Too early thoughts

[South Dakota Tom]

In light of rumblings about roster decisions, I tried to put together a playoff roster.  Here’s to wishful thinking.

3-game:  Lopez, Gray, Maeda;

BP: Ryan (emergency starter, or if someone gets shelled); Duran, Jax, Thielbar, Flolo, Pagan, Varland, Funderburk.

Starting 9: Jeffers, Kiriloff, Polanco, Correa, Lewis, Waller, Buxton, Kepler, Julien.

Bench: Vazquez, Castro, Taylor, Gallo, Martin and Solano.

Leaves off: Sands, Winder, Balazovic, Farmer, Luplow, Kuechel, Ober.

Longer series - add Ober or Ryan as 4th starter, other to BP, guess between Solano/Farmer (1) and Gallo/Taylor/Martin (2).  
 

I agree with coach that it isn’t time for Varland to the bullpen yet as we might have starters go down or need to reduce innings.  I just don’t believe that going from starter to reliever (purely in terms of ability, not preparation) is too much to ask.  So he can BP for a late week or two in the season.

Don’t think they will jettison Gallo, and I said something about him changing game outcomes earlier in the spring, so  sticking with that.

Does change the dynamic of this team to supplant Balazovic, Sands, Winder with Ryan, Funderburk, Varland.  

Also big speed with Martin, Buxton?, Taylor, Castro.  Suddenly this team tough 1-9 with solid starters and a bench of defense, speed and potential power.  Teams have won with worse (my new mantra!).