Final Week of Baseball Open Thread

[Eaglealum]

I'd take Worley over Locke but since he's one of "theirs", it'll be locke

[abpk2903]

I like Locke pitching the day after Cole more than Worley. I know it doesn't make a huge difference but a "softer" throwing lefty following a hard throwing righty may be a little more challenging for the hitters.

[Manfred]

I'd take Worley over Locke but since he's one of "theirs", it'll be locke

After the first 3 innings tonight, I'll take the Vanimal over Locke as well.

[Eaglealum]

Lockes got great stuff, but looking at culmative career numbers.. His arms done after 100 innings.... Looking like a bullpen guy if he doesn't get on a good strength program

[Crimson's Ghost]

I think an interesting wrench into everything is this, would if the Pirates and Cardinals tie, and there is a game 163 to determine the division and the Wild Card. How do you treat the game 163? The game will be held Monday right after the season is over. So to get to that point, you would use Liriano Saturday and Cole Sunday.

Do you go with Volquez on short rest Monday or Locke? Because those are really your only options.



I'm also in favor of Cole for Wednesday's Wild Card game.

[Crimson's Ghost]

So I guess my rotation would look like this...

Monday 29 - Game 163 tiebreaker (IF Necessary) - Edinson Volquez
Wednesday 1 - Wild Card Game (IF Necessary) - Gerrit Cole
Friday 3 - Game One NLDS - Francisco Liriano
Saturday 4 - Game Two NLDS - Edinson Volquez
Monday 6 - Game Three NLDS - Gerrit Cole
Tuesday 7 - Game Four NLDS Vance Worley
Thursday 9 - Game Five - Francisco Liriano

I treat the Wild Card game as part of the series in a sense. So if it goes all five, I have Cole for two and Liriano for two. If the Game 163 happens I also get Volquez for 2. Those 3 have been your main guys down the stretch, and I think Worley's potential game 4 start kind of mimics Charlie Morton's game 4 start last year. Morton was lost in the middle with Liriano, Cole, and Burnett being the featured three. Despite probably being the 4th guy, Morton pitched a hell of a game, Wacha was just a little better.

Also in my little theory, Cole would be set for Game One against Kershaw in Dodger Stadium in the NLCS....that would be fun.

[abpk2903]

Wainright is slated for Sunday. If the pirates can get to the one game division championship, that would set up who from the cards against Volquez?

[Crimson's Ghost]

Wacha and Lynn go the next two games, so I think it would be Lackey.

[voncap]

From the Pirates perspective right now, the rotation has to be a day to day decision. Just glad I don't have to make the decision. Do you go all in this weekend in an effort to win the division, and basically have limited hope of Cole or Liriano available for a Wild card game on Wednesday or do you hold one of them out thinking your chances are better in a one game playoff vs the Giants with one of them pitching?

If it looks like the Buccos are going to be in the Wild Card against the Giants, Liriano or Cole has to be the starter. Since the Giant's record against lefties this season is very poor, Liriano would seem to be the best choice.

Ideally, it would be nice to see Liriano go today on three days rest on a limited pitch count. He would then be available on Wednesday. Worley goes tomorrow, and you still have Cole available for Sunday if the division title is still up for grabs.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Yeah it's a day by day thing.

Ultimately I think the Pirates are playing Wednesday night against the Giants at PNC Park.

If they know by Sunday they can't win the division and can't lose home field to San Fran, I absolutely hold Cole out of that start and just use Cumpton or someone like that and a B lineup.