Oct. 2-4: Blue Jays vs. Rays Series Thread

[Antithesis]

Toronto Blue Jays (92-67, conquering Kings of the AL East) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (78-81, worst stadium in MLB)

Probable Starters:

Friday @5:00 Mountain Time: TOR: Mark Buehrle, 14-7, 3.76 ERA; TB: Erasmo Ramirez, 11-6, 3.65 ERA
Saturday @4:00 Mountain Time: TOR: Marco Estrada, 13-8, 3.15 ERA; TB: Chris Archer, 12-13, 3.26 ERA
Sunday @1:00 Mountain Time: TOR: TBD; TB: Matt Moore, 2-4, 5.84 ERA

I personally think it's hilarious that the Jays rested their entire roster including starting pitcher and much of their bullpen over the previous two games vs. Baltimore and almost won one of them. I hope that visitor's clubhouse in Baltimore is well and truly destroyed. Would look good on them.

Doesn't look like we know the times for the ALDS as yet but the Jays will be playing Thursday-Friday-Sunday-Monday-Wednesday. The Jays will be playing in the ALDS! That's awesome! It's too bad that the ending was kind of anti-climactic overall, what with the second game left to play and the game ending on that weird strikeout, but after 22 years, I'm not going to be picky. THE JAYS WON THE AL EAST!

Wrapping up home field advantage would be nice, but I am definitely part of the "let's not kill ourselves to do so" group. You're playing for one more game at home and that's only if you don't get the top spot and the Royals actually make it past the ALDS. At this point I really doubt their ability to do so if they play the Angels or heck, even the Yankees who aren't exactly playing well either.

Here's the scenarios for the Jays to clinch the top record in the AL:

Jays lose all 3 remaining games, Royals must lose all 3 remaining as well.
Jays go 1-2 in the 3 remaining games, Royals must lose at least 2 more as well.
Jays go 2-1 in the 3 remaining games, Royals must lose at least 1 more as well.
Jays go 3-0 in the 3 remaining games, the Royals can go suck an egg.

Stats Time!

Over his career, current Rays hitters have the following stats vs. Mark Buehrle: 343 AB, 94 H, 10 HR, 49 K, 0.274 AVG, 0.313 OBP, 0.414 SLG, 0.726 OPS
Over his career, current Rays hitters have the following stats vs. Marco Estrada: 71 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 18 K, 0.155 AVG, 0.211 OBP, 0.211 SLG, 0.422 OPS

Over their careers, current Blue Jays hitters have the following stats vs. Erasmo Ramirez: 74 AB, 20 H, 4 HR, 17 K, 0.270 AVG, 0.341 OBP, 0.514 SLG, 0.855 OPS
Over their careers, current Blue Jays hitters have the following stats vs. Chris Archer: 204 AB, 40 H, 9 HR, 51 K, 0.196 AVG, 0.264 OBP, 0.358 SLG, 0.622 OPS
Over their careers, current Blue Jays hitters have the following stats vs. Matt Moore: 74 AB, 21 H, 5 HR, 13 K, 0.284 AVG, 0.384 OBP, 0.554 SLG, 0.938 OPS

OK!

BLUE JAYS!

LETS!

PLAY!

BALL!

[Jiggy_12]

Tulo's back!!! Batting 7th and playing SS.

Rest of regulars back in as well.

[CroFlames]

Don't claim to be more than a casual fan, so can someone tell me when playoffs start? And do we know who the jays are playing?

[chummer]

Don't claim to be more than a casual fan, so can someone tell me when playoffs start? And do we know who the jays are playing?

For the Jays the playoffs start next Thursday.

Really no idea who the Jays are playing, could be one of Texas, New York or Houston.
Even an outside chance they could face the Angels or Twins.

[Weitz]

Wouldn't it be best for the Jays to not win the AL and play texas? Let the Yankees and Royals hammer each other?

[Dan02]

Wouldn't it be best for the Jays to not win the AL and play texas? Let the Yankees and Royals hammer each other?

#oilersspeak

How about the best team in Baseball just continues to win and win all way through the world series rather then attempting to win by attempting to lose.

[lazypucker]

It is still only 50/50 that the Jays win the AL. They have to equal or better KC's record for these last 3 games.

[CroFlames]

For the Jays the playoffs start next Thursday.

Really no idea who the Jays are playing, could be one of Texas, New York or Houston.
Even an outside chance they could face the Angels or Twins.

Nice. I might catch myself a playoff baseball match with the missus if they play the Halos. Great park by the way in Anaheim.

[Enoch Root]

If anyone cares, the Jays are up 1-0 batting in the 4th.

[Roof-Daddy]

Hitting the ball hard, but leaving too many men on base.

[Enoch Root]

2 complete garbage hits create a run and tie the game

[Caged Great]

4-1

[Enoch Root]

Buerhle was pitching well, but just gave up a 3-run homer

4-1 Rays

[Enoch Root]

On a brighter note, Minny just took the lead against KC

1-0 and still batting in the bottom of the 2nd

[KootenayFlamesFan]

So is Buerhle in the rotation in the playoffs? Looks lately like his arm is just tiring out. He's got a lot of mileage on that arm, do you put him in the pen? To be honest he's the one in the possible rotation that looks the weakest to me.

[Enoch Root]

Jays rallying in the 6th

4-2 now with runners at 2nd and 3rd and one out

pitching change

[Enoch Root]

So is Buerhle in the rotation in the playoffs? Looks lately like his arm is just tiring out. He's got a lot of mileage on that arm, do you put him in the pen? To be honest he's the one in the possible rotation that looks the weakest to me.

I think it comes down to who they are playing and how he is feeling.

Price and Stroman are 1, 2 obviously

Right now, Estrada has to be #3

But a lot of things are fluid on who starts and when

[Enoch Root]

Goins hammers it off the wall for a game-tying triple

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Now Revere with a sac fly, 5-4 Jays.

That escalated quickly.

[Enoch Root]

fall behind by 3 and the bottom half of the order coming up?

no problem - 4 hits and a sac fly and it's 5-4 Toronto

[whosurnabby]

Yup, that's the real AL East champs alright. Those Buffalo Bisons B Squad just doesn't compare.

[Roof-Daddy]

Pillar and Goins are awesome, and getting better all the time.

[V]

Buerlhe is so good with the pickoff. Still needs 2.2 to get to 200. Doesn't look like he'll get there this year.

