2017 World Series Roster Speculation

A legitimately healthy Jake would be great... but he's literally a defense/pinch runner, as the guy probably hasn't taken live swings in 2 months. Maybin arguably runs better anyway, and Springer has been locked in in center.

Why would they go down to 11 pitchers with NL rules? You're actually more likely to sub a pitcher if the pitcher's spot comes up to bat in the mid-late innings.

 

Even if Jake can't hit I think you have to put him on the roster if he can run and field. We've heard almost nothing about his rehab though so hard to know whether he's ready to go.

 

C (3): McCann, Gattis, Centeno
IF (5): Gurriel, Altuve, Correa, Bregman, White
OF (6): Reddick, Springer, Gonzalez, Maybin, Marisnick, Beltran
SP (4): Keuchel, Verlander, Morton, McCullers
RP (7): McHugh, Peacock, Liriano, Devenski, Harris, Musgrove, Giles

 

If Marisnick cannot hit, he's not going to be much of an upgrade (if any) to Maybin since Jake hasn't had any game action in a long time.

 

One thought...

With the Dodgers throwing their lefties in their home games, it likely means their right handed pitchers will likely face the DH. In this scenario, Beltran is your primary DH option, as he seems to be be the main guy against righties.

That means Gattis (or McCann if they give him a breather) is available on the bench as a backup catcher for most games -- probably don't need Centeno in that case.

 

There is no DH in the NL, carrying a third catcher is a waste because Gattis is going to be your backup catcher even though he is a terrible catcher.

Beltran can not play in the field in any circumstances. You may want another OF just in case.

Keeping Tyler White is also pointless, Marvin is the backup 1B.

I will say that Fisher is going to stay, and the only decision is whether to keep a 3rd catcher, if they don't, then probably AJ will add Tony Kemp if Jake is not 100%.

 

Feel bad for Jake. No Kirk Gibson moment for him this Series.