TwitterTake The Long Way Home?
29 Sep 2009
Whenever the Tigers and Twins settle the AL Central the Yankees will have a decision to make. Do they want the eight-day ALDS or the seven-day ALDS?
The conventional wisdom is to take the 8-day series which would allow the Yankees to only use Sabathia, Pettitte and Burnett, but consider what that would allow Detroit to do. Depending on what they need to do this week, the Tigers could potentially throw Verlander twice, Jackson twice and Porcello once. That’s just as good, or maybe better than the Yankees 1-2-3 punch.
In addition, the 8-day series would allow both sides to rest their bullpens a lot. With days off between each of the first three games and Game 4+5, you could use certainly relievers more frequently and longer. That could be a potential advantage for the Tigers as well because their bullpen isn’t as deep as the Yankees’ and therefore would be worn out more in a the 7-day series.
The good news for New York is they don’t have to pick until they know who their opponent is. If the Twins take the AL Central, I think the 8-day ALDS becomes the obvious choice. But, if the Tigers are the opponent, some thought needs to go into the choice. I would want to examine the pitchers the Tigers could throw twice in the series carefully before choosing the 8-day option.
Sep 30, 2009 @ 08:47:50
Jackson seems to have gained a reputation as a great pitcher this year, but he really only had a great first half. Strike outs are down, walks are up and he allowed 99 hits in 87 innings with a 4.50 ERA since the ASB and a 5 ERA in September. Hes the same old Edwin; bring em on.
Sep 30, 2009 @ 10:58:39
If the Twins and Tigers tie they play at the Metrodome on Tuesday because of a conflict on Monday. Both team’s rotations will be in tatters and you’ll definitely want to play them the next day.
Otherwise, I think you do what’s best for your team, which is go with three guys who are very, very good starters and who are pitching very well.
Yankee fans should probably root for the Tigers because the Twins are the kind of team that can beat the Yankees in a short series. They run and play small ball well; even without Morneau they have more power than in past years; and they pitch well and play good defense.
Detroit is a sloppier team. And regardless of who starts, once you get to the bullpen you feast.
Sep 30, 2009 @ 10:58:44
If the Twins and Tigers tie they play at the Metrodome on Tuesday because of a conflict on Monday. Both team’s rotations will be in tatters and you’ll definitely want to play them the next day.
Otherwise, I think you do what’s best for your team, which is go with three guys who are very, very good starters and who are pitching very well.
Yankee fans should probably root for the Tigers because the Twins are the kind of team that can beat the Yankees in a short series. They run and play small ball well; even without Morneau they have more power than in past years; and they pitch well and play good defense.
Detroit is a sloppier team. And regardless of who starts, once you get to the bullpen you feast.