[astros] Managerial Decision: Big 3 on 3 days' rest?

[Rileydog]

One of the most critical decisions Garner will have to make is whether to go with the Big 3 for entire NLCS. I'll go on record now - It's time to pull out all stops and pitch the big 3. Yes, that means the Pettitte would have to pitch Games 4 and 7 on 3 days' rest, ditto for Oswalt in Game 5 and Clemens in Game 6.

Last year, we could try to get into a slugfest with the Cards because we had Biggio, Beltran, Berkman, Bagwell and Kent, the strongest lineup in the Astros history. But this year, we need to keep the Cardinals down and it is imperative that we not let them jump out to a lead.

On 3 days' rest, I think you go with the Big 3 and hope for 6 quality innings. Turn the game over to Qualls, Wheeler and Lidge, probably bringing Lidge in sometime in the 8th if we have the lead. If one of the Big 3 cannot go 6, bring Backe in for the 6th. He can get us one quality inning.

Speaking of managerial decisions:

- I do not want Garner to ever pull Berkman or Ensberg from the lineup - ever. Not for a pinch runner. Not for a double switch. Ever.

- Lamb needs to start all games in Minute Maid, at least. The short left field porch is less room for Berkman to cover and Lamb is definitely a long ball threat. I'd lean toward starting him in all games.

Prediction: Astros in 6.

[candlegreen]

After Clemen's 3 innings, would that put him as our game 3 starter instead of our game 2 starter? This is a double edged sword, based on Oswalt's record at MNP and Clemen's road ERA.

[codell]

Honestly, I don't think you make or do not make that decision until we have the results of the first 3 games.

If we are down 0-3, then yeah, you pitch em on 3 days. But if you are up 3-0, 2-1 or down just 1-2, then you give Backe a shot.

[leroy420]

Honestly, I don't think you make or do not make that decision until we have the results of the first 3 games.

If we are down 0-3, then yeah, you pitch em on 3 days. But if you are up 3-0, 2-1 or down just 1-2, then you give Backe a shot.

I agree. Remember what Backe did to the Cards last year? While that kind of game isn't likely, he is capable of winning. I'd say Pettitte in 1 & 5, Oswalt in 2 & 6, Clemens in 3 & 7 and Backe in Game 4. That leaves Pettitte and Backe available for game 7 if necessary.

[Groogrux]

The only pitcher I would consider throwing out there again on short rest would be Pettitte. I'm sorry, but with the way Clemens and Oswalt have looked in September, you don't risk it unless you're down 0-3.

[Major]

No way in hell you pitch anyone on 3 days' rest.

Pettite, Oswalt, Clemens, Backe, Pettite, Oswalt, Clemens - nothing else.

The only scenario you'd even consider it is if we are down 2-1 or 3-0, but then the rest of the games are must win anyway, so you've got to give yourself the best chance to win 4 games. Everyone on 3 days rest isn't going to do that.

[MadMax]

No way in hell you pitch anyone on 3 days' rest.

Pettite, Oswalt, Clemens, Backe, Pettite, Oswalt, Clemens - nothing else.

The only scenario you'd even consider it is if we are down 2-1 or 3-0, but then the rest of the games are must win anyway, so you've got to give yourself the best chance to win 4 games. Everyone on 3 days rest isn't going to do that.

completely agreed. 6 out of the 7 games, you have one of the Big 3 pitching. setting up Clemens for ANOTHER St. Louis Game 7. wow.

[meh]

I think even with a 0-3 hole, you still pitch Backe in game 4. Because you still have to win 4 straight games, and the big 3 on normal rest for games 5-7 is a big plus.

The big question, in my mind is who to pitch for game 2, Clemens or Oswalt. Clemens has been nails on the road this season(game 2 of NLDS notwithstanding), and if he's up to it, I think he has to pitch games 2. I know it's a 3 days break, but he only pitched 3 innings yesterday.

I agree about not ever taking out Berkman/Ensberg. Garner has done that Burke for Berkman switch all year, and I cringe every time I see it. It would make more sense had our lineup resmebles the Cards. But without Berkman, this could be the worst offense in all of MLB.

[Svpernaut]

He'll go with a 4 man rotation, unless we are down 0-3 (although Backe would still get call I think). Garner has faith in Backe and his bullpen. There are a few off days for travel for the games, so the rotation isn't nearly as important as it is in a 5 game series.

[padgett316]

No way in hell you pitch anyone on 3 days' rest.

Pettite, Oswalt, Clemens, Backe, Pettite, Oswalt, Clemens - nothing else.

The only scenario you'd even consider it is if we are down 2-1 or 3-0, but then the rest of the games are must win anyway, so you've got to give yourself the best chance to win 4 games. Everyone on 3 days rest isn't going to do that.

The NLDS rotation was Pettitte, Clemens, Oswalt, Backe, leaving Oswalt to pitch game 7. And never, ever pitch these guys on three days' rest. Oswalt and Clemens have been gripping as it is.

[Rule0001]

definitely agree about pulling the main hitters, NEVER AGAIN lol