Roto Riteup: March 28, 2013

We’ve got a lot to cover in today’s Roto Riteup, so let’s get right to it.

On today’s agenda:
1. The Mariners choose a rotation
2. Devin Mesoraco sticks in bigs
3. John Danks heads to DL
4. Drew Pomeranz goes to minors
5. Tim Stauffer can’t crack majors

The Mariners choose a rotation
This has been the assumption for a couple days now, but the Mariners have decided Blake Beaven and Brandon Maurer will begin the year in the starting rotation. Beaven is a known commodity, and he’s known to be less than mediocre. Maurer, on the other hand, has never pitched above Double-A, but he threw well enough this spring to warrant a spot in the bigs. Maurer has four solid pitches, but his durability has been the biggest question throughout his career. Grab Maurer in the later rounds of AL-only leagues if you’re looking to take a chance.

The casualty for the Mariners is Erasmo Rasmirez, who will go down to Triple-A Tacoma to stretch out his arm and build strength. Once he comes up to the bigs, I am of the opinion that Erasmo is worth a shot in leagues of all format.

Devin Mesoraco sticks in bigs
The Reds brought Miguel Olivo in for competition this spring, many thought it would mean Mesoraco would be sent to the minors to try to regain his form. No dice, though, as the Reds have decided to keep the catcher in the majors as a backup to Ryan Hanigan. Mesoraco is coming into his age-25 season, and with only 215 MLB ABs under his belt, there’s still time for him to figure things out.

John Danks heads to DL
After getting smashed this spring, Danks is going to start the year on the injury list. Danks will likely be back at the end of April after rehabbing his injured shoulder. Taking Danks’ spot in the majors will be Dylan Axelrod, who has had some major league success over the past two years. Axelrod isn’t worth more than streaming in AL-only leagues.

Drew Pomeranz goes to minors
Pomeranz was the key prospect the Rockies received for Ubaldo Jimenez, but he’s yet to show success in Colorado. After signing Jon Garland, the Rockies did have space in their rotation for Pomeranz. Frankly, pitching away from Coors is probably better for Pomeranz’s future than being stuck in a pitcher’s hell.

Tim Stauffer can’t crack majors
After missing last season due to an elbow injury, Stauffer is going to start the year in the minors. San Diego’s rotation isn’t loaded with talent, so if Stauffer can right himself, he’ll be up to the bigs in no time at all.