Hey all. Slow Friday, and I've been contemplating the nature of Yost's upcoming shuffle of our starting rotation. I've noticed that news reports seem to indicate this reshuffle would occur between next week's Astros and Pirates series. I think this would be a BIG mistake. Instead, Yost should re-shuffle between the Cards and Pirates series the FOLLOWING week. Here is why...

It is obvious that a re-shuffle needs to happen given the large number of off-days coming up in the next couple weeks. Going with the standard "every five games regardless of off days" is simply not an option if everyone is healthy. Why? Well, using the standard every 5 approach, CC and Benny would each get only 8 more starts (16 total for our two aces). However, with a re-shuffle, CC could be upped to 9 starts in the regular season and Benny would still retain 8 (there is no really viable scenario to up Benny's total beyond that).

What would happen to CC and Benny's schedules if Yost re-shuffles next week as media reports seem to imply? Take a look:

CC:                              Benny:

8/18 Hou                     8/19 Hou

8/23 Pit                        8/24 Pit

8/29 @Pit                    9/30 @Pit

9/3 NYM                       9/4 SD

9/8 Cin                         9/9 Cin

9/13 @Phi                   9/14 @Phi

9/18 @CHC                9/19 @Cin

9/23 Pit                       9/24 Pit

9/28 CHC

Extra start for CC. CC hits all of the marquee series of September (he would miss the Mets and Phils on the standard every 5 game sched., but Benny would have been in all 4). Good adjustment right? Except for one thing. Look at Benny’s schedule. A lot of fluffy teams. He wouldn’t confront another team with a winning record (except for the Phils) the rest of the year. 

BUT! What would happen if Yost keeps the every five game schedule until NEXT week and re-shuffles after the Cards series? Take a look (pay especially close attention to what happens to Benny’s schedule):

CC:                              Benny:

8/18 Hou                    8/19 Hou

8/24 Pit                       8/26 @StL

8/29 @Pit                    9/1 NYM

9/3 NYM                      9/6 SD

9/8 Cin                         9/11 @Phi

9/13 @Phi                   9/16 @CHC

9/18 @CHC                9/21 @Cin

9/23 Pit                         9/26 CHC

9/28 CHC

In this scenario, CC’s schedule is virtually unchanged. He still gets a ninth start before the end of the season, and he still hits all 4 marquee September series. But Benny gets a much better schedule of teams. He hits the somewhat crucial Cards series this month (which both CC and Benny would miss if everything is reshuffled next week). More importantly, Benny would hit ALL FOUR crucial series in September next month (which he would miss in the earlier scenario).

Having both CC and Benny hit both Cubs series along with the Mets and Phils next month may be VITAL in securing a playoff spot or, dare I dream, a divisional title… 

DON’T SCREW THIS UP YOST!!!!!!