[Roof-Daddy]

Parrot time.

[JiriHrdina]

Walk that parrot!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Parrot sighting!

6-4 Jays.

[JiriHrdina]

Buerlhe is so good with the pickoff. Still needs 2.2 to get to 200. Doesn't look like he'll get there this year.

Could get a relief apperance. I bet Gibby still tries to get it for him.

[Tyler]

https://embed.gyazo.com/b58d602a41ce7613d4815ec8d84bbf44.gif

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Cola hammered that. Gotta be a home run.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

What a stupid park. Different rules for different catwalks. Ridiculous.

[Roof-Daddy]

That's so stupid. That thing was gonzo if the park wasn't idiotic.

[Tyler]

Can't wait til Tampa moves to MTL and the 'spos and Jays play in the same division

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Nothing like crushing a ball and barely getting a triple.

[Enoch Root]

the Tampa announcers immediately explained that the 'B Ring' is not a home run but the C Ring and the D Ring are.

And while the play was live, the one guy said it hit the B Ring

[Roof-Daddy]

...and Martin crushes one. 8-4!

[Enoch Root]

and it's a moot point

Martin smashes one

8-4 Jays

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Thankfully it didn't matter, Russell crushed that. 8-4 Jays.

[JiriHrdina]

Maybe the boys got enough there for the old man to come out again.

[JiriHrdina]

HA. There he is. Needs to get through this quick.

[JiriHrdina]

Pillar!

[whosurnabby]

not to be arrogant or anything but is anyone here still seriously worried about rust, the Tropicana Field curse, or KC...because I'm not...and the boys sure ain't showing any worries at all. This is a damn good baseball team. The best in the AL, and I think they all know that by now because it shows on the field.

[Roof-Daddy]

Oh Pillar, you are a beauty. What a catch.

[Roof-Daddy]

Should be able to get Beuhrle one more inning on the weekend no?

EDIT: Oops, I guess he needs two more.

[chockfullofgoodness]

Oh Pillar, you are a beauty. What a catch.
Not bad for a 32nd round pick, eh? A beauty indeed!!

[V]

Buerlhe out with 6 outs til 200 innings. Is there any chance he can get two innings of relief 2 days from now?

[whosurnabby]

Should be able to get Beuhrle one more inning on the weekend no?
They should, just out of respect for what he has done since he put on that Blue Jays uniform. Like I previously mentioned, Mark Buehrle is the BEST player that the Jays got from that Marlins trade. Hands-down. If we're not putting him in the playoff rotation, then please give the guy his 200 innings.

[Tyler]

I've never been so sure that we are going to win the World Series than I am now.

This is a TEAM and they aren't going to be beat in the post season.

[Roof-Daddy]

Goins with another hit.

Guy is a .300 hitter since August.

[Enoch Root]

Watching the Yankee announcers, the PBP guy was pronouncing it Go-ings.

Now the Tampa guy is pronouncing it Goins (rhymes with loins or coins)

[Roof-Daddy]

After the last two games, what a treat watching this line up again, especially with Tulo back in there. These opposing pitchers have to battle through every single hitter in this line up. Not one easy out right now.

...and Revere rips a double down the line.

2nd and 3rd, no one out, and "THE BIG THREE" coming up.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

One thing that I really liked to see is all the smiles and hugs when Buerhle left the game. Sure sounds like he's very respected and loved by his teammates and it showed there. Definitely looks like a very tight-knit group.

[Enoch Root]

with Pillar and Goins becoming good hitters, this line up is flat out crazy.

[JiriHrdina]

with Pillar and Goins becoming good hitters, this line up is flat out crazy.

And Travis is an even better hitter. Imagine the lineup with him. Unreal.

[Roof-Daddy]

Heh. Gotta hand it to Yates there. Comes in with none out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, and shuts down Donaldson, Bautista and EE.

[Enoch Root]

Fun fact:

Buerhle has hit 7 batters this year...

and FOUR of them have been Guyer

[Enoch Root]

And Travis is an even better hitter. Imagine the lineup with him. Unreal.

Yeah...

Revere
Donaldson
Bautista
Encarnacion
Travis
Tulowitzki
Martin
Colabello
Pillar

with Goins and Smoak for defense

lol

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Tulo with a double the opposite way. Very nice.

[Caged Great]

Jays should go after Davis for 1B. Yes, that Davis.

Revere
Donaldson
Davis
Bautista
Encarnacion
Martin
Tulowitzki
Travis
Pillar

Have fun....

[Roof-Daddy]

Jays should go after Davis for 1B. Yes, that Davis.

Revere
Donaldson
Davis
Bautista
Encarnacion
Martin
Tulowitzki
Travis
Pillar

Have fun....

I was thinking that during the Orioles series, when they mentioned hes a UFA.

That would be ridiculous.

[Roof-Daddy]

Cecil is just filthy.

Nobody can touch him right now. It's crazy.

[Enoch Root]

Assuming they get the last out, their magic number is 2

unfortunately, KC just took the lead in the 8th

[Roof-Daddy]

Lowe gets one out
Sanchez gets three outs
Cecil gets two outs
Osuna gets the last one

5 strike outs

[Enoch Root]

KC up 3-1 now and still batting

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Yay, victory! That graph they showed of appearances for pitchers under 21 is kinda crazy, Osuna leads everyone over the past 100 years.

[Jiggy_12]

That Pillar catch...I can't stop watching it.

[whosurnabby]

KC up 3-1 now and still batting
Dammit Twins, ya'll had one job!:mad:

It's ok though...not worried about those punks from Kansas City at all. They're beatable.

[whosurnabby]

That Pillar catch...I can't stop watching it.
If they ever replay it, browse through your PVR and watch/record the Sportsnet special, "The Kevin Pillar Show." Honest to god, I saw it last weekend and I was super entertained. The premise of the show was a sitdown between Jaime Campbell and Kevin Pillar, with Jaime showing Kevin Pillar his top 11 plays of the year, then Kevin telling the viewers what's going through his mind when he made those spectacular plays on CF this year.

[Caged Great]

The Twins just need to win 1 game and the Jays to win 1 game.

I don't expect sweeps on either side of the coin.

[CgyFlamesftw]

9 runs back to break jays all time scoring record. And could go down as one of the best offensive teams ever. We are not worthy.

