Rays the first team to try an idea I have had.....

[JohnU]

TB doesn't currently have a qualified 5th starter and isn't inclined to rush one to the majors. Exactly how this plays out is going to be interesting but I don't think it's a solution to general pitching problems. It's likely some bad or under-performing teams might try it in doubleheaders.

 

[The Q]

Like I hinted at earlier, part of the problem is that in real life you have to get the pitchers on board with it. Hell, it's probably hard enough just getting a manager who's game let alone a pitching staff.

In this day and age, those calls are coming from the FO more and more than the guy in the dugout.

That's why guys who resist, like Girardi, get fired.

 

[SlinkyRedfoot]

I think most teams have at least 2 "closers".

lolz

 

[navamind]

lolz

The Indians have several "Openers"

 

[Myles]

I like the idea and I'm a traditionalist baseball fan. I liked when LaRussa batted the pitcher 8th for awhile. I think this could work very well. I hope at least a couple teams start doing it, even if they are all teams that are pretty much out of it already.

 

[steelerssb]

You'd better have two closers then, because that 27th out is the hardest to get and not everyone can handle it.

Could be a reverse 2016 Indians bullpen? Just in this case a guy like Miller would start the first two innings rather than pitch 7 and 8. Granted that also requires the horses for it, but I could see it being possible.

 

[steelerssb]

Also, most starters might not likely having their routine messed with.

I mean shit, pitchers are the same guys who suck with a four run lead in the 9th but are lights out with a one run lead.

 

[The Q]

Could be a reverse 2016 Indians bullpen? Just in this case a guy like Miller would start the first two innings rather than pitch 7 and 8. Granted that also requires the horses for it, but I could see it being possible.

I think the better comp would be starting with Shaw because the first 3-5 batters are righties.

 

[DragonfromTO]

I think the better comp would be starting with Shaw because the first 3-5 batters are righties.

Right, plus another thing worth mentioning about this situation is that the Angels specifically couldn't adjust their lineup in any way to take away this advantage because they simply don't have the LH batters on their roster.

 

[The Q]

Right, plus another thing worth mentioning about this situation is that the Angels specifically couldn't adjust their lineup in any way to take away this advantage because they simply don't have the LH batters on their roster.

True.

But if say batters 1, 2, 4, and 5 are all RH. You would probably still do this.

 

[DragonfromTO]

True.

But if say batters 1, 2, 4, and 5 are all RH. You would probably still do this.

Possibly but you'd at least move the odds a little sticking a threat in the middle.

 

[The Q]

Possibly but you'd at least move the odds a little sticking a threat in the middle.

Of course. And teams are only gonna do this if they don't have a viable option at the time. Like the Rays who have been struggling to fill the back of their rotation.

Frankly if the Sox wanna start the game with Joe Kelly against a bunch of righties rather than Brian Johnson, I can't say I'd blame them.

 

[Used 2 B Hu]

I mean shit, pitchers are the same guys who suck with a four run lead in the 9th but are lights out with a one run lead.

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