Beating a dead horse: Aaron Heilman as a starter

I've had it just about up to here with this talk, and I thought most fans were past this point, past this question. I figured people had given up, closed shop and gone home.

Nope.

Fans continue to beat this dead horse into oblivion.

In Marty Noble's latest mailbag, the question is resurrected like a stubborn zombie on All Hallows Eve:
If for some reason Pedro Martinez or Orlando Hernandez could not start the season, would Aaron Heilman be given the chance to join the starting rotation? Or have his chances of ever being a starting pitcher become naught?
-- John E., Topeka, Kan.

Stop.
Why is everyone still absolutely fascinated with the idea that Heilman can magically come out of the pen and start? Years ago, when Heilman was still accustomed to starting, pitching more innings, it would have made relief. But after staying exclusively in the bullpen for the last few years, pitching one or two innings usually, how in the world would he be able to come out and throw 5 or more?

Don't we have enough guys (El Duque, Mike Pelfrey, Jorge Sosa...heck, even Tony Armas Jr.) that could fill this hole better than Heilman could?

Does that one-hitter back in 2005 still tickle your fancy for Heilman to start?

I don't get this. At all. I'm as big of a Heilman fan as the next guy, besides when he gives up home runs all the time, but gee whiz, it's time you stop living in the past. He's been a relief pitcher for 3 years now, his arm and stamina are not tailored to pitch probably more than 3 innings.

So here is my plea: Stop beating the dead horse that is "Heilman should start!" It's over. Done. No mas.