[whosurnabby]

9 runs back to break jays all time scoring record. And could go down as one of the best offensive teams ever. We are not worthy.
In a post steroid era of baseball might I add where teams have won World Series pennants thru good defence, great starting pitching, and elite bullpens. The Jays have all those plus a steroid-era esque offence...if I wasn't a fan of these guys, this is definitely the team that I don't want my baseball team to play in the postseason.:w00t: The Jays are downright SCARY. Their run differential and record against playoff teams are legit too.

[browna]

I think they have to get Buehrle into a couple meaningless innings in the next 2 games. So close to being tied for 3rd all time in MLB history for consecutive innings.

They left him out probably 2 innings more than they would normally tonight; you'd think that was to get him closer to that, so he can come in middle relief maybe Sunday (or hope for an blowout tomorrow or Sunday (win or lose)) and insert him in there. It's tough with a starter and their routine and they need him rested for the playoffs etc etc, but such a milestone this close, and many of the players talking about wanting him to get to that 200 inning mark, you have to think it's certainly a possibility.

[Antithesis]

I believe the plan is to go with Buehrle for 2 innings to start on Sunday followed by Hutchison afterward.

[Yoho]

I believe the plan is to go with Buehrle for 2 innings to start on Sunday followed by Hutchison afterward.

God I hope not if first isn't locked up.

[Enoch Root]

God I hope not if first isn't locked up.

It's a great move for the team and the room. Everyone loves Buerhle in there and want to see this happen.

It also pays dividends for a team in the long run to treat their players well.

He has also always been really solid against the Rays over his career.

And if they lose home field because of two innings, then they probably didn't deserve it.

[Enoch Root]

They mentioned this on the Rays telecast and I don't know if it was shared on the Jays telecast, so I'll add it here:

There have been 14 pitchers in major league history that have pitched 15 seasons of 200+ innings. All 14 are in the hall of fame. Buerhle is 2 innings from being the 15th.

As an organization, if you can get it done, you get it done.

[Yoho]

I'm ok with Buerhle getting 2 but Hutch on the road is asking for trouble

Edit, I guess not many options if you want to rest starters

[Tyler]

I'm ok with Buerhle getting 2 but Hutch on the road is asking for trouble

Not if we provide him with 9 runs of support...

[868904]

How come the Jays aren't considering testing Buerle out as a reliever on Sunday? Why have him start for two innings on Sunday?

Jays are desperate for a lefty in the pen, and they are going to need it if they face the Yankees.

I don't have much confidence in Loup and i'm not sure if the team does either.

I know it's waiting to the very end here, but wouldn't it be prudent to get Buerle use to coming in on late inning relief and use him that way in the playoffs?

He has to be a better option than Loup in that kind of a role? Or is it a slap in the face to Buerle to have him work out of the pen?

[edslunch]

I think it comes down to who they are playing and how he is feeling.

Price and Stroman are 1, 2 obviously

Right now, Estrada has to be #3

But a lot of things are fluid on who starts and when


They might want to throw the knuckleballer in with Price and Stroman to mess with hitters' swings

[Jiggy_12]

Id say it's almost a guarantee Dickey starts game 2 at home where he is far more effective.

So far in 2015, he sports an OBA of .196 at home, vs .288 on the road. ERA of 3.11 at home vs 4.83 on the road.

Almost no chance he sees a road start in the post season, there is no need.

[Jiggy_12]

How come the Jays aren't considering testing Buerle out as a reliever on Sunday? Why have him start for two innings on Sunday?

Jays are desperate for a lefty in the pen, and they are going to need it if they face the Yankees.

I don't have much confidence in Loup and i'm not sure if the team does either.

I know it's waiting to the very end here, but wouldn't it be prudent to get Buerle use to coming in on late inning relief and use him that way in the playoffs?

He has to be a better option than Loup in that kind of a role? Or is it a slap in the face to Buerle to have him work out of the pen?

Buehrle is not a situational lefty, in fact just about every stat that can be tracked shows he is much worse against LH batters than RH.

That being said; Loup is barely an upgrade numbers wise against lefties. Barely.

[JiriHrdina]

Yeah I would go
Price
Dickey
Stroman
Estrada

Solid.

[Jiggy_12]

Yeah I would go
Price
Dickey
Stroman
Estrada

Solid.

I'd have no issues with this. Looks great.

My one idea to get creative (and just for the ALDS) is to flip Stroman and Estrada. If a game 4 is needed, it an elimination game for one team no matter what. The way Stroman seems to love the pressure and spotlight (albeit very small sample sizes) I would love to see what he does with either a 2-1 lead or a 1-2 deficit.

This is fun to discuss!

[browna]

Yeah the 5 game DS is a bit different dynamic. And a good chance that some of these guys will be ramped up and get out of their comfort zone. For pitchers, that's a big deal. 1,2 and 5 at home, 3 and 4 on the road.

I think you can do without Buehrle in the DS, but have him ready for long relief if there's a hint of Stroman or Estrada having any hint of playoff jitters, and in that event happening, and assuming the Jays get through, consider him for a start in the ALCS or beyond.

With all his family in Tampa, this is likely his swan song, so hopefully Gibby gets him in to get that milestone.

[Roof-Daddy]

KC beat the Twins again today, so the Jays have to win to keep 1st overall in their control.

[Roof-Daddy]

Hopefully Estrada is on his game tonight, because I doubt Archer will be lit up so easily this time.

[Roof-Daddy]

lol. As soon as I finish that last post, the lead off hitter takes Estrada deep.

1-0 Rays

[jayswin]

Estrada throwing some really hittable pitches early.

[JiriHrdina]

OK so they just said they are going with 4 starters, 7 relievers and 14 position players for the playoff roster?
The starters are easy.

Relievers:
Osuna
Cecil
Hawkins
Lowe
Hendriks
Buehrle
Sanchez

Hutch left off?

14 positions

Starters (on most days)
Revere
Donaldson
Joey
EE
Smoak
Martin
Tulo
Pillar
Goins

That leaves 5 spots to fill
Pennington
Navarro
Colabello
Pompey over Carerra?

Are they going to carry Thole to the post-season just for Dickey?

[browna]

Rare for Jays to be wearing road greys. They'd basically ditched them for road games since the All Star break.

[browna]

That leaves 5 spots to fill
Pennington
Navarro
Colabello
Pompey over Carerra?

Are they going to carry Thole to the post-season just for Dickey?

