September 29, 2007
Fenway Playoffs
The Cleveland Indians lose to the Royals, 4-3, giving the Red Sox home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Boston has one hour to decide if they want the extra-day off in the playoffs (I believe the Indians game ended at 10:19 PM EDT).
I heard speculation that it would be more advantageous to choose the 'short' series (5 games in 7 days) over the 'long' series (5 games in 8 days), mainly because it would allow Boston's deep rotation to dominate, and not allow an opponent to bring their top starters around again.
However, given the lack of depth with the Angel's rotation, traveling to the West coast (and maybe back), and some Sox bruises that could benefit from a day off, I would think that having thursday off would be no harm, and of possible benefit, to the Sox. Though this would have the same benefits for the Angels, I think they are worse off than the Sox.
After a long season, there is nothing wrong with an extra day of rest, especially when you have to fly to LA.....
Uh.
Chuck, if the Angels rotation is shallow and the Sox' is deep (I doubt the latter, myself), and the Angels are in worse shape and the coast-to-coast flight is burdensome (so both teams suffer more), then plainly that all speaks in favor of choosing the *short* series. (That's the one where you'll use four starting pitchers.)
I think they'll play the short series. Boston's back-end starters aren't looking very good, but the Angels' are worse.
I hope they choose the short series... The Angels pitching doesnt frighten me beyond Escobar...The Sox have pounded Lackey this season. That will save one of the Sox two top starters (likely Beckett?) to open the ALCS, and force the Indians and Yanks to use their top 2 twice if it goes the distance. Meaning they start only once or on short rest in the ALCS...
Of course, as they always say, be careful what you wish for...
Yeah, that's a good point. Giving the long series to the other pair does mean they're likely to wear down their aces and deuces. Cleveland obviously will, and I think Torre announced that the Yankees would follow suit. (What is this, a card game?)
Since the first two games are played in Cleveland, I believe the Yankees should save Chien-Ming Wang for Game Three (he pitches much better in the Bronx). But they won't.
From MLB.com: "Boston will open the ALDS Wednesday vs. the Angels."
Has their decision been announced? Or is MLB.com just making stuff up?
According to the globe, the decision for the long series has been made.
According to the globe, the decision for the long series has been made.