Assuming Cole Hamels will be the Game 1 starter, who should get the ball in Game 2?
Question of the Day: Game 2 Starter?
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A very interesting question. If it were me making the decision, I would rule Cliff Lee out. Why use him on 3 days’ rest in Game 2, when you can have him regular rest in Games 3 & 7. And, if the argument is, “well, I want to make sure he throws twice in the series.” Then, my answer is, “if you’re down 3-2, you can just bring him in on three days’ rest in Game 6.” Personally, I would also rule out Pedro because he is probably too much of a question mark to justify throwing him in a game with other legitimate options.
So, that brings us down to Happ or Blanton. I think either one is a nice option, but if it were me making the decision, I throw Blanton, for several reasons.
1). More experience
2). Though I haven’t looked at any numbers, I think I’d prefer a right-hander against the Dodgers lineup. Just from my perspective (again, with no numbers), I would think that LA’s lefties (Ethier and Loney) hit both sides, while the righties (particularly, Blake, Kemp, and Manny) hit lefties a lot better.
3). And, this is most important, I want Happ in the ‘pen because Eyre is a question mark (though he’s been fantastic) and I do not want a big 8th-inning situation riding on Antonio Bastardo again.
Everything you said is exactly what I’ve been thinking. That being said, my prediction is that it will be Happ, but it could be Blanton. I don’t think it will be Pedro or Lee.
I also think that Charlie will choose Happ. I just think that, if it were me, I would choose Blanton
As would I.
I have heard some pretty good arguments for Pedro. I’m still not convinced, but here is some of the reasoning:
1). He was–at least at one point–a BIG-GAME pitcher. Probably THE big-game pitcher of our generation. You don’t think he can dial it up again?
2). One of the biggest question marks about Pedro is his ability to give you 7+ innings. But, in Game 2, they will, presumably, have both Happ and Blanton available in relief, so there is something to be said for Pedro on a very short leash.
3). Game 2 is a 1:00 game in LA, so the weather will be warm and great for his “feel” pitches.
So, there are arguments for Pedro. And, how great would it be to see him face Manny?