Post Season Rotation

[denarded]

Listened to Gleeman&Geek podcast. They agreed on Maeda, Berrios & Pineda as the 1st round rotation I'm fine with that. My question is who (knock on wood) is the starter for Game 1 of whatever the second round is called? I say Oddo if healthy, Hill scares me. Dobnak possibly having to revisit Yankee Stadium doesn't sit well with me either. Or does it matter if we win The Central and get the 1-3 seed or we fail and are 7 or 8 seed? Sorry for The Nervous Nelly post, but I was just just thinking (before drinking)

[darin617]

Berrios will make a decent #3 starter.

[JoshDungan1]

 

Listened to Gleeman&Geek podcast. They agreed on Maeda, Berrios & Pineda as the 1st round rotation I'm fine with that. My question is who (knock on wood) is the starter for Game 1 of whatever the second round is called? I say Oddo if healthy, Hill scares me. Dobnak possibly having to revisit Yankee Stadium doesn't sit well with me either. Or does it matter if we win The Central and get the 1-3 seed or we fail and are 7 or 8 seed? Sorry for The Nervous Nelly post, but I was just just thinking (before drinking)

 

Honestly I'd love to see Dobnak go again in Game 1. He had a decent outing in NY last year and depending on who we would face in the second round, I would love to see his bulldog self on the mound to start off the series.

[twinfan]

First we have to see who will pitch on the last weekend. We may not have the luxury of skipping anybody so the 3 who will start in round 1 may not be these three. Also, I am looking forward to a 2 game sweep in round 1 to help with round 2. However, I am not afraid of any of our 5-6 starters (including Odo if he's ready) giving at least 5 good innings. I'd be more afraid of the bullpen.

[twinbythebay]

 

First we have to see who will pitch on the last weekend. We may not have the luxury of skipping anybody so the 3 who will start in round 1 may not be these three. Also, I am looking forward to a 2 game sweep in round 1 to help with round 2. However, I am not afraid of any of our 5-6 starters (including Odo if he's ready) giving at least 5 good innings. I'd be more afraid of the bullpen.

I think we can be pretty certain that they will setup their rotation to have Maeda, Pineda, and Berrios in line to start the first three playoff games. None of those guys will be pitching in the last couple of games, as the importance of winning the division or getting a certain seed pales in comparison to the importance of the playoff games.

 

 

Listened to Gleeman&Geek podcast. They agreed on Maeda, Berrios & Pineda as the 1st round rotation I'm fine with that. My question is who (knock on wood) is the starter for Game 1 of whatever the second round is called? I say Oddo if healthy, Hill scares me. Dobnak possibly having to revisit Yankee Stadium doesn't sit well with me either. Or does it matter if we win The Central and get the 1-3 seed or we fail and are 7 or 8 seed? Sorry for The Nervous Nelly post, but I was just just thinking (before drinking)

I think Dobnak is currently in line to be the fourth playoff starter, but if Odorizzi dazzles in the couple of starts he should get before the end of the season, it's possible he could jump ahead of Dobnak. I wouldn't be too worried about playing at Yankee Stadium this season, unless the Yankees somehow win the rest of their regular season games. They're closer to being out of the playoffs than they are to having home field advantage in the playoffs. Also, after the first round, it sounds like the rest of the playoffs will be played in a bubble in either CA or TX anyway.

[Brock Beauchamp]

This is an impossible question to answer before we see how Hill and Odorizzi finish.

 

All things being equal, I’d prefer either to start over Dobnak. Randy has been great for the team this year but his pitching profile is more likely to blow up over single start than guys who miss bats more consistently.

[howeda7]

Whoever starts game 1 of the WC can start game 1 of the ALDS. They'll have at least two off days in there I suspect. I'd go Maeda game 1. Game 2 I would start Berrios if we win game 1. If we lose, I would start Pineda. I don't want Berrios pitching it a must-win game at this point.

 

Once a 4th starter is needed, it's a toss-up between Dobnak and Hill for me. Probably Dobnak at this time, but Hill can win me over with a couple good outings.

 

I want no part of Odo at this point. He's simply too rusty and the 2-3 starts he can theoretically make between now and the end of the season aren't enough to change my mind. I'm not even sure I'd put him in the bullpen.

