Julian Tavarez Scouting Report!

[KingFish]

Back to the pen?: The main reason Julian Tavarez signed with the Cubs prior to last season was the assurance by the club that he would be used as a starter. After making 28 starts in 2001 -- going 10-9 -- the Cubs are considering putting Tavarez back in the bullpen for this season. "Julian has the flexibility (Jon) Lieber and (Kerry) Wood don't have," Cubs manager Don Baylor told the Chicago Tribune. "If someone else is the fifth guy, I'll call Tavarez in and we'll discuss it." Baylor is hoping lefties Jesus Sanchez or Donovan Osborne win the fifth starter's spot as the Cubs' other four starters -- Wood, Lieber, Jason Bere and Juan Cruz -- are all right-handed.

[bd811]

this thread was made a few weeks ago, ad now after tavarez's performance today it looks like he has a huge advantage over every other #5 starter candidate. But on the issue of Tavarez not wantin to go to the bullpen, I say if thas where they need him, thats where they should put him. If someone beats him out(osbourne, sanchez, prior, zambrano, benes) then he shouldnt be just handed the spot.