Farrell Mum on Playoff Rotation So Let’s Break The Silence
Red Sox manager John Farrell has been quiet about his starting playoff rotation. That doesn’t mean one of the more delicious aspects of being a fan can’t begin. Yeah, we’re sports bloggers and writers here at BSI but we’re first and foremost we’re monster fans. It’s what drives us to cover all angles of the game – rumors, humor, struggles and stats, game recaps, player profiles, baseball history and all the glorious facets of the game with no clock and in which the defense controls the ball.
Let’s cut right to the chase. Who do we predict will be Boston’s starting rotation?
Sep 20, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jon Lester, #1 Starter
Lester has rounded into form nicely and it’s just what you want in a #1 in the playoffs – steady, ready, shutdown. After a middling 8-6, 4.58 ERA pre All-Star break outing, Lester bounced back with a second half 7-2, 2.57 ERA performance. The best news is that he didn’t give up many big innings during this impressive stretch. Lester’s the man to tap first.
Clay Buchholz, #2 Starter
Yes, he’s been out four months. He’s also been strong and good since his return and by the way the guy is 12-1 with a 1.74 ERA. His last outing was stout. Give him the ball and let him do his thing.
John Lackey, #3 Starter
Lackey’s stats don’t tell the whole story. His 10-13, 3.52 record masked the team’s ability to score runs for him when he pitched consistently well. A stat near the end of the season by ESPN indicated that if Lackey had the same kind of run support as had Max Scherzer, his record at the time would have been 15-4. A strong case can be made that he should be the #2 guy. Either way I’m OK when this new physique and attitude guy takes the bump, especially in the playoffs.
One thing’s for sure. Felix Doubront has been deep sixed. He last two performances, especially his last, sealed his fate. Ryan Dempster will be the #4 starter or the first man out of the pen in long relief in a short series.
It’s likely within 36 hours that we’ll know what John Farrell will do with his starting rotation. What do you think?