Pompey not eligible for post season due to Sept call up. Kawasaki the same.

[Caged Great]

Pompey not eligible for post season due to Sept call up. Kawasaki the same.

yes they are. They have to be on the 40 man roster before sept 1st.

Barney isn't

Pompey and Kawasaki are

[Roof-Daddy]

OK so they just said they are going with 4 starters, 7 relievers and 14 position players for the playoff roster?
The starters are easy.

Relievers:
Osuna
Cecil
Hawkins
Lowe
Hendriks
Buehrle
Sanchez

Hutch left off?

14 positions

Starters (on most days)
Revere
Donaldson
Joey
EE
Smoak
Martin
Tulo
Pillar
Goins

That leaves 5 spots to fill
Pennington
Navarro
Colabello
Pompey over Carerra?

Are they going to carry Thole to the post-season just for Dickey?

Martin caught Dickey recently, Thole caught Dickey in his last start, but only because all the regulars sat in that 2nd game of double header. IMO there is no way Thole gets on the playoff roster.

[JiriHrdina]

Carrera instead - both he and Pompey?

[Roof-Daddy]

Depends on how confident the Jays staff is that Pompey won't wilt like he did early in the season. I'd like to see Pompey over Carrera, but I can see it going either way.

As for your relievers, I agree with that. Hutch hasn't been very good, and I wouldn't take Hutchison over anyone you've listed.

[browna]

My bad, maybe those are the rules from way back.

Regardless, Pompey will be on the roster simply for being a pinch runner, not as a defensive option or bat.

[JiriHrdina]

I think it could be both. Otherwise who else? Kawasaki?

[Yoho]

Need Pompey for pinch runner IMO

[Yoho]

Boom!

[Roof-Daddy]

Parrot time!

[Machiavelli]

Woo! EE!!!

[JiriHrdina]

Would be pretty neat if EE can get to 40.

[corporatejay]

Parrot!

[Caged Great]

They are only the 4th team in MLB history to have 3 guys with 37+ HR's, the other three had all of them over 40.

2 were the Rockies in 96, and 97. The other was the Braves in 73.

[Finger Cookin]

That's a pretty good middle of the lineup the Jays have.

[CgyFlamesftw]

They are only the 4th team in MLB history to have 3 guys with 37+ HR's, the other three had all of them over 40.

2 were the Rockies in 96, and 97. The other was the Braves in 73.

Someone on blue jays forum posted saying should be second best team to achieve this. As rockies were in steroid era and the elevation in their ballpark favors their team significantly. Even look this year the Rockies are top offensive team but their team is quite bad.

[The Big Chill]

Its crazy that just a few months ago Buehrle was our best starter, and now he seems likely to be the odd man out in the first round.

[Roof-Daddy]

Boy is Estrada solid once he settles in.

Anyone think AA should try to re-sign him? Or will he drop off and not be worth what he signs for? Have to think a big part of what he does is to do with the game calling Navarro does for him, and he won't be here next season.

[jayswin]

I'd rather they go for the home-run in David Price, which I assume would mean no Estrada with what he could command. But if we lose out on the Price sweepstakes, or Rogers just decides that they're too cheap, then I hope we re-sign Estrada.

[jayswin]

Crap, close game now. 3-2, bottom of the 7th.

[jayswin]

Wow, Baltimore crushed the Yankees today, 9 - 2. Does anyone know if New York was resting guys? Hopefully the go into the playoffs cold.

[Machiavelli]

Dang. Now Osuna has some work to do.

[jayswin]

Apparently, David Price will be the first pitcher to pitch the first game of a playoff series on 11 days off since 1939. I'm not really worried, and he did have that simulated game, but an interesting stat, none the less.

[jayswin]

Oh boy

[vegasbound]

Uh oh

[jayswin]

**** me. Two full games of resting the entire roster will likely cost us the conference now. Whether that matters or not is another question, and I won't question those that know better than me, but certainly seems weird to throw two games rather than one.

[TheAlpineOracle]

**** me. Two full games of resting the entire roster will likely cost us the conference now. Whether that matters or not is another question, and I won't question those that know better than me, but certainly seems weird to throw two games rather than one.

They now have a date with the second hottest team in baseball. Purely idiotic decision so a bunch of professional athletes could
Go and get drunk.

[JayP]

Pete Walker needs to tell Osuna to smarten up and shelf that slider immediately. Game 161 is not the time to try and figure out how to get it over the plate. Osuna gave the game away when he decided to pitch four sliders to Souza and none of them were even close. Get yourself ready for the playoffs now - not try to improve your worst pitch. Fastball/changeup in the playoffs please.

[dammage79]

Not sure if relevant:

Bruce Levine ‏@MLBBruceLevine 18m18 minutes ago Chicago, IL
According to a MLB source Mark Buehle will try to pitch two innings Sunday and call it a career. Not expected to be on post season roster

[JayP]

They now have a date with the second hottest team in baseball. Purely idiotic decision so a bunch of professional athletes could
Go and get drunk.

How hot a team is going into the playoffs has zero statistical bearing on playoff success. Debate their lineup against Houston or New York, but them being hot will have zero impact on whether or not they beat the Jays.

[Inferno]

but certainly seems weird to throw two games rather than one.

The second game I could understand after a night of partying. But doing it the second of a double header too was just silly IMO.

[jayswin]

How hot a team is going into the playoffs has zero statistical bearing on playoff success. Debate their lineup against Houston or New York, but them being hot will have zero impact on whether or not they beat the Jays.

Actually? Not saying you're wrong, but that seems really weird that being a hot team heading into playoffs would have zero statistical meaning.

[TheAlpineOracle]

How hot a team is going into the playoffs has zero statistical bearing on playoff success. Debate their lineup against Houston or New York, but them being hot will have zero impact on whether or not they beat the Jays.

The Texas Rangers are the best team in the AL not named the Blue Jays. Basically choosing to play them Instead of the wildcard team was pure idiocy on the Jays part. I think the Jays can beat them, but it's not a cake walk like I think the wildcard team would be.

How does a team whose been on fire for the past two months have no bearing on their playoff performance. That sounds pretty ridiculous to me.

[jayswin]

Look at us, arguing over strategy heading into the playoffs. The last time these arguments took place, Kurt Cobain was still alive. What a time to be a Jays fan.

[Jiggy_12]

Meh, Texas has cooled off so it really doesn't matter. They're 8-7 down the stretch.