[Rosterman]

Depends how the rotation ends the season, and the matchups. Nice to know that as of today we do have five potential starters to mix and match.

 

[rdehring]

 

Whoever starts game 1 of the WC can start game 1 of the ALDS. They'll have at least two off days in there I suspect. I'd go Maeda game 1. Game 2 I would start Berrios if we win game 1. If we lose, I would start Pineda. I don't want Berrios pitching it a must-win game at this point.

 

Once a 4th starter is needed, it's a toss-up between Dobnak and Hill for me. Probably Dobnak at this time, but Hill can win me over with a couple good outings.

 

I want no part of Odo at this point. He's simply too rusty and the 2-3 starts he can theoretically make between now and the end of the season aren't enough to change my mind. I'm not even sure I'd put him in the bullpen.

Gotta agree on Odorizzi. Not certain what his role can be in the playoffs. Hopefully, he will get a couple chances to show what he can do over the next 14 games.

 

A bigger question for Odorizzi, what offers will he get next winter? Kind of has become a forgotten arm in a forgettable season. Can see him signing another one year deal for a lot less than he made this year, or at least what he would have made in a full season. Will it be with the Twins?

[mnfireman]

 

Whoever starts game 1 of the WC can start game 1 of the ALDS. They'll have at least two off days in there I suspect. I'd go Maeda game 1. Game 2 I would start Berrios if we win game 1. If we lose, I would start Pineda. I don't want Berrios pitching it a must-win game at this point.

 

Once a 4th starter is needed, it's a toss-up between Dobnak and Hill for me. Probably Dobnak at this time, but Hill can win me over with a couple good outings.

 

I want no part of Odo at this point. He's simply too rusty and the 2-3 starts he can theoretically make between now and the end of the season aren't enough to change my mind. I'm not even sure I'd put him in the bullpen.

 

I don't think there are any built in off days during the WC round, they are best of 3 with no travel. Set the rotation and run with it. Hopefully no meltdowns from the starters or the bullpen and the offense is firing on all cylinders.

[SkyBlueWaters]

 

... I wouldn't be too worried about playing at Yankee Stadium this season, unless the Yankees somehow win the rest of their regular season games. They're closer to being out of the playoffs than they are to having home field advantage in the playoffs. 

 

I agreed with most of what you said, particularly being nervous about Dobnak. When good hitters figure out his sinker, they can hit it hard. 

 

You mention not worrying about Yankee Stadium, but you don't take the Yankees themselves lightly, do you? Our playoff record against them this century is abysmal. Sure, I want the Twins to go all the way, but if they could just beat NYY in a playoff series it would make winter a lot easier, for me at least. 

[twinbythebay]

 

I agreed with most of what you said, particularly being nervous about Dobnak. When good hitters figure out his sinker, they can hit it hard. 

 

You mention not worrying about Yankee Stadium, but you don't take the Yankees themselves lightly, do you? Our playoff record against them this century is abysmal. Sure, I want the Twins to go all the way, but if they could just beat NYY in a playoff series it would make winter a lot easier, for me at least. 

No, what I meant was that the Yankees are unlikely to get home field advantage in the playoffs, given the current standings. I want no part of the Yankees in the playoffs, particularly if they're able to get healthy by then. This is another reason why I don't think it makes a lot of sense to make a big push to win the division this season. If the Yankees stay in the 7th or 8th spot, they'll be playing one of the division winners in the first round. On the other hand, if the Twins can snag that top 2nd place spot (#4 seed), they'd be in line to host the Blue Jays in the first round.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I don't think there are any built in off days during the WC round, they are best of 3 with no travel. Set the rotation and run with it. Hopefully no meltdowns from the starters or the bullpen and the offense is firing on all cylinders.

I think there's a *very* good chance he returns to the Twins. He seems to like it here, he has flourished in a Twins uniform, the Twins need his arm, and the team is highly competitive.

 

Why go anywhere else at that point? It's a bit of a no-brainer for everyone involved.

[stringer bell]

I'm a little disappointed that the Twins didn't adjust their rotation now with the two off days. They could have gone with Maeda, Pineda and Berríos for this series all on full rest. The next series would be Hill, Dobnak, Maeda and Pineda. They have two off days in the following week.

