In every objective sense, Ransom has been an absolute failure and has performed below even the minimum expectations.

I don’t necessarily think adding someone to the 40-man is a good idea given the relatively short time before A-Rod’s expected return, but let’s not whitewash Ransom’s performance. It’s been brutal.

But lets say we get to Joba’s limit, the other 4 are pitching well and healthy and Hughes or someone else is tearing up the minors. I would have no problems switching Joba at that point, assuming it was pretty certain he would reach his innings limit by the end of the year. As long as he pitches the same number of innings, value wise he is better off pitching as many of those as possible out of the bullpen due to leverage giving bullpen innings more value.

The problem with this is that the bullpen innings are probably more strenuous, meaning it might be unwise to push Joba to the same innings cap as a starter/reliever as you would if he was just a starter. There may be more injury risk in the pen, meaning that you risk him long term and also risk him not getting to the limit. Also, it would be difficult to figure out exactly when to switch him so he would be able to reach his limit in the pen, as reliever work is obviously less frequent and less regular than starter work. Finally, there is the problem that he wouldn’t be stretched out going into the postseason. But is this really a problem, in a short series with a horse like CC would you really want Joba as a starter or primed to back up the top 3 as a reliever?

I think it is an interesting idea but now is not the time for it.