Look at that oblique
So yesterday the Sox, more specifically Terry Francona, announced the starting rotation for the Sox in the ALCS against the Rays. To my surprise these were caller to sports radio yesterday that were outraged at the decision. In case you missed it, here are the match-ups:
Game 1 at Tampa – Daisuke Matsuzaka vs James Shields
Game 2 at Tampa – Josh Beckett vs Scott Kazmir
Game 3 at Boston – Jon Lester vs Matt Garza
Game 4 at Boston – Tim Wakefield vs Andy Sonnanstine
I’m guessing everyone’s up in arms about Lester not throwing until game three, but all three starters are now on the same amount of rest and should the series go seven, you have the same three going.
So I’d like to offer my theory, besides the rest thing. I think the Sox are scared about pitching Beckett in cold weather with his muscle strain. So it makes sense to pitch him in a climate controlled cement monstrosity opposed to a cool Boston afternoon/night.
The Sox today will announce the 25 man roster and without Mikey Lowell, it could get interesting. The team is going to need to carry an extra pitcher (opposed to 3 catchers in the ALDS) and with Wakefield the starter in game four, you know Cash is going to be the second catcher on the roster. Who will that extra bullpen spot go to? Unfortunately I think Francona may bring Grandpa “The Janitor” Timlin back off the scrap heap for blow out/mop up duties. Seriously there has to be a better alternative.
I’m thinking that tomorrow will be a Patriots preview so you won’t get my prediction before the series starts. I don’t want to be accused of being a fraud, so I’ll make my prediction today. I say the Sox win in six. I don’t see Wake pitching the Sox to a win and think the Rays may beat Dice-K once. I also see Beckett shaking off the rust and becoming the post season pitcher that we know so well.
