The Oakland A’s are one week into their latest strategic experiment. This time they’re borrowing a page from the Tampa Bay Rays and using a relief pitcher as a brief “opener” before turning to their traditional starter in the “bulk guy” role.
I’m not completely sold one way or other on this new strategy. I can see some logic behind it such that it’s worth a try, especially since injuries have left the A’s pitching staff with little choice but to get creative. At the same time, I’m not completely convinced that it will provide enough benefit to be worth any confusion or frustration it might cause among the players, who as a demographic are well known for preferring consistent, predictable routines.