SP out for 10 games, should I drop him and get another?

[teepack]

I just lost Orlando Hernandez for 10 games last night. I can manipulate my rotation to make it so he'll miss only one start. My concen is what this will do to my bullpen, particularly my closer, Brad Lidge. The last time I had a starter get injured, the AI picked Lidge to start that game. He pitched a complete game and I won, but I also had to go without my closer for four games after he started and the two games before he started, so that was no good. Should I cut Hernandez and pick up the best starter I can get? Should I cut one of my relievers and replace him with a starter/reliever who could start this one game and then be used out of the bullpen the rest of the year? Should I just stay put and ride it out and hope for the best? I have a three-game lead in my division at the 87-game mark.

[cummings2]

I'd keep him. I recently had Peavy go down for two starts and ended up riding Duchscherer for those two games...my pen held up, duchsch lost the two starts but that was fine.

Now, in your case, I think I'd rather ride the 1 start without him and the 6 games it could mess you pen than the 75 games with a cheaper starter.

It also depends on how O. Hernandez has been doing in your team, if he's been as expected then I'd for sure keep him. Now, as far as dropping a pen guy...if you have an arm that is seldom used and getting bombed when used, the kind of guy that will ceratinly not be usefull for when your divisional play starts then yes, definately it's a way to go, drop the underacheiver, get a mopper/spot starter. I guess a link could help but I don't think it's necessary.

If you make any changes keep in mind that though not imminent, your final divisional play is nearing and the changes you make could payoff then...or come back to haunt you.

Personally I think I'd stay put. Even if after this stretch my lead is cut or gone I still have an intact roster and about 70 games to make up for lost ground.

Good luck