Rosenbaum's success could offer Nationals another spot start option

Syracuse Chiefs starter Danny Rosenbaum is off to a great beginning for 2013. Fresh off his return to the Nationals from the Colorado Rockies, who plucked him in the Rule 5 draft, Rosenbaum is 2-1 with a 1.14 ERA in four starts. Rosenbaum has tossed 23 2/3 innings and allowed only three runs, 16 hits, one homer, eight walks and has struck out five. Saturday's gem over Durham was the best of all the starts so far this season. Against the Bulls, Rosenbaum went seven innings, allowing only three hits, no runs with two walks and a strikeout to notch his second win of the season. In his three starts at night, Rosenbaum is 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA, allowing only one run in 18 innings of work. If the Nationals are interested in giving a pitcher from Triple-A a spot start, and he is not named Chris Young or Yunesky Maya, maybe the left-handed Rosenbaum will get the nod. He was named the Potomac Nationals Player of the Year two seasons ago and he is obviously highly thought of outside the organization. What is interesting about his time with the Rockies in spring training was in his six games, he started only once and never recorded a strikeout in eight total innings. He finished 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA as the Rockies attempted to convert him to middle relief. The Nationals are not messing with that. Rosenbaum is back to being a starter and is finding success against top Triple-A competition. But the bigger question is whether the Nationals believe he can start in the big leagues over the long term. If he continues to pitch like this, just like with any prospect, it will help the Nationals make that decision.