Rays Of Light Role Playing – ALDS Pitching Rotations
By Joel Verlin | September 23rd, 2008 | Posted in Discussion, General
You are going over the pitching rotation schedule for the next week in your hotel room after grabbing a nap. Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door. It’s Joe Maddon, your boss, so you get up from the chair and open the door. “Hi, Joe, what’s up?”
“Hey (insert your name here)! Things are going great. Ready for the double header tonight?” Joe asks.
“Yes, sir!” you reply, “I’ve got the coffee ready.”
“Great! I also wanted to ask you if you’ve completed the pitching rotation for the ALDS series,” Joe Maddon says.
You blink, after all, that’s an acronym that usually isn’t connected with the Rays this time of year. “I’ve been thinking about it and here are some possible rotations, let me know what you think about them, Joe.” You hand over the folder to Joe Maddon and both of you start to talk up a storm.
So fellow Rays fans, what are YOUR ALDS pitching rotations?
September 24th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Game 1- James Shields. He is hands down, our big game pitcher. He’s a proven winner, and will rise to the occasion of pitching the biggest game of the Rays franchise history. You know he’s going to give the team the best chance to win, so you have to go with him.
Game 2- Matt Garza. I have no doubts that this kid will answer the bell in the playoffs. I know he’s young, and a little immature, but the kid has shown that he can throw in big games so far this season. I think his stuff will show up in Game 2, and put us up 2-0 in the ALDS.
Game 3- Scott Kazmir. All we can do is hope that his mechanics finally show up, and he feels comfortable. He’s been apparently fighting himself all season long on his mechanics. It’s in Kaz’s hand to try to seal the deal for a series sweep. Personally, I think he falters a little bit, but still throws decent, and we end up losing a tough game on the road. The series goes to 2-1, with us leading.
Game 4- Edwin Jackson. A lot of people like trying to bring back the Game 1 pitcher, Shields, for this one. But I think you go with our most reliable road starter for the season to try to win Game 4. E-Jax has the great stuff you always want in your playoff pitchers, and this could be his coming out party for the rest of his career. I predict we win Game 4, and Jackson goes 7 innings, 5 K, 2 BB, 6 hits, 2 ER. This leaves us being able to have Shields for Game 1 of the ALCS.