Superstar Lamar

Lynn is historically terrible on short rest and fantastic on extended rest. I'm interested in the idea of starting him in Game 3, as it does seem to be a spot that is consistent with his stats. It also sets up a firewall should the first two games in Houston go poorly. If you are of the mindset to only use 3 starters, it also allows Rodon and Giolito to be the short rest guys. However, I am not of that mindset. Lynn is horrible on short rest, Rodon has battled shoulder fatigue this season and Giolito seems like a creature of habit. I also like Dylan Cease in that Game 4 spot. He pitched well last year in his playoff appearance.

I see we are going to pretend there is no bench today

where has Keuchel earned the right with Larussa to get to walk out there for a sixth inning but Lopez has not?

the lynn history is being remedied by skipped starts and short outings down the stretch Giolito was a minor issue which probably didn't require the time off. It was a luxury afforded by the well earned lead. If we had to go to war in the playoffs with Lynn, Giolito, Cease and Lopez as starters, I would still feel confident. I don't think there is any doubt those four will be available. That is a pretty good, worst case scenario

It's not really flipping a switch if its players who weren't previously available now playing.

There are many, very big pitching names in free agency next year. Rodon will have to wait a long while for all of those to be hashed out before someone swoops in on him as a cheap alternative. He could be the big name in 2023 free agency if he bet on himself in what is likely to be a strike shortened season.

might as well have a drawing and let a couple of fans call the game

Lopez' emergence has provided the Sox a luxury in giving starters a rest without a drop in the quality of pitching. I wouldn't be surprised if each of our starters has a 10 day vacation before the playoffs. Two down, three to go, with Keuchel being the most obvious next man up.

If he won't make the playoff roster, then what are we doing giving him starts down the stretch over Lopez? If he will make the playoff roster but not start, why are we not preparing him for his playoff role by putting him in a relevant role other than starter?

the sox need to develop a plan of usage that assures that Kuechel does not get to 160IP in one of these next two years That may not be possible this year short of a six man rotation or a couple of skips in his rotational turns. It appears he would have about 8 more starts. If they can reduce that to 6 and never let him go more than 5 innings (which is completely justifiable given his present work), they just might be able to avoid that 4th year of his contract at 20 million

Crochet has really heated up as well. His last two outings are 3.2 innings with 8 K

Just yesterday I was counting on Tepera for high leverage situations

You forgot to include the regular season starter put into relief Cease was good in that role last year

he'll be in low leverage, early middle inning roles or strategically used against certain hitters

Finished in 1 hour

Do we have any 7 inning games left? Those could be fun to attend. Don't get up to go to the bathroom

Did the Cubs eat any money?

A world series justifies every move made in its pursuit.

Yes, really.

I mean Hendriks one night and Kimbrel the next each going 2

Tony Larussa will be at the forefront of a trend of two inning saves

If the Sox choose, they could put Kimbrel on the market in the off season and receive an offer of similar value from multiple suitors

I think this also helps to clear up the playoff rotation. Start Keuchel and limit him to one time through the order. Follow him with Cease, Crochet, Tepera, Kopech, Kimbrell and Hendriks.

Yes, I believe we are done

I would like the Sox to keep Keuchel from getting to that 160 IP mark for his 2023 option