Brett Tomko Defaults Into Dodgers Final Rotation Spot

He's Brett Tomko, there's not a whole lot he could actually do to win a spot in a rotation, unless of course, he were facing the Dodgers every fifth day, but that's just not in the cards now is it? Think about it -- Brett Tomko -- sole proprietor of a career 4.54 ERA, and a studly 5.14 Spring ERA. Let's just face it; he's ten seasons removed and still trying to live off his promising rookie year with the Reds which later resulted in him being the "centerpiece" of the Ken Griffey Jr. deal (remember that?)!

Making matters uglier, the Dodgers were steadfast upon sending youngster Chad Billingsley to the bullpen, and Tomko's other competition stunk just as badly as he did -- sort of like watching Shaq, Lorenzo Mata, and Ben Wallace compete in a free throw making contest.

Additionally, Hong-Chi Kuo bowed out with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for a month (either that or he's trying to cleanse the "herbal remedies" from his system). And the final competitor, Mark Hendrickson, is disappointed about being resigned to the bullpen now that Brad Penny is 100% recovered from a shoulder injury leaving only one spot available in the rotation. Sorry Mark, but a 5.60 Spring ERA isn't the way to make a rotation, unless of course you're Brett Tomko.

Previously at FanHouse:
Dodgers No. 5 Spot in Rotation Will Make You Sick
Hong-Chi Kuo Won't Be Drinking Herbal Remedies Anymore
Brad Penny Misses Start Becaouse of Shoulder Injury