Twins Name Bailey Ober Game 1 Starter for ALDS

I like this a lot better than having Ryan start. Hope Ober is up to the task. 

It's been quite the whirlwind season for Mr. Ober.

Pretty cool.  This could be the start of something big (and tall)!

100% behind this move.  I think it’s the right move.  Takes some cajones to pull the trigger on making the decision to do it, though.  He was  behind Ryan and Maeda in the pecking order to start the season.

Love Ryan, but this is the correct move I think.

What a luxury to be able to pick between Ober, Maeda, and Ryan! The question is now does Ryan pitch Game 2 with Lopez/Gray doing Games 3 and 4? In my opinion, if they win Game 1, Ryan gets the nod for Game 2. If they lose Game 1, Lopez gets Game 2. 

2 minutes ago, minman1982 said:

What a luxury to be able to pick between Ober, Maeda, and Ryan! The question is now does Ryan pitch Game 2 with Lopez/Gray doing Games 3 and 4? In my opinion, if they win Game 1, Ryan gets the nod for Game 2. If they lose Game 1, Lopez gets Game 2. 

No, Pablo can pitch game 2 and Sonny game 3 on regular rest. Then Pablo could throw a couple innings in game 5 if necessary. 

I am all for this.  He makes so much sense over Ryan.  I talk about how Ryan should be game 3 in wild card round because of how well he pitched at home compared to the road.  Ober has earned this and I was worried about Ryan on road in a hitter park. Not that Ober will not give up a HR, but my guess they will have a quick hook for him and go to Maeda if need be. 

Good for Ober! 

Love the move. Ryan should be pitching at Target Field as long as it's possible to line it up that way. I think he was #3 in WC for that reason and will be #4 in the ALDS for that reason.

Obviously doesn't tell the whole story, but Ober's ERA for the season is still 2nd best among Twins starters. I think he's earned this.

I like this. He always seems to rise to the occasion and do his best when the pressure’s on. Probably fairly well rested after the slog of the first 70% of the season too. 

I like the decision but I would not let the Astros lineup see him more than once. Maybe two or three innings and then move onto Paddock or Maeda. We have a lot of depth with those extra starters and I'd keep them guessing and not get locked in. In fact I would say two innings and onto the next guy. 

Pablo Lopez will then be pitching on his normal four days rest for game 2

7 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

Lopez and Ryan announced as well.  First 3 are set. 

No Gray?

3 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I was hoping for Randy Dobnak in Game 1, Les Straker for Game 2, and then assuming we're up 2-0 in the series we close 'em out with a bullpen game.

What about Boof?

16 minutes ago, JesusisLord7 said:

I like the decision but I would not let the Astros lineup see him more than once. Maybe two or three innings and then move onto Paddock or Maeda. We have a lot of depth with those extra starters and I'd keep them guessing and not get locked in. In fact I would say two innings and onto the next guy. 

This sounds what Toronto decided before game 2.  I am for this move in that Baily has performed well on the road against playoff teams:

LAD  6 IP, 1 ER

TB    5.1 IP, 3 ER, 1 HR

Bal   7 IP, 0 ER

Milw 5 IP, 2 ER. 1 HR

11 minutes ago, Shaitan said:

No Gray?

On the Twins/mlb site Gray is listed as the game 3 starter.

yeah, rocco said gray for 3. which is logical