As the Sox ready to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS, the big injury concerns they had heading into the playoffs all appear to be answered. Both Josh Beckett and J.D. Drew appear ready to go, while Mike Lowell is definitely not going to be playing. So the new big question for the Sox is how they will set up their rotation for the series. Regardless of how well he’s pitching, with everyone available it doesn’t make sense to bring Jon Lester back for Game 1 on just 3 days rest. The only reason to do that is if Tito planned on starting him in Games 1, 4 and 7, and since Francona never made such a move in the past despite studs like Pedro, Schill and Beckett at his disposal, there is no reason to believe he would start now. So letting Lester start in Game 2 seems both the logical move and the safe bet. But who should get the start in the series opener? If healthy, which he appears to be, Josh Beckett has got to be the choice. The opportunity to have Beckett and Lester post back-to-back dominating performances in Tampa could cripple the Rays the rest of the way. And even when Dice-K does dominate he still only gives 6 innings. So having a well rested bullpen for a home Game 3 with Matsuzaka on the mound makes sense. That leaves only the Game 4 slot open, and Paul Byrd should get the nod. Tim Wakefield has certainly earned a start based on his career contributions, but the honor of starting a game in the ALCS is not a lifetime achievement award, it goes to the pitcher that gives your team the best chance to win. Although Wake traditionally had been great against Tampa, that wasn’t the case in ’08. In 3 starts he went 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA, allowing 17 hits (3 HR) and 8 walks in 15.1 innings while striking out just 7. Byrd should get the ball. Thoughts?Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Time to Set Sox ALCS Rotation
As the Sox ready to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS, the big injury concerns they had heading into the playoffs all appear to be answered. Both Josh Beckett and J.D. Drew appear ready to go, while Mike Lowell is definitely not going to be playing. So the new big question for the Sox is how they will set up their rotation for the series. Regardless of how well he’s pitching, with everyone available it doesn’t make sense to bring Jon Lester back for Game 1 on just 3 days rest. The only reason to do that is if Tito planned on starting him in Games 1, 4 and 7, and since Francona never made such a move in the past despite studs like Pedro, Schill and Beckett at his disposal, there is no reason to believe he would start now. So letting Lester start in Game 2 seems both the logical move and the safe bet. But who should get the start in the series opener? If healthy, which he appears to be, Josh Beckett has got to be the choice. The opportunity to have Beckett and Lester post back-to-back dominating performances in Tampa could cripple the Rays the rest of the way. And even when Dice-K does dominate he still only gives 6 innings. So having a well rested bullpen for a home Game 3 with Matsuzaka on the mound makes sense. That leaves only the Game 4 slot open, and Paul Byrd should get the nod. Tim Wakefield has certainly earned a start based on his career contributions, but the honor of starting a game in the ALCS is not a lifetime achievement award, it goes to the pitcher that gives your team the best chance to win. Although Wake traditionally had been great against Tampa, that wasn’t the case in ’08. In 3 starts he went 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA, allowing 17 hits (3 HR) and 8 walks in 15.1 innings while striking out just 7. Byrd should get the ball. Thoughts?
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I am a coin flip for Wake/Byrd in game 4. I really don't care. However, if Byrd starts, that means that Wake will come out of the pen (if he is needed) and could throw our catcher plans off...which means that we may need Ross back to deal with a similar pinch hitting plan used last series. Both Byrd and Wake have shown that they can pitch in the post season. I just hold them both to short leashes and they
As for game #1 = Beckett. He is the ace. Period.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona today announced his rotation for the ALCS:
Game 1: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: Josh Beckett
Game 3: Jon Lester
Game 4: Tim Wakefield
Game 5: Matsuzaka
Game 6: Beckett
Game 7: Lester
I'm fine with that. This way, if we split or even lose first two in Tampa, not all the weight is on Dice K's shoulders.
side note: Agent Scott Boras has let it be known through his media outlets that the expectation is for at least five years and $85 million in a deal for Ramirez.
I just watched the Coco fight again and totally forgot about DeMarlo Hale's takedown of Shields. So good.
It does not matter who starts between wake and byrd to me, but I would rather have byrd in the pen. What if any game (specifically game 4) goes into extra innings and the pen gets tired again I would rather have Byrd than wake in the pen for game 5. I say game 4 because Daisuke usually doesn't last as long as the other starters.
Masterson did not look good, MDC got out of a jam because of a failed squeeze and Pap seemed to be a last reserve. If that situation presents itself again I feel more comfortable with Byrd giving solid innings to save the pen rather than wake.
Good point on MDC Sean. I had the exact same thought about him and think that he should take over masterson's role this series. Masterson should come in for 6th/7th inning duty with Oki. Leave the 8th to MDC and Papelbon. I know MDC gives up homers....but Masterson gives up walks.
I'm not thrilled with the rotation. I don't see the need to save Lester until Game 3. Starting Beckett-Lester 1-2 would have given them both regular rest. Sometimes too much rest is just as bad as too little. I also don't like the idea of Dice-K giving us 5 innings in the opener and then having to come back with Beckett in Game 2 and hope he is 100%.
Dice-K needs to come up huge and go 7...end of story.
As for Game 4, my only comment is that I hope this decision was made with giving the team the best chance to win and nothing more. Wake makes more sense than Byrd in the sense that Byrd is better suited to relieve...but what needs to be discussed if that is the case is whether or not Wake is simply wasting a roster spot period.
Here's how i would've done it.
ALCS
10/10- Lester
10/11- Beckett
10/13- Dice-K
10/14- Lester (3 days rest)
10/16- Beckett(4 days rest) if nec
10/18- Dice-K (4 days rest) if nec
10/19- Lester (4 days rest) if nec
World Series
10/22- Beckett
10/23- Dice-K (4 days rest)
10/25- Lester
10/26- Beckett (3 days rest)
10/27- Dice-K (3 days rest) if nec
10/29- Lester (3 days rest) if nec
10/30- Beckett (3 days rest) if nec
If they have to go with another guy, go Wake to start and bring Byrd out of the pen. If Wake starts it doesnt really mess up the 3 catcher situation.
If it comes down to it from the pen i'd go Oki 6th, Masterson 7th, MDC 8th.
Since Lowell wont be in the Tampa series i'd keep Youk at 3rd and Kotsay at 1st.
in theory none of this matters since the same 7 starters will start the game anyway no matter what order you put them in. wasted energy thinking about it.
wake should have a very short leash though.
good list gmac, but you have to change something in the WS. The 4 deciding games of the WS you are willing to throw pitchers out there on 3 days rest, including an injured beckett twice?
I'll take my chance in the World Series with the 3 days. I dont think the ALCS or the WS are going to go 7 games.
For the record, I am not looking forward to game 4. It is almost as if we are conceding one of our home games. Wakefield has been terrible lately and I am not comfortable giving him the ball in game 4.
He is great for the regular season because he eats up innings and is usually around 500, however, there is too much on the line come playoff time.
jbs, if Boras is throwing those figures out there, they must have their sights set on the Yankees.
Anyone else even approach 5 years? I'd say after 3 would be something.
I sincerely hope it is just a bargaining tool to get other teams to raise the stakes, and Manny has learned from Damon's mistakes...
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