Radical Solution to the Ollie Problem

This blog does not like Ollie. That is not news.

But he is back.

It has been suggested by an LR (Loyal Reader) James Solomon, that Ollie be returned to the rotation for a few weeks to let Pelfrey rest/work out his troubles. The Mets need Pelfrey, unless he is hurt, he has to pitch.

There is talk of using Ollie as a "situational lefty."

Here is my radical proposal.

Pelfrey and Ollie have some of the most extreme platoon splits in baseball.

Despite facing an equal number of LHBs and RHBs this season, Pelfrey has not given up a HR to a RHB all season. His OPS against is 61 points lower against righties. He dominates righties.

Ollie's OPS against is 268 points lower against lefties. Lefties have 8 total bases all season against him. He has faced 5X as many righties as lefties, as opposing managers stack their lineups with righties when he pitches. He dominates lefties.

Here's the plan: Every 5th day, put Ollie or Pelfrey in the starting line-up as the "Pitcher." Then, once the lineups are exchanged, instantly substitute one for the other. Then you get 5 or 6 innings of mostly excellent platoon matchups (where both of these guys are expected to be good). This would turn Ollie's "situational lefty" status into one that might last 5 or 6 innings (since the other team would not pinch hit their whole bench in the first two innings).

Then the guy who was in the lineup but doesn't pitch can pitch out of the bullpen once or twice until that spot in the rotation comes up again.

If the other teams catch on, and start playing more balanced line-ups...more's the better! Pelfrey faces more righties, Ollie faces more lefties, they are both more effective. Indeed, if Pelfrey pitched against mostly righties, his .741 OPS against (and no HRs allowed) would be quite awesome .

This is unconventional, but the Mets are in a freefall and Ollie's going to be on the roster. We might as well try to get some use out of him.