Scary offence to face, but we're gonna eat that pitching alive.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Giving Buerhle his two innings in what is now an important game is also ridiculous. Not much to complain about this year, but these ridiculous decisions at the end of this season have me scratching my head. wonder if Kansas sits people tommorow?

[KelVarnsen]

Full moon tonight?

[Jiggy_12]

People getting pretty bent up over something that I'm guessing has been discussed and debated at length among some pretty smart baseball people within the Jays organization. Maybe have some faith they know a little more than we do?

[JayP]

Actually? Not saying you're wrong, but that seems really weird that being a hot team heading into playoffs would have zero statistical meaning.

Actually. There's actually a small negative correlation depending on what sample of games you look at. This is true for basically any sport - the media and fans love to make a big deal of it, but no one bothers to check if the results back it up.

Like was just said, it's just as easy to say that Texas has cooled off in their last 15 games. Anyone can choose the sample size that fits their opinion best. At the end of the day it comes down to the Jays lineup vs. the
Rangers lineup. And if you look at that Texas really doesn't have any advantages.

The Jays have a +231 run differential. The Rangers have a +11 run differential (by far the worst of any current playoff team). It should be pretty easy to be very confident going into a series like that.

[Jiggy_12]

Also, everyone should be aware that as of this moment Texas has not yet even won their division.

[browna]

- Not the worst thing to get a sobering loss to refocus.
-Get Buehrle his 2 innings tomorrow. KC game starts same time.That will mean more to players now that there is less of winning AL. Hopefully Buerhle can be available for long relief in playoffs.
- If KC wins tomorrow, Yanks will take care of Royals in DS
-Jays and Yanks in ALCS and Jays will have home field
-Profit

[Chump]

The Texas Rangers are the best team in the AL not named the Blue Jays. Basically choosing to play them Instead of the wildcard team was pure idiocy on the Jays part. I think the Jays can beat them, but it's not a cake walk like I think the wildcard team would be.

How does a team whose been on fire for the past two months have no bearing on their playoff performance. That sounds pretty ridiculous to me.

The Rangers could still easily end up being the wild card team which goes to show how little seeding really matters when we could end up playing them whether we finish first or second. The Rangers also have a +11 run differential which is by far the lowest of the playoff teams. A better argument can be made that they are the worst of the playoff teams than the second best as hot streaks have very little predictive power especially compared to a team's run differential over 162 games.

[TheAlpineOracle]

The Rangers could still easily end up being the wild card team which goes to show how little seeding really matters when we could end up playing them whether we finish first or second. The Rangers also have a +11 run differential which is by far the lowest of the playoff teams. A better argument can be made that they are the worst of the playoff teams than the second best as hot streaks have very little predictive power especially compared to a team's run differential over 162 games.

Texas was decimated by injuries for the first half of the season, and like the Jays, bolstered their lineup at the deadline. Easily the team I least look forward to playing in the playoffs.

I was really hoping for Houston. I'm also glad we won't be getting the Yankees. On paper we kill them, but the thought of Yankees stadium in the playoffs doesn't sit will with me for some reason.

[wingmaker]

Wow, fans around here don't know how to cheer for a winner.

Of course getting 1 overall is preferable but it is hardly worth fretting over. Actually, statistically the wild cards have had a better record than the top team in recent years in the division finals.

The conditions on the weekend set up a very unusual circumstance. The conditions were terrible and double headers are always dangerous at the best of times. Sending everyone out for the second game of a double header in rainy conditions when you have a chance to rest them is beyond stupid. All it would take is one of your regulars injuring themselves on the wet grass after already having played a game to make the playoffs a much more dubious proposal than being second in the division. Add to that the game the next day was an early start and it really was a good decision to sit everyone. Athletes get tired, too, even if they are paid millions of dollars. They are still human beings that have limits.

The Blue Jays have a roster that should be able to beat anyone in the American League. You go in thinking that you will win. All this talk around here is loser talk.

[JiriHrdina]

The Jays for me are clearly confident enough that they don't care about what matchup they get. Which is precisely the attitude to have. Rest and being healthy matters more than seeding at this point.

[Roof-Daddy]

Since the all star break:

TOR - 48-22 / +148
NYY - 39-34 / +45
TEX - 45-28 / +36
HOU - 36-33 / +59
LAA - 37-36 / -40
KAN - 42-33 / +15

The Jays don't need to fear any team in the AL.

[jayswin]

Actually. There's actually a small negative correlation depending on what sample of games you look at. This is true for basically any sport - the media and fans love to make a big deal of it, but no one bothers to check if the results back it up.

Like was just said, it's just as easy to say that Texas has cooled off in their last 15 games. Anyone can choose the sample size that fits their opinion best. At the end of the day it comes down to the Jays lineup vs. the
Rangers lineup. And if you look at that Texas really doesn't have any advantages.

The Jays have a +231 run differential. The Rangers have a +11 run differential (by far the worst of any current playoff team). It should be pretty easy to be very confident going into a series like that.

Interesting, you can count me in with the group that never really looked into the stats. Thanks.

[Jiggy_12]

Also, I hope everyone realizes how much of an absolute blessing it is for the Jays to be fully healthy (Travis aside, but his backup is pretty good) heading in to the post-season. All hands are on deck and this squad is locked and loaded. Watch out whichever poor team draws the Jays. It could get ugly very very fast. Especially starting with Price.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Apparently if Buerhle feels ok he will be starting tomorrow.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/buehrle-to-start-finale-for-one-more-shot-at-200-innings/

[corporatejay]

I'm assuming that even if Buerhle is off the Roster, he's allowed to be in the dugout in the playoffs?

[Jiggy_12]

I'm assuming that even if Buerhle is off the Roster, he's allowed to be in the dugout in the playoffs?

Yes abolutely. No rule against that.

[browna]

Looks like he's going to give it a go. And he's got the regular roster behind him too.

I wonder when the last time a pitcher started after 1 day rest? Given it's baseball, I am sure there are stats on that, and I am sure that it happened circa 1920.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQfG2ICUkAAMuK1.jpg

https://twitter.com/ShiDavidi/status/650707320738062336/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

[Antithesis]

Geez, even without Travis, look at that lineup. Who cares which team the Jays are playing? It doesn't matter.

