Today, Rob Neyer talked about the news that Jon Lester was going to be the No. 1 starter for the Sox in the ALDS. While he concedes that on some ends it makes sense, he gave more face time to making the case for Lester starting Game 2. I’m here to disagree.
Neyer’s two points: One, the Angels are predominantly right-handed. Two, by starting Lester in Game 1 (and theoretically game 5) you lose the chance to have Lester starting in Yankee Stadium twice.
In a response to both points: Lester is starting against the Angels no matter what. Whether that’s Game 1 or Game 2, so this point is really only valid for Game 5… if it’s even played.
If it is, Lester has been far and away the Sox’s best pitcher this year. Boston has to start him in Game 5 — it’s a do-or-die game and you have to have your best pitcher on the mound.
If there is no Game 5 and the Sox advance, Lester will be slated to start Games 2 and 6 (maybe even Game 1 if the Sox sweep) at Yankee Stadium.
So we either get Lester starting Games 2 and 6 in the ALCS, or starting a do-or-die game where you need your best pitcher. Seems like sound logic to me.