
Brent Suter
With over 100 innings logged over the last two seasons, Brent Suter is a prime candidate for the rotation. Adam McCalvy tweeted that the big lefty has a leg up on the rest of the competition because of his experience.
Listening back, this Tweet was poorly worded. What Counsell actually said is that Suter has a "leg up as far as making the team" because of his performance in 100+ innings over the past two years. But nothing is locked up on Feb. 15. https://t.co/AzUdM8bB0g
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 15, 2018
He has started 16 of his 36 appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers and has a 3.40 career ERA to show for it. In 2017 his xFIP sat above four, and his WAR was 1.6. That is good enough reason to give him serious consideration. Not bad for a former 31st round pick.
It is good to have the option of putting a southpaw in the rotation. That is a huge advantage for Suter entering Spring Training. He would essentially need to be in the rotation if there were six slots to fill.
Wade Miley
Wade Miley is a recently acquired lefty that could be a rotation candidate. Though he signed an MiLB deal, there is a chance he could make the roster out of camp. He is one of the more seasoned veterans up for a rotation spot.
Through 200 appearances in his career, Miley has an ERA above four and a losing record. The 31 year old’s best season was back in 2012 when he posted a 16-11 record for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2017, the lefty posted a K/9 that is among the highest of his career. Unfortunately, so was his BB/9.
Wade Miley is a refreshingly direct fellow. Asked what went wrong last year in Baltimore, he said, "I walked a s&!t ton of people."
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 16, 2018
He called it "absurd" and did some mechanical work over the winter to fix it.
In a six man rotation, he might have a chance. But in all honesty, he will not be playing for the Milwaukee Brewers to start the year. If his walk rate remains above five, he will not be in the majors at all during the year regardless of how many starters are used.