[UNOFFICIAL SPECULATION] 2017 ALCS 2017 Roster

Just McHugh.

 

McHugh in.

And LMJ to start game 3... if starters are only going to go 3-4 innings, might as well throw the one with the best stuff out first.

 

I would set up the rotation like this:

Game 1: Keuchel
Game 2: Peacock
Game 3: Verlander
Game 4: Morton
Game 5: McCullers (If Astros are up 3-1), Keuchel (If CLE/NYY are up 3-1 or tied 2-2)
Game 6: Keuchel (if McCullers started Game 5), Peacock (If Keuchel started Game 5)
Game 7: Verlander

So if Astros win ALCS in 4 or 5 games, Keuchel/Verlander could start the first 2 games of World Series.

If Astros win ALCS in 6 games, Verlander would start Game 1 of World Series.

If Astros win ALCS in 7 games, Keuchel on short rest or Morton would start Game 1 of World Series.

 

They can't leave McHugh off again. Liriano is worthless. I would much rather take my chances without a leftie than to throw out a bad one.

 

Why Peacock over Verlander game 2? Friday is Keuchel game 1, that much is certain. Saturday Verlander will be on full rest after having thrown only 40 pitches today. Let's not Francona this decision. The earlier you pitch your aces the earlier you can pitch them again.

 

I'm one for McHugh over Gregerson, especially if the Astros face the Indians. Gregerson against all that LHH is a recipe for disaster.

 

They aren't going to plan for the WS with the rotation, and they aren't going to risk losing the series before 7 games, having not maximized their pitching. Verlander will go game 2 and 6. Keuchel will go games 1 and 5. They aren't running a #5 starter out there under any circumstances - Keuchel pitching game 5 doesn't affect his availability for game 1 of the World Series anyway.

 

Keuchel
Verlander
Peacock
Morton/McCullers
Keuchel
Verlander
McCullers/Peacock/Morton

 

Can we send Liriano back to his nation of origin? Don't ever want to see that dude again on the baseball field.

 

Yep...his last 4 games, he has been very good for 3 innings. 12 innings, 1 run.

 

So, arguably their best starter only gets one guaranteed start? Screw the World Series...they cannot think that way. They have to win this series first and do everything they can to do it. Even if it means starting Pete Munro or Dave Mlicki in the opening game of the World Series.

 

I thought I read somewhere that through the first 9 batters, Peacock and Morton are the two best pitchers in baseball, both with sub-1 ERAs? Anyone else see that stat?

 

Since everyone is giving rotation guesses. I think Hinch should go with JV in Game 1. Today was only 40 pitches. He would've thrown a bullpen today anyways.

Game 1 Friday Verlander (3 days rest)
Game 2 Saturday Keuchel (7 days rest)
Game 3 Monday McCullers (7 days rest)
Game 4 Tuesday Morton (7 days rest)
Game 5 Wednesday Verlander (4 days rest)
Game 6 Friday Keuchel (5 days rest)
Game 7 Saturday All hands on deck except Keuchel

The reason I like using JV in game 1 is you could potentially use him 3 times in the series, including out of the pen in a Game 7 ala Bumgarner.

A lot depends on who the opponent is and how they want to matchup pitchers.

 

five man rotation??? zero % chance.

 

Only change I'd make is adding McHugh and subtracting Gregerson.

 

Gregerson pitched well in his 2 appearances.

 

With the longer series would they go 12 pitchers? If so I think McHugh takes a spot from Fisher or White. Another bold prediction, Martes gets added in place of Liriano.

 

No way McHugh shouldn't be on this roster. Given how early the hooks can come, a long man very well may be necessary in a 7 game series.

I've always thought Peacock,Morton,LMJ. and McHugh should form some kind of team to get through games 3 and 4, and I feel no different right now. Those 4 should also be able to team up and help us in games 6 and 7. If one of the aces doesn't have it, it also gives us complete freedom to pull them and still have no depth issues in our pen. No need for Liriano from what I've seen of him, we could also drop Tyler White.

1.Keuchel
2.Verlander
Day Off
3.McCullers/Peacock
4.Morton/McHugh
5.Keuchel
Day Off
6.Verlander
7.Every f**king pitcher we have except Verlander

 

Exactly