[whosurnabby]

Geez, even without Travis, look at that lineup. Who cares which team the Jays are playing? It doesn't matter.
Exactly. The only thing, as a fan, that truly scares me in the postseason are injuries to their core and the bullpen (specially the Jays' young studs) imploding. Other than that, please analyze that Texas' rotation is a bad matchup for the Jays (lefty galore) and those Kansas City punks have a mediocre rotation and manager. Jays are the scariest team to play in the MLB.

I just shake my head when I see people who are seriously worried about losing the AL record. It's been 22 years since we've had a GAME 163...let's enjoy this ride., man. The Blue Jays themselves aren't even worried about any of those other AL playoff teams. And we just don't know how great JoeyBats and Edwing are in the postseason. I bet that they are saving their "beastmode" for the bright lights of October baseball.

[alan21]

There's too many vets and clutch performers all over this lineup for them to do poorly enough to lose a 5 or 7 game series. I'm not concerned until they run into the Cardinals in the World Series.

[JayP]

Since the all star break:

TOR - 48-22 / +148
NYY - 39-34 / +45
TEX - 45-28 / +36
HOU - 36-33 / +59
LAA - 37-36 / -40
KAN - 42-33 / +15

The Jays don't need to fear any team in the AL.

This shows exactly why Texas isn't a team to fear. 17 games above .500, but only a +36 run differential. That basically means they won a ridiculous amount of 1-run games and didn't blow teams out. They were an improved team but are still nowhere in the Jays' league. They can still win a short series, but that's the nature of playoffs in any sport.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Royals are rolling out Cueto today. Clearly they see an advantage in finishing first.

[browna]

Though from last year, a good long form article on why Buehrle has had then success, longevity and consistency he has had.

http://grantland.com/features/mark-buehrle-surprising-success/

[TheAlpineOracle]

Is Buerhle not a good bullpen option for the playoffs? I mean the only
Left hander we have outside of Cecil is Loup who I hope doesn't see the light of day in any playoff game.

[JiriHrdina]

Royals are rolling out Cueto today. Clearly they see an advantage in finishing first.

Good for them. Neither approach is right or wrong - my stance is having a well rested team is more important. But either way is acceptable. You seem to be really worked up about this. Not sure why.

[Jiggy_12]

Royals are rolling out Cueto today. Clearly they see an advantage in finishing first.

Except Cueto has been kind of terrible for them. probably also means they don't plan to use him in game 1 of their series which says something.

[browna]

Never mind Cueto likely needs the start. He has been nothing more than average since joining the Royals. 3-6 and doubled his era with them.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Good for them. Neither approach is right or wrong - my stance is having a well rested team is more important. But either way is acceptable. You seem to be really worked up about this. Not sure why.

Probably because I've been a fan for 35 years and I think throwing away an easier route to the Worlds Series is completing assanine. They may not make the playoffs for another 22 years, so it's not like this is something that guanranteed to happen again.

I honestly wouldn't care so much if it wasn't for the huge discrepancies in stats for the Jays at home versus the road. I care about that more than I do the opponent. That said, Texas is the team i least wanted to see them play.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Time for EE to get #40

[Jiggy_12]

Probably because I've been a fan for 35 years and I think throwing away an easier route to the Worlds Series is completing assanine. They may not make the playoffs for another 22 years, so it's not like this is something that guanranteed to happen again.

I honestly wouldn't care so much if it wasn't for the huge discrepancies in stats for the Jays at home versus the road. I care about that more than I do the opponent.

If it was as cut and dry as you make it that this would be the "easier path" then I would agree. But who is to say which path is easiest?

1. Finish 1st in AL. play wildcard winner (Houston, Anaheim, NY). Hope to win series, play winner of other series (KC, Texas). Need 7 games to win series and get the home game.

2. Finish 2nd in AL. Play Texas (arguably the best opponent for Jays in ALDS). Hope to win series and play winner of other series (KC or ?). Need 7 games to win and play game 7 on the road.

We are talking about a 1 game at home difference. Just one. and that's in the off chance it gets to 7 games, and in the 50/50 chance we even play KC.

Personally, I would rather play Texas in round 1 and have the team rally around getting Buerhle the milestone and have a great vibe going in to the post-season.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Except Cueto has been kind of terrible for them. probably also means they don't plan to use him in game 1 of their series which says something.

Cueto is starting per the Royals broadcast.

[Dan02]

6 more outs

[TheAlpineOracle]

Wow, Minneota has sure pulled the plug on this lineup.

[Jiggy_12]

Cueto is starting per the Royals broadcast.

They said he's starting game 1 of the ALDS?
That means he'll be going on short rest by 1 day. Interesting that they would use him today.

[TheAlpineOracle]

They said he's starting game 1 of the ALDS?
That means he'll be going on short rest by 1 day. Interesting that they would use him today.

Yeah on 4 days rest. Maybe they'll change that to game 2 by the time the ADLS rolls around.

[V]

Starting Buerhle isn't looking like the greatest idea right now.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Too bad they didn't have 50% off Papa John's when the Jays score 6 like they do in Tampa.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Not Mark's fault that this inning is still alive.

[browna]

Unreal. Two errors on the infield in the first.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Why is Edwin even playing first in this game? Getting him some
Practice for the World Series when there is no DH?

[Jiggy_12]

I would guess that's why. No way his bat will come out of the lineup in those games so better get some reps in while he can.

[browna]

Unreal strike zone. Then the next one goes out.

[Roof-Daddy]

Talk about embarrassing. Guy goes out to make history, all he needs are six outs and the Jays boot it around like a bunch of little leaguers.

I hope this isn't a sign of what's to come when the pressure gets amped up.

Don't mean to be overly negative, but this is disappointing.

...and yeah, the ump needs to get his head out oh his ass.

Grand slam after what should have been the third out.

Just terrible all around.

[MyFlamesFirst]

Huh...

[flames_fan_down_under]

Holy smokes. Get this inning over with.

[Street Pharmacist]

Wow. Worst. Case. Scenario. At least now there's no reason to take him out

[Hemi-Cuda]

Well that couldn't have gone any worse, such an embarrassing way to end the season

[browna]

God damn ump trying to show up Buehrle.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Please let this end.

[flames_fan_down_under]

This is hard to watch honestly. Poor guy.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Wow, terrible ending for Buerhle.

[browna]

Bloody Goins. And EE. Even worse, the ump being an ahole on some legit pitches, meaning Burlehe had to leave them over the plate and Tampa waiting on them.
Inning would've been over 15 mins ago.

