Well, well, well. Quite an interesting win last night, up 6-1 and seeing the Angels soar back to a 6-6 tie on their head angel’s shoulders, Vladimir Guerrero. Did anyone else flash back to Game 3 of last year’s ALDS. I sure did. 
I left with the score 6-1 and Arroyo solidly in hand. I was going to the North End to a restaurant with Mia, and so I was to follow along on my phone. Mia was running late, so I went back to my TV. On the way back, I was following along on my phone. I lost service and I noticed Mike Timlin was two outs away from escaping the jam in the sixth. Boy, Timlin sure is NAILS! Right before I got back to the TV, I got service again. Boom. 6-6. I watched the replay in amazement. Then Mia was ready, so I left again.
We took the T to the North End, and of course, there’s no service down under. I told myself to be patient, I would check the phone when we got back topside, so I contented myself with making conversation with Mia. I was so engrossed in the conversation I completely forgot about the game until we had settled on a restaurant – Baccos. We were seated right next to the bar. Well, actually, the restaurant is so small that every seat is near the bar. It’s a very nice restaurant with good food and great visuals. One great visual was the Red Sox game. I sure ‘nough kept an eye on the game. I was talking to Mia when the entire bar erupted in applause. I told Mia “one moment, please” and esconsed myself at the bar for five or so minutes. Thank you, David.
I was also rather impressed with Derek Lowe’s inning of relief. I thought he looked pretty sharp and could contribute in the ALCS. I find it quite strange that Lowe needs a career change every three or so years to remain valuable. He is lights out, then average, then bad in a role. He switches, then is lights out again, then average, then bad. I’ve never heard of this happening to another person.
Andy from Marlins Today thinks that Choice A is the best choice of the following ALCS match-ups:
ROTATION A
8/12 Game 1: Schilling (6 days rest)
8/13 Game 2: Pedro (6 days rest)
8/15 Game 3: Arroyo (6 days rest)
8/16 Game 4: Schilling (3 days rest)
8/17 Game 5: Wakefield (first post-season appearance)
8/19 Game 6: Pedro (5 days rest)
8/20 Game 7: Schilling (3 days rest)
ROTATION B
8/12 Game 1: Schilling (6 days rest)
8/13 Game 2: Pedro (6 days rest)
8/15 Game 3: Arroyo (6 days rest)
8/16 Game 4: Wakefield (first post-season start)
8/17 Game 5: Schilling (4 days rest)
8/19 Game 6: Pedro (5 days rest)
8/20 Game 7: Arroyo (4 days rest)
I prefer option B with some tweaks. I would start Schilling and Pedro in Games 1 and 2. Then I would opt to start Wakefield in Game Three. I would then start Arroyo assuming he had not come out to relieve in the prior three games. So far, the rotation is lining up thus:
8/12 Game 1: Schilling (6 days rest)
8/13 Game 2: Pedro (6 days rest)
8/15 Game 3: Wakefield (first post-season start)
8/16 Game 4: Arroyo (7 days rest)
I would then start Schilling in Game 5 as listed under four days rest (which one normally does in the regular season). Then instead of going with Pedro on five days, I would put Wakefield back in. So therefore:
8/12 Game 1: Schilling (6 days rest)
8/13 Game 2: Pedro (6 days rest)
8/15 Game 3: Wakefield (first post-season start)
8/16 Game 4: Arroyo (7 days rest)
8/17 Game 5: Schilling (4 days rest)
8/19 Game 6: Wakefield (4 days rest)
And Game Seven would be Pedro, with all other pitchers out of the gate. This would enable Arroyo to perhaps pitch an inning or two in relief in Game 1 or 2 and still be fresh enough for Game 4. He could then, not pitching again, pitch in 5 and 6.
8/12 Game 1: Schilling (6 days rest)
8/13 Game 2: Pedro (6 days rest)
8/15 Game 3: Wakefield (first post-season start)
8/16 Game 4: Arroyo (7 days rest)
8/17 Game 5: Schilling (4 days rest)
8/19 Game 6: Wakefield (4 days rest)
8/20 Game 7: Pedro (6 days rest)
Of course, I don’t think we’ll need Wakefield or Pedro in six or seven. The AL title will be ours in five games. Schilling, Pedro, and Arroyo are near automatic, while Wakefield was very good in the postseason. He is also a knuckleballer, and would completely (I hope) befuddle other pitchers. Clearly, we can’t be lucky enough to win all four games with these pitchers, considering the caliber of the Yankees and Twins. But a Schilling-Pedro-Wakefield-Arroyo-Schilling tandem is just unbeatable. But I’m not picky on the rotation. Really, all the rotation options presented here all give us a great chance of winning.
It’s nice to have a stacked rotation for a change. Of course, it’s also nice to have a stacked lineup, but really, having a stacked rotation in the playoffs helps big time.
No games until Tuesday. Whatever shall I do?