September 28, 2005
Playing to Win
The Cardinals started their playoff batting order against the Astros last night. Good for them. Even though an Astros victory helps St. Louis toward an easier first-round opponent, St. Louis tried to win the game.
Oswalt pitched extremely well, striking out seven and walking none over seven innings. He threw 77 of 104 pitches for strikes. It looks like the Astros have two of their big three in shape for the playoffs. The Astros magic number is three to claim the wild card.
Right now the playoffs are shaping up to be St. Louis vs. San Diego and Atlanta vs. Houston. The St. Louis/San Diego series gets the extra day of rest this year (they play Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday). That means San Diego could bring Jake Peavy back in game 3 on short rest if they lose the first two, or the Cardinals could go with Carpenter if the reverse happened.
Clemens' hamstring - and, let's face it, age after a 204-inning season - are always worrisome for the Astros. Fortunately for Houston, Backe has pitched better and better after coming off the DL in September: 2-1, 2.78. He's really been the unsung hero of Houston's late surge toward the wild card.
If Backe beats the Cards tonight, the Astros will have to think hard about giving him a bigger role in the postseason, especially if Clemens continues to falter.
"The St. Louis/San Diego series gets the extra day of rest this year..."
"This year?" The St. Louis series ALWAYS gets the extra day of rest, and St. Louis is always forced to match their deep-but-unspectacular staff against a mediocre staff with a lights-out ace.
Two days off between Games 1 and 3???
If you look at the Astros playoff appearances since 1997, this will be the fourth in a row and fifth in six playoff appearances overall in which the Astros drew the Braves in the first round.
