Dear UCB’ers: A Six Man Starting Rotation…?

A quick post to generate discussion among my fellow UCB’ers. The Royals and White Sox have/are experimenting with a six-man rotation (effectively giving their starters an extra day of rest). Considering Chris Carpenter’s success (and depth) in his two 124-pitch performances following an extra day of rest – as well as the concerns over stretching Kyle McClellan and maybe Jaime Garcia out over a full MLB season – would you be in favor of experimenting with a Six Man Cardinals rotation as follows:

1. Chris Carpenter
2. Jake Westbrook
3. Jaime Garcia
4. Kyle Lohse
5. Kyle McClellan
6. Lance Lynn

The argument could be made that the move could actually save the ‘pen at times if starters were able to leverage an additional day of rest into more pitches thrown per start (see: Carp 124). It could also allow for quick, easy adjustments to the rotation if someone needs to skip a start due to a nagging injury, fatigue, etc. (since you already have 5 other stretched out, on-turn starters left).

Of course, the down side is that it either shorts your bench a player or your bullpen a pitcher. And, it slightly decreases the number of starts guys like Carp make. Would the potential to increase effectiveness per start and decrease injury risk be worth the lost number of starts? Is it dependent on the overall consistent effectiveness of the 6th starter?

Gimme’ your thoughts in the comments section below.

GO CARDS!!!