[DocBauer]

Maeda, Berrios and Pineda, in that order. I've said all along Berrios would bet right and finish strong. I think we are seeing that now.

 

I am completely dismissing Dobnak's last outing for many reasons. I shouldn't have to break it down if you've being paying attention. Hill is a mystery/wild card, but the proverbial "ace in the hole". Oddo's latest setback was a fluke, and and not arm or back related. But is there enough time to "get right" before the post season?

 

The next couple of weeks will determine if Hill or Dobnak are your 4th SP. IMO, Odorizzi will be either a long man or a designated opener.

 

Compare this to last season or past seasons. Things are coming together. We are actually debating 6SP and how best to use them. This is an amazing luxury!

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Maeda, Berrios and Pineda, in that order. I've said all along Berrios would bet right and finish strong. I think we are seeing that now.

The next couple of weeks will determine if Hill or Dobnak are your 4th SP. IMO, Odorizzi will be either a long man or a designated opener.

Giving Odorizzi two innings and then flipping to Hill for 2-3 more innings could be the new winning strategy in a game 3-4 starter.

[DuluthFan]

If the playoff games are held in a neutral site bubble, there will be no need to schedule off days for travel. It is entirely possible that this year you will need a full five man rotation for the playoffs. The only off days will be between series and extra days off if a series doesn't go the distance.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

If the playoff games are held in a neutral site bubble, there will be no need to schedule off days for travel. It is entirely possible that this year you will need a full five man rotation for the playoffs. The only off days will be between series and extra days off if a series doesn't go the distance.

That's possible, and would be pretty interesting!

 

Although they could still sprinkle in some mid-series off-days. Theoff-days could stagger the games for TV broadcast purposes (so they could get more games in prime time, and maybe more on desirable days of the week).

[bighat]

I think we all know Maeda is the best pitcher on this team. That said, would Rocco really start him over Berrios in a Game 1 situation?

 

I frankly don't think Rocco will give the ball to Kenta until Game 2. Rocco is loyal, supportive, and is a "players manager" all the way. Berrios is the #1 on paper, has seniority on this team, etc.

 

There's no way, in my humble opinion, Kenta will start Game 1. Rocco's giving the ball to La Makina whether we think it's the right thing to do or not.

[IndianaTwin]

One can parse this is in many ways, but argument can be made that the second game is more important in a three-game series than the first. Sure, you want to get off to a good start by winning the first game, but in the second game, you're either trying to stave off elimination or finish off the series. That would be a reason to go with Berrios, followed by Maeda. 

[IndianaTwin]

 

That's possible, and would be pretty interesting!

 

Although they could still sprinkle in some mid-series off-days. Theoff-days could stagger the games for TV broadcast purposes (so they could get more games in prime time, and maybe more on desirable days of the week).

 

 

While possible to go with no off days (and that would play to the Twins' advantage with their depth, I would argue), with the primary revenue for owners coming from broadcast revenue, I would agree that they will schedule off days in order to maximize the number of prime time games they can broadcast. I do hope they skip the stupid off day between games 4 and 5 in a five-game series. 

 

Additionally, if they are in a bubble using only a couple of stadiums, they'll have to allow for plenty of transition time between games, which makes it a little harder to stack games. That's part of the argument for having the first round at local sites.  

[SkyBlueWaters]

 

... If the Yankees stay in the 7th or 8th spot, they'll be playing one of the division winners in the first round. On the other hand, if the Twins can snag that top 2nd place spot (#4 seed), they'd be in line to host the Blue Jays in the first round.

 

So much is still up in the air, with regard to the seeding. I completely agree that NYY with Judge and Stanton back would be formidable, and with Cole guaranteed to pitch in a 2 or 3 game first round showdown, I'd rather not face them. But with a little over two weeks remaining, a lot still has to settle out before we can guess much about the seeding.

 

For instance, check out the Blue Jays' schedule after finishing with the Mets today. They get 7 with NYY, and 4 with the Phillies, before finishing with the Orioles. If the Yankees rebound against the Jays, a lot could change fast.

 

I had hoped Detroit (& Gardy) might sneak into the hunt--they have 6 games left with KC. But I think they are fading fast--couldn't get past the Chisox.