[Hemi-Cuda]

God damn ump trying to show up Buehrle.

I don't get the complaining, the pitch tracker is clearly showing Buehrle's pitches off the plate. If Jays players were hitting against those I'd be pissed if they were getting called strikes

[Roof-Daddy]

That couldn't have gone worse. What a terrible disappointment.

That ump is a total ***hole.

...and Goins and EE should feel shame too.

Buerhle needed six outs, got 5 but only officially two.

[TheAlpineOracle]

What do you guys want? The ump to bend the rules for Buerhle?

[Roof-Daddy]

What do you guys want? The ump to bend the rules for Buerhle?

Bend the rules? No.

Call a strike a strike, and don't call it ridiculously tight given the situation.

He's an ***hole. Plain and simple.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Tepera touched up right away. Would be nice to get this inning over with at some point.

[JiriHrdina]

Probably because I've been a fan for 35 years and I think throwing away an easier route to the Worlds Series is completing assanine. They may not make the playoffs for another 22 years, so it's not like this is something that guanranteed to happen again.

I honestly wouldn't care so much if it wasn't for the huge discrepancies in stats for the Jays at home versus the road. I care about that more than I do the opponent. That said, Texas is the team i least wanted to see them play.


I've been a fan for a long time too. I just don't think it matters as much as you do relative to making sure the team is rested. The circumstances were difficult in Baltimore and given field conditions I have no issues with them playing a Buffalo line-up for that matinee. None. Stay healthy.

Plus how often have the top two seeds made it to the ALCS since the wildcard was introduced. Honest question - I have no idea, but it seems like it doesn't happen much.

[ClubFlames]

Feel so bad for Buehrle.

[flames_fan_down_under]

That was an unfortunate series of events and really forced Gibbons' hand. Oh well though. Luckily baseball players have short memories and move on from this stuff pretty quickly.

[browna]

What do you guys want? The ump to bend the rules for Buerhle?

How about checking at first when the catcher asks him to? Never seen that before and Martin getting into an animated argument.

There were three pitches where Rays players were ready to walk back to dugout but were called balls.

[TheAlpineOracle]

The only bad call I saw was the check swing. Some borderline stuff that appeared to be correct on pitch tracker.

[Jiggy_12]

Starting to look like this outcome will in fact not matter anyways. Royals are up 5-0 on the Twins who have zero to play for.

Texas or Houston will be our ALDS opponent. Both those games are close so no indication yet who it will be.

[TheAlpineOracle]

If LA was to somehow end up with the Wilcard, finishing
Behind KC may not be that bad.

[Jiggy_12]

Don't know who I'd rather face between Astros and Rangers, but leaning towards Rangers. The thought of facing Keuchel potentially twice in 5 games isn't very appealing, regardless of having Price being able to do the same.

[flames_fan_down_under]

I am happy with either Houston or Texas. I think the Jays will dominate.

[Jiggy_12]

If Houston wins today and Texas loses, I believe they will play tomorrow to determine the division winner (Loser would then play Yankees in the wildcard on Tues). Hamels is pitching today, and Keuchel pitched just two days ago, so likely neither ace would pitch in the play-off.

Hamels pitching today may also mean he wouldn't pitch against us until game 2, and then likely won't appear twice in the series. Unless he goes on short rest at least once.

[JayP]

If Houston wins today and Texas loses, I believe they will play tomorrow to determine the division winner. Hamels is pitching today, and Keuchel pitched just two days ago, so likely neither ace would pitch in the play-off.

Hamels pitching today may also mean he wouldn't pitch against us until game 2, and then likely won't appear twice in the series. Unless he goes on short rest at least once.

Ideal scenario is for there to be a play-in game between Texas/Houston tomorrow and Texas wins, but has to use Gallardo. That pretty much guarantees the Rangers would have to give 2-3 starts to guys not named Hamels/Gallardo. And those guys are awful, awful pitchers.

[jayswin]

All hands are on deck and this squad is locked and loaded. Watch out whichever poor team draws the Jays. It could get ugly very very fast. Especially starting with Price.

Geez, even without Travis, look at that lineup. Who cares which team the Jays are playing? It doesn't matter.


There's too many vets and clutch performers all over this lineup for them to do poorly enough to lose a 5 or 7 game series. I'm not concerned until they run into the Cardinals in the World Series.

Is it a baseball thing to be this confident in a team heading into the playoffs? I get the not caring about the matchup part, but a lot of comments almost make it seem like it's pretty much a forgone conclusion we'll walk all over any team we play in the ALDS.

Maybe it's the hockey fan in me, but I'm worried no matter who we play and don't feel the level of confidence you guys do, especially considering it's only 5 games.

[Jiggy_12]

Is it a baseball thing to be this confident in a team heading into the playoffs? I get the not caring about the matchup part, but a lot of comments almost make it seem like it's pretty much a forgone conclusion we'll walk all over any team we play in the ALDS.

Maybe it's the hockey fan in me, but I'm worried no matter who we play and don't feel the level of confidence you guys do, especially considering it's only 5 games.

The 5 game series is the only thing that scares me. If Price is off his game in game 1, it could be hard to get back on track.

But if you take every 5 game segment the Jays have played since July 31st (trade deadline), on only 3 occasions did they lose 3 out of 5 games. And I'm talking every single 5 game segment, meaning each day starts and ends a separate 5 game block. That's 56 segments, and our record would be 53-3 given those parameters (if each block of games was considered a series)

1. Aug 14-19 (Before Stroman came back, Hutchison had one of the L's)
2. Sept 19-22 (2 of the losses were by 1 run, no Tulowitzki either)
3. Sept 30 - Oct 4 (during this streak of semi-meaningless games)

If you change the parameters to 7 game segments and try to find 4 losses, it only happened once and that was starting the 7 game segment in literally the first game played without Tulowitzki.. (Excluding after we lose today, but you can completely discount this blip due to the situation)

Jays fans have every reason in the world to be confident. We are absolute world series favorites. Baseball is a lot different from hockey in that luck plays only a very small factor.

[Enoch Root]

Is it a baseball thing to be this confident in a team heading into the playoffs? I get the not caring about the matchup part, but a lot of comments almost make it seem like it's pretty much a forgone conclusion we'll walk all over any team we play in the ALDS.

Maybe it's the hockey fan in me, but I'm worried no matter who we play and don't feel the level of confidence you guys do, especially considering it's only 5 games.

