A popular opinion on the handling of John Maine over the years has been to suggest he’d be better in the bullpen. Metsblog has a post on this topic today as well. Maine has occasionally struggled to get through 6 innings, although I would emphasize that this isn’t always the case, and some theorize that he’d have more success with being able to go all-out in one or two innings without worrying about a second time through the order.
I disagree. I’m not saying Maine usually gets far into games, but I don’t think he’s ever a risk to throw three innings and completely task the bullpen. In April and May of 2009 (throwing out the first June start where he was injured and went on the DL), he averaged around 5.2IP and went 5-3 with a 3.75 ERA. This includes the first three starts of the season, where a pitcher is normally on a pitch count. Without those he averaged 6IP over the next seven starts. He made one bad start over that stretch, allowing five runs (four earned) over 5.1IP. Every other start was a quality one. So it’s not that long ago that John Maine both pitched six innings regularly and was good at it. I know six innings isn’t amazing, but it’s more valuable than a couple of innings here and there out of the bullpen. 2010 was less pleasant for Maine, but he did have three of four quality starts after he redid his mechanics.
My biggest problem with the idea of moving Maine to the bullpen is injury. Maine’s injuries have always been injuries that seem fatigue and wear and tear related. Putting him in a position where he’d possibly pitch, or get ready to pitch, every day would negate days of rest where his shoulder can just recover. Especially with the way Manuel works the bullpen, I’d be worried this would be cause for further injury.
