I dunno. You can't count your chickens before they hatch. Let's say we lose these two starts and another game against the Rockies (not far fetched the we've played them lately) and SF beats up on the Padres. We could end up 3 with 3 remaining against SF in SF. Maybe not likely, but why tempt fate?
Dodgers can use a 3 man rotation in the NLDS but it won't be possible in the NLCS/WS... so who's the 4th starter? IMO, it's De Leon or Kazmir, maybe each get another start or 2 to make their cases
For a 3-man rotation, someone has to pitch games 1 & 4 on short rest. Normally that's Kershaw, but I'm not sure with the injury. Hill has blisters and Kenta is Japanese, so those aren't likely choices either. Or is Kershaw well rested because of the injury and ready to go on short rest? I think it's an easy decision to go with a 4-man rotation this year, even if the 4th starter is patchwork of Kazmir, JDL, Urias, Blanton, Wood.
I am comparing the 2 offenses we are facing and it's not close in firepower so why do we want to subject our 2 worse pitchers right now AND back-to-back? Pitch them in SD in a place like Petco not here. Of the Rockies regulars they have only 1 player hitting under .250 (Reynolds) with 41 HR's and 162 RBI's among them. Oh and by the way this isn't sewn up, a lot of history of collapses to choose from, win it ASAP and worry about getting people work afterward. IF he pitches well tonight we'll know better if he's back to mediocre but is that likely? Doubt it VERY much.
jdl would be my first choice stewart 2nd mccarthy 3rd (although he could be valuable in the pen, following maeda for example) kazmir/anderson would be my distant last choices
He's auditioning for a left-handed specialist spot in lieu of the steadily declining JP Howell. I'm sure Kershaw would want the ball on short rest but that's a risk the FO doesn't want to take even though they want the title as much as we all do.
I'd be incredibly surprised if they send one of Kershaw, Hill, or Maeda out there on 3 days rest. Maybe Kershaw can do it but man, they'd need a strong support from the training and medical staff. I bet if we're down 2-1 they do it though.
It will have to be situational. If we are ahead 2-1, no way we risk Kershaw or Hill or Maeda. For my money, it would be JDL. Down 2-1, all hands on deck with Kershaw going.
Gettin pretty tired of the ROX Seems like LAD plays these SOBs every other series They're really gonna be a pain next year
Utley 2B Toles before Hoes LF Seager SS González 1B Grandal C Reddick RF Pederson CF Kendrick 3B Loser P
I ALMOST wanna say I'd prefer playing on the road with Kershaw and Hill and giving Maeda his start in Los Angeles
Made sure to edit the lineup with his full name...glad to see him moved up. He's certainly earned it.
