Pitching is the Key…
And now that the regular season has wrapped up, the jockeying for playoff spots has been determined; it’s time for October baseball. Each team. Each player. They will be playing for their shot at the title to be a World Series Champion. Just like how they used to play it out when they were kids. The stage is set. And after a thoroughly fantastic regular season, let’s let the “second season” begin.
Sure, we all know that Reggie Jackson hit 3 home runs off 3 different pitchers, on 3 pitches in the ‘77 Series, and that Derek Jeter became “Mister November” just after midnight of Game 4 in 2001, and Albert Pujols had 3 HR and 6 RBI in Game 3 of the 2011 Series, BUT… It’s been said before, and I’ll say it again; Pitching is what wins championships. The teams that utilize their pitching staff the best, plus the opportunity for someone to toss a gem in any game, is what keep us coming back for more. And we are ready for it again this year. The only question is: Who’s going to do it?
The Yankees need to shuffle their rotation around, if they want to make a deep run. Gerrit Cole is not a number one. Not in this playoff run. Nestor Cortes should get the nod in Game 1. The bullpen needs to stay steady in the 7th/8th, and do anything possible to keep Aroldis Chapman off the mound. Their closer situation could be a load handed to Jonathan Loaisaga.
The Astros have Justin Verlander. Enough said. But their 2 and 3 guys are no slouches either. Dusty Baker knows how to run his staff. They won over 100 games for a reason.
While the two division winners wait for the wildcard outcome, those teams playing in a short series really have to shuffle their pitching around, and put a lot of pressure on their aces to carry them to at least one win. If an ace gets shelled, the long guys get the added pressure of keeping the club in the game. Advantage: Mariners with Robby Ray and Luis Castillo.
In the National League, as the Dodgers and Braves wait for the wildcard outcome, and rest their aces, the pressure on the Phillies, Mets, and Padres is palpable. The pressure their starters had down the stretch merely to get into the dance could expose them in a short, 3-game series. The Cardinals, however, have the advantage with Wainwright, Montgomery, and Mikolas. If they fill the strike zone and give the Cards some depth, it’s over for Philly. The Mets have to bank on Scherzer beating Darvish in Game 1, while the Pads have hedged their bets by slotting Musgrove for a Game 3 start to bring it home, if needed.
The Dodgers, who have had one of the best regular seasons in a long time, could be exposed by having too much rest leading to the division series. The biggest question for the Dodgers is bullpen strength. Kimbrel could be kept off the roster because he can’t get lefties out, which could see Julio Urias used in any number of circumstances, from starter to middle relief. Tony Gonsolin could get a Game 3 or 4 start depending on health. But the Dodgers are set up really well.
The Braves have lots of options, and Charlie Morton is the ace in the hole for them because of his ability to strikeout hitters, and his playoff experience. That alone helps the confidence of young studs like Spencer Strider and Kyle Wright, and takes off a lot of pressure on Max Fried. Watch out for the Braves.
The race to crown a new champion begins Friday, and this postseason has the buildup to be one of the best in quite a long time. The determining factor for the bulk of these clubs is pitching, and how their match ups present themselves. It will be interesting to see how it plays itself out.
Article submitted by Jason Beck, Top Fan Rivalry contributor and die hard Yankee fan.