 

Although the Astros are fading, they'd have to fall behind Seattle to drop out of the playoffs. As they are in (distant) 2nd place in the AL West, they still qualify as the 2nd place team, even if some 3rd place East or Central team finishes with a better record.

 

Whatever else, it's a fun playoff race--do people still call it a pennant chase when referring to the regular season? Seems old-fashioned.

 

[howeda7]

 

If the playoff games are held in a neutral site bubble, there will be no need to schedule off days for travel. It is entirely possible that this year you will need a full five man rotation for the playoffs. The only off days will be between series and extra days off if a series doesn't go the distance.

I still don't see them wanting to play 4 games/day with games in the afternoon. The entire point is TV ratings. Playing games at noon on Wednesday doesn't do that.

[theBOMisthebomb]

 

Listened to Gleeman&Geek podcast. They agreed on Maeda, Berrios & Pineda as the 1st round rotation I'm fine with that. My question is who (knock on wood) is the starter for Game 1 of whatever the second round is called? I say Oddo if healthy, Hill scares me. Dobnak possibly having to revisit Yankee Stadium doesn't sit well with me either. Or does it matter if we win The Central and get the 1-3 seed or we fail and are 7 or 8 seed? Sorry for The Nervous Nelly post, but I was just just thinking (before drinking) 

 I will pass on Odo as the starter in game 1 of the second round of the playoffs as he has been awful this season. Dobnak is my choice as he has proven somewhat reliable. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

 I will pass on Odo as the starter in game 1 of the second round of the playoffs as he has been awful this season. Dobnak is my choice as he has proven somewhat reliable. 

Odorizzi has 10 IP this season, all of it while returning from injury before taking a liner in the chest and getting injured again.

 

All health being equal, I will take Odorizzi in a single game over Dobnak almost every time.

[Dodecahedron]

It looks like the Twins might face the Yankees yet again in the first round. The way the Twins can avoid this is by winning the division.

 

For the playoff rotation, you start with the best. I'm sorry but that's still Berrios. Maeda is next, probably. I worry about him being unproven in the playoffs.

 

For the #3 guy, you go with either Odorizzi or Hill, depending on the matchup. Hill is the only lefty.

 

No one should be upset if others gets pushed back by Pineda or Dobnak. Both are fine options too.

[4twinsJA]

Looks like playoff is Tues, Wed, and Th. if necessary, next round does not start until Monday the next week. So whoever pitches games 1, 2, 3 can pitch the next week, will not need 4th starter until 4th game of 2nd round. I would say Maeda and Berrios 1-2, order not that important. 3 maybe Pineda or possibly Hill, I would say Odorizzi is long shot, will take longer than a couple of weeks to grow that fingernail back. Dobnak, big question mark, maybe as a 2-3 inning opener later in playoffs should not need in first round. Are they staying with 28 player roster or returning to 26 for playoffs?

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

For the playoff rotation, you start with the best. I'm sorry but that's still Berrios. Maeda is next, probably. I worry about him being unproven in the playoffs.

I don't agree with this at all.

 

First, Maeda is probably second in line for the Cy Young this season, Bieber has just been incredible and on a different level than everyone else.

 

Second, Maeda has far more experience and success in the postseason, though most of it in relief (not really his fault, though). In 32.2 IP, he has a 3.31 ERA, including 8.2 very good World Series innings.

 

If anything, I worry about Berrios a lot more than I do Maeda.

[dex8425]

Berrios has pitched extremely well in his last two starts, which were close to "must win" games to hold on to the #4 seed, and both against two very good teams. I think he is more prepared for postseason success this year than years past. That said, Kenta will be the game 1 starter and definitely should be. 

[umterp23]

28 player roster for playoffs is nice, don't think we need to carry 15 pitchers for first series though as you only need 3 starters, let's hope just use 2 starters and get out of there with series W and not have to play a 3rd game.  Pull the plug on Odorizzi for remainder of season, can't rely on him at this moment in time. If Arraez is back end of this week for playoffs, who get's pulled from 28 man active roster?  I would think one of the 4th, 5th or 6th starting pitchers for first round of play offs isn't needed.  Or do you pull the plug on Poppen in bullpen.  Avila hasn't done anything and are you really worried you need a L batter from your catcher spot?  You could sit him down and let Garver/Jeffers be the catcher workhorses.