Front Page: Minnesota’s Game 3 Starting Pitching Options in the Playoffs

[DocBauer]

I'm not putting a lot of stock on the poor bullpen outing for Gibson. He isn't used to preparing that way and he had pitched a few days before that.

 

I do, however, put a lot if stock in what he does his next time or two out. I lean to him to be a starter with a short leash based on being RH and a veteran.

 

Seems to me Perez is better as an extra pen arm, even if he looks good his next time or two out. And except for a really bad clunker, he's looked much better as of late.

 

I'm starting to like Dobnak, but would he be better as a 4th SP option? Not really using only 3 SP are we?

[howeda7]

 

Y'know, I sometimes wonder why you would start your best pitcher against their best pitcher. Maybe start worst against best (or best against worst) and hope for a miracle. The Twins could also pull a first...a bullpen Playoff game!

 

Again, who would be the guys you would keep. Would you keep Perez or Gibson. Can Perez be a bullpen guy? Do you want any of Smeltzer, Stashak or Graterol or Drobnak? 

 

Is Ryne Harper your secret weapom?

 

Could you put Hildenberger in the opposition uniform and have him sneak out on the mound?

I've wondered this too. Against Houston, it probably doesn't matter as they have 3 aces. But against the Yankees, do you throw Smeltzer out there in game 1, hope for a miracle and know that you now have the advantage in games 2 and 3?

 

This almost worked unintentionally for the Twins in 2009 as they had to start Duensing in game 1 due to game 163. Unfortunately, Nathan blew the save in game 2 and Phil Cuzzi game through for the Yankees in the 10th.

Edited September 17, 2019 by howeda7

[spanman2]

 

I'm inclined to say neither and let Dobnak get that third start. Yeah i know it's extremely risky but Gibson is an automatic loss at this point and Perez is not much better. Losing Pineda really REALLY stings.

Agree on all points...Dobnak might be just naïve/young enough to not get caught up in the moment...I think Gibby would be over pumped and try to over pitch what he is capable of...I would have trust in Perez out of the pen in some leftie/leftie high leverage spots.  Not sure I would pencil him in as my game 3 starter?

[SwainZag]

 

I'd go with Dobnak... Dude is so cool, so poised, and along with that, he's got a really good sinker, and he's right handed. I think you'd want to have a Smeltzer or Thorpe at the ready, someone who can each 3-5 innings, if necessary. 

'

He also has a nice mustache I see you absentmindedly left out.

[SwainZag]

 

I've wondered this too. Against Houston, it probably doesn't matter as they have 3 aces. But against the Yankees, do you throw Smeltzer out there in game 1, hope for a miracle and know that you now have the advantage in games 2 and 3?

 

This almost worked unintentionally for the Twins in 2009 as they had to start Duensing in game 1 due to game 163. Unfortunately, Nathan blew the save in game 2 and Phil Cuzzi game through for the Yankees in the 10th.

'

 

The only problem here is by not starting Berrios/Odo in Game 1, then they neither have a chance to pitch in Game 5 if it comes down to it.

[Battle ur tail off]

Both Gibson and Perez are recipes for disaster in the playoffs. 2 patient lineups you'd be facing, the walks will pile up and you'll be in a huge hole early. I'd leave them both off the playoff roster and also tell them I'm done with them for good unless they are willing to take short term prove it deals. Walking guys and giving up HRs are what these 2 are good for. They will be murdered by either Houston or the Yankees. That or tell them there is 1 spot for the 2 of you, someone win it before the season is over and start whichever one you pick with a very short leash.

 

That said, I don't really like the idea of beating up your bullpen in games you figure you have less than a 50% chance of winning anyway. 

 

You know that Ordorizi is likely gonna give you 4-5 innings in each of his starts, that will tax the bullpen. Berrios could go either way. Get knocked out in 2 innings or pitch deep into it. Lets hope its the latter. 

 

 

Edited September 17, 2019 by Battle ur tail off

[yarnivek1972]

Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.

Too bad the Twins have neither Spahn or Sain.

[ashbury]

Too bad the Twins have neither Spahn or Sain.

[laloesch]

Both Gibson and Perez are recipes for disaster in the playoffs. 2 patient lineups you'd be facing, the walks will pile up and you'll be in a huge hole early. I'd leave them both off the playoff roster and also tell them I'm done with them for good unless they are willing to take short term prove it deals. Walking guys and giving up HRs are what these 2 are good for. They will be murdered by either Houston or the Yankees. That or tell them there is 1 spot for the 2 of you, someone win it before the season is over and start whichever one you pick with a very short leash.

 

That said, I don't really like the idea of beating up your bullpen in games you figure you have less than a 50% chance of winning anyway. 

 

You know that Ordorizi is likely gonna give you 4-5 innings in each of his starts, that will tax the bullpen. Berrios could go either way. Get knocked out in 2 innings or pitch deep into it. Lets hope its the latter.

 

Not to be debby downer but against the Stros, does anyone honestly believe it's going to matter who the Twins start against Verlander, Cole, Miley and Greinke? I mean Berrios might go 5 or 6 innings, Odorizzi maybe 4 innings tops. The are gonna have to lean heavily on the bullpen anyways if they have any shot at all. Might as well go all in and gamble on Smeltzer, Dobnak, Graterol, Alcala, et. Forget about Gibson and Perez.

[jorgenswest]

Every playoff game is a bullpen game.

 

I would pitch Berrios game 1 and 5. I would pitch Odorozzi game 3.

 

Games 2 and 4 depend on who looks healthy and is throwing well over the next two weeks.

[In My La Z boy]

I'd start Duffy in game 3. He's our best pitcher right now.

[USAFChief]

I'll be shocked if Perez doesnt start a game 3. I'd have said Gibson, but I just dont think he's healthy enough to make the postseason roster. Couple starts potentially left in the regular season for Gibson, if he does well, it'll be him.

 

I'd be very surprised by anything else than one of these two.

[Riverbrian]

Berrios, Odorizzi and Bull-Penning would be my recommendation.