No one is saying it's a foregone conclusion.

But the Jays are the best team in baseball. They are strong in every aspect throughout the lineup.

Worrying about the home field issue seems pretty trivial to me because:

1) getting ready to hit the playoffs healthy and ready is far more important,

2) as mentioned, the Jays square up well against every team, and

3) chances are game 7 in KC doesn't come into play anyway

I wouldn't say I'm 'worried' but yeah, anything can happen - especially in a short series.

So might as well relax and enjoy the ride. What else can we do? (other than worry)

[Dion]

Is it a baseball thing to be this confident in a team heading into the playoffs? I get the not caring about the matchup part, but a lot of comments almost make it seem like it's pretty much a forgone conclusion we'll walk all over any team we play in the ALDS.

Maybe it's the hockey fan in me, but I'm worried no matter who we play and don't feel the level of confidence you guys do, especially considering it's only 5 games.

I think the confidence thing has to do with the fact we have a lineup of players that match up well with any team in the playoffs.

[Machiavelli]

Taylor Swift curse!

[KootenayFlamesFan]

22 years out of the playoffs, I'll be nervous regardless who they play. Nice feeling to have agin though.

[Machiavelli]

double post...

[Jiggy_12]

Yankees absolutely sputtering their way in to the post season. Could lose home field in the wildcard game going 1-6 in the past 7 games (assuming they don't come back and win today).

[Jiggy_12]

Texas is running away with it in the 7th, 9-2 now over the Angels. If that holds, Astros will face the Yankees in the wildcard (in either Houston or NY) and the Jays will host the Rangers on Thursday in game 1.

[CgyFlamesftw]

Jays get the Rangers and it's the worst match up for them. Could be a short post season..

[JayP]

Jays get the Rangers and it's the worst match up for them. Could be a short post season..

How exactly? What facets of the game does Texas hold an advantage in?

Offense? Clearly not.
Defense? Not after the trade deadline.
Starting pitching? Clearly not.
Bullpen? Texas has pitched well lately, but one good month doesn't overwrite their terrible results the rest of the season.

If anything, this is the best possible match-up. Teams like the Astros (starting pitching) and Yankees (bullpen) at least have one advantage over the Jays. The Rangers realistically have none.

[whosurnabby]

Jays get the Rangers and it's the worst match up for them. Could be a short post season..
Jose and Edwin didn't wait this long to experience a short postseason. Like I said countless times before, I honestly think that those two are saving their best for the postseason run.

[CgyFlamesftw]

How exactly? What facets of the game does Texas hold an advantage in?

Offense? Clearly not.
Defense? Not after the trade deadline.
Starting pitching? Clearly not.
Bullpen? Texas has pitched well lately, but one good month doesn't overwrite their terrible results the rest of the season.

If anything, this is the best possible match-up. Teams like the Astros (starting pitching) and Yankees (bullpen) at least have one advantage over the Jays. The Rangers realistically have none.

It actually is. Pitching wise Houston has keurchel that's all, angels starters have been brutal all year and their offense is only thing that would give jays trouble. Texas offense has actually been on par or better than the jays past 2 months and next hottest team after the jays is of course the Rangers. Starting pitching could be a wash but given how gallardo has completely owned the jays that could turn the favor for the Rangers.

[Jiggy_12]

Astros lose so Yankees will host the WC game.

[Roof-Daddy]

Texas offense has actually been on par or better than the jays past 2 months

No, it sure hasn't.

Since August 1st:

TOR - 341 runs scored, 224 runs allowed - +117 (40-18) 0.689%
TEX - 303 runs scored, 244 runs allowed - +59 (38-22) 0.633%

[wingmaker]

Didn't the Jays sweep Texas just a few weeks ago? And did it in Texas?

Whatever, if the Jays can't beat Texas than it wasn't for real, anyway. There is no way Texas is the biggest threat in the post-season. KC, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, even the Mets are all way more daunting than Texas. Captain obvious alert, you have to beat good teams to be a champion. Bring it.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Didn't the Jays sweep Texas just a few weeks ago? And did it in Texas?

Whatever, if the Jays can't beat Texas than it wasn't for real, anyway. There is no way Texas is the biggest threat in the post-season. KC, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, even the Mets are all way more daunting than Texas. Captain obvious alert, you have to beat good teams to be a champion. Bring it.

It was back in July I think. Jays won 2, Texas won 1.

What does the National league have anything to do with Texas being the hardest opponent in the American League. They have to get to the World Series before worrying about who they play there.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Looks like Jays are getting Gallardo and Hamels for game 1 and 2. Gallardo has killed the Jays and Hamels has pitched 13 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings versus the Jays. Not going to be easy.

[Hockey Fan #751]

It was back in July I think. Jays won 2, Texas won 1.

What does the National league have anything to do with Texas being the hardest opponent in the American League. They have to get to the World Series before worrying about who they play there.

It was August 25-27. That third game was (a) against Gallardo; (b) winnable if not for Bautista's brainfart trying to scoop up a single; (c) played in the scorching Texas heat

[flamingreen]

Looks like Jays are getting Gallardo and Hamels for game 1 and 2. Gallardo has killed the Jays and Hamels has pitched 13 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings versus the Jays. Not going to be easy.

And Texas gets Price and Stroman.

[GirlySports]

I dont like playing the Yankees ever so Texas is a good matchup.

[TheAlpineOracle]

And Texas gets Price and Stroman.

Have they announced Stroman yet? I hope it is, but I was thinking it may be Estrada in game 2 as he is a fly ball pitcher, and the wind tunnel to right field in Texas may be something to avoid with him.

[Jiggy_12]

Nothing has been announced yet but smart money IMO would be Dickey as your game 2 starter. Home vs away numbers make a compelling argument for it.

[Sylvanfan]

Nothing has been announced yet but smart money IMO would be Dickey as your game 2 starter. Home vs away numbers make a compelling argument for it.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I wouldtry to line Dickey up with a home start.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I find Dickey way too unpredictable for a playoff matchup in a 5 game series. If his knuckleball isn't dancing, the game is over before it starts.

[Machiavelli]

The knuckleball has been good lately.

[TheAlpineOracle]

The knuckleball has been good lately.

Yup. Since the start of August really.

[SuperMatt18]

Also screws up the other teams timing earlier in the series if his knuckleball is working.