Let's take us a gander at Bud Norris' last five starts:
6/20 v NO: 8IP, 3H/0ER, 10K:4BB
6/15 @ NSH: 8IP, 2H/0ER, 6K:2BB
6/4 @ OMA: 6IP, 7H/1ER, 4K:3BB
5/30 @ NO: 6IP, 8H/3ER, 8K:1BB
5/25 v SLC: 6.2IP, 4H/1ER, 5K:3BB
That's 2-1 with a 1.30 ERA and five quality starts.
Moehler is scheduled to pitch Thursday, and, while he has turned in two straight quality starts, maybe interleague play versus Kansas City is a good time to go ahead and let Bud Norris make his debut. He last pitched on Saturday, and a Thursday start would be on regular rest. In June, Norris is 1-0 with a 0.41 ERA, allowing one run in his last 22.1IP.
The Royals are 4-6 in their last 10 games and have lost five straight, and as far as establishing a confidence boost and a favorable situation in which to pitch, interleague play would eb a good place to start. The hitters wouldn't really know what to expect out of any Astro pitcher, but how about one who has been dominant over the last month, and who, along with Bazardo, has the best shot at a rotation spot in 2010?
What say you?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
