OnlyBucs

I'm thinking he'd be very good in any BP role.

I have posted that I like Kuhl as a potential long-term starter. I see him as having greater potential as a starter over the long-term than many of the other pitchers, such as Brault, Nova, and even Wiliams.



Then again, I also see real value in the Pirates trying to develop their version of Andrew Miller. Someone who can be effective regardless of what inning they enter the game and regardless of how many innings they pitch. Kuhl likely would add even a bit more giddy-up to his current 96 mph fastball, and could succeed with mastering only 2 pitches and throwing in a 3rd pitch every once in a while to throw off a batter's timing.



If the Bucs choose not to move Nova, and both Kingham and Musgrove show real promise as starters, the Bucs may want to rethink Kuhl's role; at least in the short-term.



And picking up on my earlier Andrew Miller comment, I believe Glasnow is a potential candidate for that role as well.

I would prefer to maintain Kuhl as a starter. Through nine starts Kuhl's ERA by inning are: 1st - 2.00, 2nd 3.00, 3rd - 6.00, 4th - 3.00, 5th - 10.13. Basically that means his ERA averages 3.50 for the first four innings and he hits a wall in the fifth. Most of his other numbers fall in line.



I would prefer to see if Kuhl could work through his 5th inning woes---- and lessen his reliance on that 2 Seamer. However, I readily concede everything I have said could be argued against me. The stats do indicate Kuhl might be hyper effective as a one or two inning guy.

At 25 years of age Kuhl is younger than any other pitcher except Musgrove (also 25) currently in the "starter" conversation. As MaineBucs suggests he might make a good Andrew Miller type of reliever, but personally I'd like to see him given this year (barring a total meltdown) as a starter to see if he can iron out the rough spots developmentally, and become a top of the rotation guy.

I think Kuhl could be an effective reliever, sure.   Unfortunately I think he's currently maybe just a tad worse of a starter as Nova and has quite a bit more possible upside. I personally don't think Nova has any chance of being better (over a significant sample )than what he is because he just lacks arsenal. Which is fine.



So while I agree Kuhl would likely make a nice pen piece, he has a better arsenal and more upside than Nova and isn't much worse right now.



We've got a lot of guys getting their chances and nobody seems to be able to separate themselves from the pack other than Taillon.   Unfortunately his separation isn't nearly  as much as I would like

6D646C7D73090 wrote: I think Kuhl could be an effective reliever, sure.   Unfortunately I think he's currently maybe just a tad worse of a starter as Nova and has quite a bit more possible upside.  I personally don't think Nova has any chance of being better (over a significant sample )than what he is because he just lacks arsenal.  Which is fine.



So while I agree Kuhl would likely make a nice pen piece, he has a better arsenal and more upside than Nova and isn't much worse right now.



We've got a lot of guys getting their chances and nobody seems to be able to separate themselves from the pack other than Taillon.   Unfortunately his separation isn't nearly  as much as I would like
Let Kuhl alone for at least this year. I still hold out hope that he will put it all together. There are times he can be dominant, he is still young. I was in favor of trying to move Nova in the off season. While he is good at times and I don't really have a problem with him at the back of the rotation I think we have enough young guys we need to get a look at.