Why not skip Byrd??

[British_Pharaoh]

with the off day yesterday CC is gonna pitch on Saturday skipping Carmonas start

I for one was really looking forward to seeing him pitch as I believe he really has the stuff to be an asset in the rotation.
whereas Paul Byrd although i expect a better year from him is likely gone after the year (unless we're desperate enough to exercise his option) and we know what to expect

with lee out this was Carmonas chance to impress over 2 or 3 starting appearances but now he'll be fortunate to get 2 starts before Cliftons return.

[consigliere]

They casn't skip Byrd's Friday start. THat would mean CC would pitch on 3 days rest. They pushed back Carmona's start from Saturday to Sunday, and are pitching CC on Saturday on normal 4 days rest becayse of yesterday's offday.

[pup]

I am pretty sure they knew of yesterday's off day and could have aligned the rotation for Carmona to make that start during the final days of spring training. Just flip Carmona and Byrd in the rotation. Even Wedge could figure this out without too much thought.

I actually would prefer Byrd take this start. Let Carmona hang out and soak in a hot start by the veterans, and see that all he has to do is go out and pitch. Don't press. Don't get too jacked up.

[consigliere]

Oh, and Carmona is not being "skipped". His start is only moved back one day so CC pitches on normal 4 days rest Saturday (Carmona goes Sun instead of Sat). Carmona should still get his 2-4 starts to show himself before Lee likely returns.

Carmona pitched well in the exhibition games in Eastlake last night between Lake County and Akron. Facing the loaded Akron lineup, he went 7 innings allowing only 1 run on 1 hit (solo HR). Not the same as major leaguers, but good to get his work in. That said, that is a pretty impressive lineup in Akron this year (you'll see in my preview today....heh).