Dodger pitchers and catchers are required to report to Camelback Ranch next Saturday, February 20, with the first full workout scheduled for the next day. The club is heading into spring training with four set starters: Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, and Vicente Padilla. The fifth starter spot is up for grabs, and figures to be a battle between...
- James McDonald
- Scott Elbert
- Eric Stults
- Charlie Haeger
- Carlos Monasterios
- Josh Lindblom
- pick a non-roster invitee
Who are you rooting for in the fifth starter battle? Be sure to vote below. However, be assured that that won't be the end of things. The Dodgers have used at least 11 different starting pitchers in each of the past four years, and have used 10 different starting pitchers in nine of the last 11 years.
Here's a look at the starting pitcher usage over the last decade:
| Year | # of SP | SP w/5+ GS |
| 2009 | 12 | 9 |
| 2008 | 11 | 8 |
| 2007 | 11 | 11 |
| 2006 | 11 | 10 |
| 2005 | 10 | 8 |
| 2004 | 9 | 7 |
| 2003 | 10 | 7 |
| 2002 | 9 | 6 |
| 2001 | 12 | 7 |
| 2000 | 10 | 7 |
So keep in mind that, even if your horse doesn't come out the gate strong, there's still plenty of time for him to join the race.
Poll
Who do you want to be the Dodgers' fifth starter?
This poll is closed
-
19%
Scott Elbert
(156 votes) -
15%
Charlie Haeger
(126 votes) -
8%
Josh Lindblom
(67 votes) -
30%
James McDonald
(244 votes) -
2%
Carlos Monasterios
(23 votes) -
21%
Eric Stults
(169 votes) -
2%
Other (state in comments)
(19 votes)