The lack of real depth in the rotation is what scares me down the line into the months of June, July, and August. The front office obviously has banked on Varland being more productive as he showed down the stretch last season and in the playoffs as a long reliever, but with the way Louie had given up the home run ball on a regular basis was something to be aware of. Louie last season was typically solid the first time through the order but struggled as teams were timing him up easier than other pitchers.
Now, going out and getting DeSclafani wasn't the worst decision in terms of getting a #5 guy in the rotation, and Varland, yes, did beat him out in spring camp and DeSclafani getting hurt made it that much easier to put Louie on the Opening Day roster and rotation. However, when you lose an arm like Sonny Gray, you have to at least find a viable arm that can dependable. Are you going to find a guy who has Sonny Gray potential for less that 15-20 mil. a season, probably not, but slashing payroll after one of the better season's in recent years is no excuse to take a step backwards. To fans, they have no patience for the money game, or lack thereof, that the Pohlad's have played over the years. From Nolasco, Correia, Pelfrey, Bundy, Archer, and now DeSclafani, might as well find a way to get a viable arm, but they will use Pablo's new deal and trying to extend Ryan, and Ober as excuses to fly below the radar in payroll.
Especially in the manner that notable arms have gone down this year already, if Pablo, Ryan, Ober, or Paddack have a similar injury, what then?
Are we the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Dodgers, etc. No, never have been, probably never will be. But it's unacceptable from a fan's POV to take steps back and almost invite the Tigers, Guardians, and Royals to have a shot at the division title
