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Is Shaun Marcum Going to Make a Long-term Impact For the Indians?

By Ryan Rosko

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Could the Indians have found their answer as to who will be their fifth starter? It is possible.

Veteran Shaun Marcum has pitched in three games so far this season for the Cleveland Indians with his last two outings as starts. In Marcum’s first start with the team against the Chicago White Sox, he earned his first win since 2013. The Indians have been trying to solidify the fifth pitching spot in their rotation this season, but have yet to get a reliable starter in that role.

Other pitchers who have had their chances starting in the the back of the rotation includes Bruce Chen, T.J. House, and Zach McAllister. They all for one reason or another could not stick in the rotation. The FoS crew gives their take on whether Marcum is that guy and if he can make an impact as the season progresses.

Ric McElroy

I’m hoping he can, but have seen so many try and comeback and fail. With the injuries and everything that has happened to the Tribe pitching, I am quietly optimistic that he will hold up. It’s still pretty early to tell.

However, with the way he has performed in Columbus and his short stint here, so far he looks promising. The next few appearances will tell the tale.

Kris Grimes

Marcum has a history of being a solid pitcher. However, he has also been injury prone and his last big injury left him with shoulder surgery. That said, he’s been solid in the minors as Ric mentioned and came up strong in his first start.

If he can avoid arm fatigue he’s definitely a solution for a number five starter in this rotation. He could have a rebound to his career like Kevin Millwood or Scott Kazmir.

Do I expect him to last the season though? Recent history says no, but if he does, he can give a team 8-10 wins and a sub 4.00 ERA. If the Indians can get that from him for most of or all of the season it’ll help. It’ll give the team time to find out what went wrong with T.J. House or find another solution via trade.

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Ryan Rosko

Shaun Marcum may do well short term for the Tribe, but long term, he is not going to make a significant impact. Marcum should be relied upon if healthy, going forward with the role he has now as the fifth starter or in a relief role with spot starts when needed.

He definitely can contribute, but he is not a difference maker. If the team does not make another pitching move, over the course of the season to get the most out of Marcum, I would have him in that long relief/spot start role.

Cleveland has finally gotten their team going but some pitching areas are still questionable. I would like to see them go after a LHP who can start and make an impact for this team.

House could have been the answer, but with the year he has had, that is not going to happen. Marcum is a decent pitcher but acquiring a LHP would give more balance to the rotation and hopefully benefit from Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Trevor Bauer.

Next: It's Time For The Cleveland Indians To Trade Lonnie Chisenhall

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