Hypothetical: Lester & a huge 1st???

[ElTexan]

So, it's very well-known how horrible Dodger batting is against Lefty pitching compared to Righty pitching.

Scenario: Lester, the only Cubbie lefty starter, has a perfect 1st inning pitching. The Cubs then score 11 runs in the bottom half.

Would you give any thought to pulling Lester, handing the ball to Lackey or Wood or ??? to finish the game, and have Lester pitch the 4th game?

Thoughts?

 

[ElTexan]

I think YES. In fact, I think you pull him, move Arrieta to 4th game, and have Lester pitch games 3 and 7.

 

[anotheridiot]

Lester is not Kyle Hendricks. He wants the win, so he will bicker to stay til the fifth and then still complain. You want him throwing more than a side session day. Lackee will be fine, he had too much time off between starts. I would have preferred to let Hammel and Lackey throw the final 2 games of the regular season anyway.

 

[ChicagoIrish]

First off, Wood isn't going to eat up over 3 innings, so you're going to burn through your pen.

Secondly, no. I wouldn't.

 

[calsnowskier]

Absolutely not. You don't want to burn your bully in a blowout.