The question is do you pitch him in Game 5? I initially thought no way, but I reconsidered when I realized that if you don't, no chance he can pitch in Game 7, whereas if you use him in Game 5, you can probably get something out of him at some point in those Games in Chicago. Does it matter if it's 2-2 or 3-1?
I really think they should Game 5 you have a much more tired bullpen and Game 6 a much more rested bullpen. You want Kershaw cause he'll give you more innings. The difference between 3 days rest CK and 5 days rest Kershaw is IMO smaller then Kenta on 4 and Kenta on 6 Plus, you have that chance of Kershaw giving you 2 on Game 7
I think I agree, I just fear burning Kershaw against Lester, losing 2-1, and then needing Maeda to pitch well on the road.
leaning toward starting him either way 2-2 for sure but even up 3-1... don't want to go back to chicago if we can prevent it
Start him game 5 either way. You still have to do your best to win every game... losses can pile up fast. I would feel good if we are up 3-1, but I won't really be comfortable until the final out of our 4th win. Also, if Kershaw pitches Game 5, it sets him up to start Game 1 if we make the WS.
In a 2-2 series, i'd probably be compelled to start him, in a swing game of sorts, and he would be available in relief in 6 or 7. Up 3-1, i'd give serious consideration to waiting for game 6, beating Lester is a long shot anyway. Then you give him the chance to ice it against Hendricks (or Arrieta on short rest). Also, if Maeda somehow beat Lester, Kershaw is lined up for game 1.
Shit, if I was the Cubs, I'd start Montgomery tomorrow over Lackey... we fucking can't hit lefties And although we got to Montgomery tonight, I'm glad they burned him for 20+ pitches tonight in an irrelevant spot I think Wood had 20 pitches as well
Dave will figure it out in his own unique way, I'm sure. But I really wondwr what exactly he has in mind for Kenley...? I mean, you can't argue with the results, but couldn't there have been another, more conserving way to close out that game? Ahead by 6 runs, we had to use Kenley...? I definitely don't think we had to. I mean if you've got the chance to give the guy a spell, why not take advantage of it?
