Playoff Rotation Announced

[Mephistopheles]

One thing to note is that this would lineup Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano to get two starts apiece if the NLCS if we make it there. All terribleness of late aside, Zambrano's expected ERA is going to be higher than Dempsters and Hardens, but to be fair he makes a lot of it up with his bat. In a perfect world, it's lined up for Zambrano to go 1 start in the NLDS, 2 starts in the NLCS, 1 start in the WS with that start coming in Wrigley, where he can bat.

[Sagebrush923]

My insistence earlier that Howry on the post-season roster was only speculation has been refuted by several articles that reference him attributed to what Piniella "said" although nothing was quoted. So I have to accept that he will be there. I was uneasy about his recent (2008) performances but would have loved to have had the 2007 Howry. Howry has been hot or cold this year. He has thrown "batting practice" in games and also been old time tough. In the upcoming games, I hope we see the latter. The same can be said about any pitcher. I trust that Lou always has a plan and puts his players in the best position to succeed. Let the games begin!

[UK1679666180]

My insistence earlier that Howry on the post-season roster was only speculation has been refuted by several articles that reference him attributed to what Piniella "said" although nothing was quoted. So I have to accept that he will be there. I was uneasy about his recent (2008) performances but would have loved to have had the 2007 Howry. Howry has been hot or cold this year. He has thrown "batting practice" in games and also been old time tough. In the upcoming games, I hope we see the latter. The same can be said about any pitcher. I trust that Lou always has a plan and puts his players in the best position to succeed. Let the games begin!

 

With the 4 man rotation and the extra bullpen arm, the difference between someone like Howry and Wuertz/Gaudin is minimal at best. That's assuming that Lou doesn't use Howry in a high pressure situation and doesn't micromanage the pen to where using Howry in that situation is necessary.

 

Unfort. the 7th is where Cotts could've taken that next step, where instead of being the situational lefty, he could've filled that 7th inning role where the Cubs had ideally wanted Eyre to fill while he was with the team. Of course, Cotts has struggled as of late and leaves that spot up in the air.

[rawaction]

My insistence earlier that Howry on the post-season roster was only speculation has been refuted by several articles that reference him attributed to what Piniella "said" although nothing was quoted. So I have to accept that he will be there. I was uneasy about his recent (2008) performances but would have loved to have had the 2007 Howry. Howry has been hot or cold this year. He has thrown "batting practice" in games and also been old time tough. In the upcoming games, I hope we see the latter. The same can be said about any pitcher. I trust that Lou always has a plan and puts his players in the best position to succeed. Let the games begin!

 

With the 4 man rotation and the extra bullpen arm, the difference between someone like Howry and Wuertz/Gaudin is minimal at best. That's assuming that Lou doesn't use Howry in a high pressure situation and doesn't micromanage the pen to where using Howry in that situation is necessary.

 

Unfort. the 7th is where Cotts could've taken that next step, where instead of being the situational lefty, he could've filled that 7th inning role where the Cubs had ideally wanted Eyre to fill while he was with the team. Of course, Cotts has struggled as of late and leaves that spot up in the air.

 

I'm assuming Lou will basically play musical chairs with that 7th inning. Right now, I would expect the plan to be that if the starter goes exactly 6 innings, Marmol would come in if it's a 1-run game and pitch 2 innings. If there is a 2+ run lead, I think Samardzija would get the first crack at the 7th depending on the matchups. If he fails, Marmol will be ready at a moment's notice and Lou will go to someone else in that situation the next time, most likely Howry. However, if the matchup dictates it, I think he would go with Marshall. For example, if Delgado, Beltran, Church, Schneider are due up for the Mets or Ethier, Martin, Loney are due for the Dodgers.

 

If Marmol pitches 2 innings one day and there's a game the next (Game 2 or 4), I'd imagine Kerry would get the 2 inning outing the 2nd day in a 1-run game.

[UK1679666180]

My insistence earlier that Howry on the post-season roster was only speculation has been refuted by several articles that reference him attributed to what Piniella "said" although nothing was quoted. So I have to accept that he will be there. I was uneasy about his recent (2008) performances but would have loved to have had the 2007 Howry. Howry has been hot or cold this year. He has thrown "batting practice" in games and also been old time tough. In the upcoming games, I hope we see the latter. The same can be said about any pitcher. I trust that Lou always has a plan and puts his players in the best position to succeed. Let the games begin!

 

With the 4 man rotation and the extra bullpen arm, the difference between someone like Howry and Wuertz/Gaudin is minimal at best. That's assuming that Lou doesn't use Howry in a high pressure situation and doesn't micromanage the pen to where using Howry in that situation is necessary.

 

Unfort. the 7th is where Cotts could've taken that next step, where instead of being the situational lefty, he could've filled that 7th inning role where the Cubs had ideally wanted Eyre to fill while he was with the team. Of course, Cotts has struggled as of late and leaves that spot up in the air.

 

I'm assuming Lou will basically play musical chairs with that 7th inning. Right now, I would expect the plan to be that if the starter goes exactly 6 innings, Marmol would come in if it's a 1-run game and pitch 2 innings. If there is a 2+ run lead, I think Samardzija would get the first crack at the 7th depending on the matchups. If he fails, Marmol will be ready at a moment's notice and Lou will go to someone else in that situation the next time, most likely Howry. However, if the matchup dictates it, I think he would go with Marshall. For example, if Delgado, Beltran, Church, Schneider are due up for the Mets or Ethier, Martin, Loney are due for the Dodgers.

 

If Marmol pitches 2 innings one day and there's a game the next (Game 2 or 4), I'd imagine Kerry would get the 2 inning outing the 2nd day in a 1-run game.

 

Agreed, he'll play L/R matchup in the 7th as well as saving either Marquis or Marshall for long-relief without using both of them in the same game if they do play a marathon ballgame.