First, I'd be comfortable suggesting that stickball wasn't a thing for the current generation of 20-something players.
...but that doesn't really matter.
More importantly, this is the comment that needs some 'splaining.
I want someone to explain how you do that.
Zimmermann's first start this season is coming at the expense Keegan Akin's opportunity. Most thought this would be reversed, but apparently Spring Training stats do mean something.
Chris requested input on 'power ranking the top 7' pitchers in another thread...it didn't include Means, GRod or Hall.
Someone explain the process to how you get to whatever you think the Orioles competitive rotation is.
We aren't going start to start, are we? If Zimmermann struggles in his next outing, he's out and Loewther gets a start? He fails and Akin comes back? 5 inning 3 runs, ok, you get another one. whoops, that one was 4 innings, 5 earned so we're back to Zimmermann?
How do we decide "if there is anyone who can stick longer term"? What is the year we expect to know that?
Zimmermann's opportunity is not coming at Akin's expense. If Akin goes and shows whatever the O's want to see, he'll earn his way back up. Quickly. Lopez being the obvious candidate to immediately replace.
Lowther not Loewther.
When the MiL season begins... Akin, Lowther, Bauamann, are going to have to go and produce and put themselves into position for promotion when need and opportunity arises.
Kremer to a larger degree, and Zimmerann to a lesser degree are secure in the rotation right now, and their job is to take advantage of their current opportunity.
I asked how people power ranked that group of 7 starters... so why would it include Means, Rodriguez, and Hall?
The whole idea is that imo, it's realistic to think that out of those 7 starters (Kremer, Akin, Baumman, Lowther, Zimmermann, Wells, Smith); you end up with 2 starters you like, that can help a rotation at no cost.
I do agree with you that in-terms of larger evaluation, you can't go start-to-start. You have to give guys some run for adjustments, dealing with adversity, etc.