Mike Leake preparing himself for a potentially different role in MLB `13 – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds' signing Jonathan Broxton for three-year contract, worth $21 million, was predicted to necessitate a series of moves and adjustments. From using him as the closer to moving Aroldis Chapman to rotation, a lot is expected to happen in the upcoming
season.
Amid this, that which is also likely to happen is moving Mike Leake. He remained the club’s fifth starter in this past season. Given his performance, which was not particularly impressive, he may be moved to bullpen.
But that is at best a speculation at the moment. If anything, it will have to be decided during the Spring Training. If Aroldis Chapman is actually brought to rotation that will make it clear that Leake is going to bullpen – most probably.
Leake seems to agree with that proposition: “If that's what they decide, it's going to directly affect me," Leake said. "I don't know what they have completely decided."
In the 30 games that he appeared in the regular season, Leake had 4.58 ERA with 8-9 record, having 116 strikeouts, allowing 201 hits and surrendering 97 runs, 91 of which were actually earned runs.
His postseason performance, wherein he made one start was not good either, losing it with 10.38 ERA, allowing five runs in his 4.1 innings.
Leake seems to have a blueprint of what lies ahead. Aroldis Chapman pitched as closer during the season. He undeniably remained one of the successful closers in the National League, having 38 saves in 43 chances.
But there came a time when he was shut down due to the shoulder fatigue. To be seen is whether or not he will be able to remain consistent as the starter if that role is assigned to him.
That is the likelihood the pitcher has in his mind. Leake also hopes that the pitchers will get a chance before the final decision in this regard is made.
"Maybe they'll wait a couple of months and then throw him, kind of the opposite of [Nationals ace Stephen] Strasburg," Leake said. "I don't know. Hopefully they give the five a chance to prove ourselves a little bit and if one of us is slacking off or doing
something they weren't expecting, then throw him in the rotation. Hopefully they let us ride a little bit."
The Reds remained fairly assertive this past season as both rotation and bullpen performed considerably well. They keep their fingers crossed for another strong show in the upcoming season.
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