Hernandez argument

I’ve said numerous times that I believe the Orioles are a better team with David Hernandez in the bullpen.

When discussing this with numerous people, I get a fairly common response.

That response is that an average starter is more valuable to a team than a good reliever.

Many Orioles’ followers/blog writers maintain that a pitcher should have a chance to succeed or fail in the rotation before being moved to the bullpen.

The logic behind that, in Hernandez’ case, is that if Hernandez can develop into a #3-#4  type starter, he would be more valuable to the Orioles in the rotation than he would be in the bullpen.

Now, the whole reason I want to move Hernandez to the bullpen is because I feel his stuff translates well to the ‘pen; I feel that he can be downright filthy in the bullpen.

If Hernandez is just going to be a “good” bullpen arm, then I would agree with the notion of leaving him in the rotation.

Also, if the Orioles did not have what I feel to be a surplus of future rotation arms, then I would also likely favor sticking with Hernandez in the rotation.

But I firmly believe that if I could see into the future, and was able to tell the Orioles with 100% confidence that David Hernandez was going to be a very good, power arm deep in the bullpen, that they would instantly make the move, as opposed to waiting to see how he develops in the rotation.

The question becomes, what is better for the Orioles, long-term. David Hernandez in the rotation as a #3 or #4 starter if he can develop into one, or as a dominant bullpen arm.

If the Orioles could pick one scenario, I maintain that they would want him to be that shut-down bullpen arm.

To be clear, I am not talking Jim Johnson type of bullpen pitcher. I am talking a Rafael Soriano, Jonathan Papelbon type of pitcher. If I did not think so highly of Hernandez, I would not be constantly making this argument.

I have created a poll, and would enjoy seeing what you think is a better scenario.