Ok, let’s discuss the roster…
A few notes…
- LINEUP: The lineup seems pretty straight forward unless you can make a case for Jose Lobaton over John Jaso. We do know that Brandon Guyer did not make the trip to Texas even though he has been starting in right field versus lefties recently. Does that mean Justin Ruggiano will start versus lefties, or will Ben Zobrist move to right field with Sean Rodriguez moving over to second base? Zobrist hasn’t started in right field since August 23.
- ROTATION: This is the big question mark. We know James Shields will start game 2 and David Price will start game 3. But takes the ball tomorrow? Joe Maddon was clearly saving Matt Moore for a potential one-game playoff. So why not use him in game 1? That leaves Jeremy Hellickson for game 4. Of course, we wouldn’t be surprised if Davis or Niemann goes in game 1 and Moore is in the bullpen while the fans get an upset stomach.
- BULLPEN: It would seem that the first five spots are locked in. That leaves two spots for Cesar Ramos, Brandon Gomes, and whichever starting pitchers are not in the rotation. The Rangers have fairly even splits versus righties and lefties. But Joe Maddon may choose to take the extra lefty to try to neutralize Josh Hamilton.
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27 Comments
Maybe I missed something, where is Hellickson?
I'm assuming that he thinks Hellboy won't be on the playoff roster due to reaching his maximum innings? I say screw the maximum, this is playoffs baby! If Hellboy is on the roster, I would leave off Howell. Way too shaky lately, can't be trusted.
He said that Hellickson would pitch game 4
Do you really think they're going to completely shut down Hellickson? To me he's an auto-win for Game 3 at home against a lineup that is stacked with right handers.
I would be severely disappointed if they didn't at least let him take five innings.
Ugh. i really need to get some sleep. Of course, by "Wade Davis" I really meant "Jeremy Hellickson"
My bad
Agreed, I can't believe Hellickson wouldn't be in the mix. Hold him to 5 or 6 innings if need be.
And call me nuts, but I'd rather see them think about keeping Alex Torres then continuing the JP Howell rehab experiment.
I hope Gomes makes the cut. He's been steady for us down the stretch.
Alex Torres needs to be on the playoff roster.
Players need to have been on the 25 man roster at the end of August to be eligible for the post season. From my understanding, they are allowed one extra pitcher (Moore) not on the 25-man at that time, due to Alex Cobb being on the DL at the end of August.
I should have mentioned that Torres didn't make the trip to Dallas, so he isn't an option.
I would love to see Matt Moore in game 1, but I'm not sure that Joe will put that much pressure on Matt. I'd have to hold him back to relieve.
That is why I hesitate to put him there. But it is just game 1. Theoretically, that is a lot less pressure than game 163 win-or-go-home against the Boston Red Sox. And everything points to Moore having been Maddon's choice for game 163.
You may be right, but actually is that less pressure? I know the starter has a while to think it over, so there can be extra pressure building there. But these guys are used to the starter's routine. I'd imagine that being asked to change that routine and perhaps come in to a game where there's already a deficit could ultimately bring more pressure with it then having him start.
Brandon Gomes has been amazing down the stretch and Maddon has used him in pressure situations. No way he gets left off. And why is Ruggiano on the roster. When was the last time he even got an ab?
Well, some of those high-pressure situations have come with Farnsworth on the shelf and JP Howell struggling. But I certainly wouldnt be surprised if he is in there.
Who are you putting there in place of Ruggiano? Lobaton is certainly possible if Maddon wants a third catcher. But that really only makes sense if Jaso and Shoppach are platooning. Shoppach has started most of the games recently.
Where's Davis Cork? I'd much rather see Davis than J.P. My rotation would be Davis/Niemann/Moore in game 1, then Big Game, Price, Hell Boy, Shields games 2-5.
I cant see Maddon keeping Davis and Niemann in the bullpen and Niemann has proven that he can be effective out of relief. Of course, if Davis or Niemann are the game 1 starter, then it all changes.
Cork, when will you add the banner for 2011 wild card winner at the top of the rays index page?
i didnt add the 2010 banner until opening day this year. So not until then.
Hey, you're going to run out of room for these banners! I'll be you didn't anticipate this happy problem when you started this blog.
Here's hoping he has to find room for three banners!
Price needs to be kicked back in the rotation. Boston is like a morgue today and sports radio like a viper's nest. They want blood! Crawford's, Francona's, Lackey's and Epstein's.... I was wearing my Rays' cap today and people were scowling at me... J.D. drew doesn't have many friends around here either.
heard jim hickey on wdae this morning say that niemann would start game 1
http://tampabay.sbnation.com/tampa-bay-rays/2011/9/29/2458204/mlb-playoffs-jeff-niemann-tampa-bay-rays-alds-game-one
I heard that from several people. But Hickey either misspoke or he was misinformed. Maddon was clear all day that a decision would not be made until after he met with his staff this evening.
I heard that from several people. But Hickey either misspoke or he was misinformed. Maddon was clear all day that a decision would not be made until after he met with his staff this evening.
Yeah Moore in G1 is official now.
I think they'll put Helly in G3 personally... Price has not been that incredible versus the Rangers lineup as far as I can remember from the ALDS last year.
I'm not afraid of Josh Hamilton.
I'm afraid of EVERYONE around him.
Niemann is not on the roster. Gomes is on the roster as I thought he would. No Ruggiano. 3 catchers
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/content/rays-alds-roster-3-catchers-and-howell-no-niemann-dan-johnson-ramos-or-ruggiano