Rotation Re-Alignment
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!!!!!!
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Comments
Reallignment
If they secure the wild card before the Cubs series (9/26-9/28), and still have a chance for the division, should we throw the aces and make a run for the division against the Cubs, or have them on ample rest to begin the playoffs?
Missin' Bob Betts- Best Public Address Announcer Ever!
by Hot dog and Diet Coke on Aug 15, 2008 1:20 PM CDT 0 recs
I would…but I doubt that would become absolutely clear before the last three games (that last Cubs series) . My scenario would at least give them the freedom to do so…
by BrewerApologist on Aug 15, 2008 1:28 PM CDT 0 recs
Interesting
That’s good work right there, I didn’t even think about that at all. That makes a lot of sense to me!
by zsattler on Aug 15, 2008 2:31 PM CDT 0 recs
Cards vs. Cubs
The Cubs are what still seems to be drawing everyone’s attention, but I think this post brings up a good point in that the Cards are the real opponent. The Cubs are going to be in the playoff regardless. The final spot is probably the Cards or the Brewers and it is best that we keep the Cards in our sights as far as scoreboard watching or head to head success.
by badgermaniac on Aug 15, 2008 5:25 PM CDT 0 recs
While I don’t disagree, the Brewers’ battles against the Cubs are STILL vital regardless of whether it makes a head-to-head difference.
If the Brewers are fighting the Cards for the final spot, losses to the Cubs can have JUST as big an impact as any other loss in the standings. Wins over the Cubs may therefore be vital in holding off a Cards surge.
Therefore, even if the divisional race is decided, beating the Cubs may still be important. Given that, I’d rather have CC and Benny on the mound against a tough team to give us a better chance of winning those. Let the weaker starters chew on the likes of SD, Cin, and Pit.
by BrewerApologist on
Aug 15, 2008 6:49 PM CDT
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Yes and no
ALL games are important of course, but games against the team you need to beat are doubly important.
In other words, if we need Sabathia for a game vs. the Cubs or the Cards, at this point, I am taking the Cards.
by badgermaniac on
Aug 15, 2008 9:30 PM CDT
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by BrewerApologist on Aug 17, 2008 10:23 AM CDT 0 recs
Sabathia likes and wants the extra rest.
"You are only a success at the moment that you do a successful act"
-Tex Winter
by stork02 on
Aug 18, 2008 10:02 AM CDT
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