So the plan was to write this series of articles as the days ticked down to Opening Day. With the schedule that I was to commit to, an article on Chris Narveson should have been written a mere five days following my last posted article and 11 days ago. Suffice it to say that real life got in the way of this hobby, and I fell behind.
But fear not, loyal readers. I will catch up over the next couple of days and be right back on track.
With that said, allow me to discuss the aforementioned Chris Narveson and tell you my opinion on his prospects for the 2010 season.
Narveson had two separate stints with the Brewers in 2009. They couldn't have been more separate in fact.
His first term lasted 10.2 innings over nine appearances. In those nearly 11 innings, Narveson compiled an ERA of 8.44. Being out of minor league options, the Brewers took a risk by exposing him to waivers in order to get him back down to Nashville when the numbers just weren't cutting it.
When the need arose again for Narveson's left-handed delivery, the results were much better.
An ERA of 2.48 compiled over 36.1 innings lowered his season ERA to 3.83 and showed Milwaukee that they just might have something in Narveson after all.
The problem now, however, is that when a player is out of options, they are out of options. The Brewers were able to sneak Narveson back to the minor leagues through waivers once. After his performance at the end of last season, they most likely won't be so lucky should they try it again.
This leaves the team in a potentially awkward position. Officially, Narveson is in competition for one of the two unsettled spots in the rotation. Realistically, though, Narveson has a better chance at making the team in the bullpen. He no doubt plans to make the decision difficult for Doug Melvin and company with his play.
Should Narveson make the roster, at whose expense would it be? Dave Bush or Manny Parra? Perhaps an established bullpen arm like Carlos Villanueva? It will come down to whom the Brewers feel like they can give up without making the bullpen suffer too much for it.
Narveson remains a longshot, but when you're out of options, the team always gives you enough rope to either hang yourself or hog tie your competition.
I know Narveson won't make the rotation on Opening Day (barring injury of course), but as to whether or not he makes it as a member of the 'pen...I guess we'll just have to find out together.
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