Miner hit hard, Porcello may benefit

Zach Miner again failed to impress today in his quest to become the fifth starter. Miner allowed three runs on seven hits including a Chris Duncan home run in three innings of work in a 5-2 loss to the Cardinals. Zach has now allowed ten runs in ten innings this spring. I try not to pay too much attention to spring statistics but when someone is fighting for a job and struggles this much to get outs, that's a bad sign.

As wild as Dontrelle Willis has been (a walk per inning), he has actually out pitched both Miner and Nate Robertson this spring. Of course, Rick Porcello is pitching better than any of them so far and looking more and more like the fifth starter each day. Lynn Henning certainly thinks so. More importantly, Jim Leyland likes him:

"Do I think he's one of those guys? [good MLB pitcher I assume] Yes, I do.

"Do I know for sure? No.

"He's a young, above-average pitcher with very good stuff."

Other bloggers are also discussing the possibility that Porcello will get a spot in the rotation. Billfer is noncommittal but lays out the pros and cons. Mack Avenue Kurt thinks that Porcello will be the fifth starter. I agree with Kurt.

Another pitcher making a lower profile bid for the staff is last year's first round pick Ryan Perry. He's more of a long shot but he has pitched well this spring. Today, he pitched a perfect seventh.