Hi BF* and others, In thinking about the Stros plans to go with Mike Scott 3 games against the Mets in 86, do you think the DBacks could pitch Schilling 3 games in the WS. Even if it results in an 80% Schilling in game 4 and a 60% Schilling in game 7, that would seem to be their best chance. Schilling has a lot of pitches so even w/o his best fastball he might be pretty good. I figure if they can send KS and RJ out there 5 times (both will be 100% rested) they could win it all with 1 game for error. I figure they have almost no chance to win games w/o those guys starting on the hill. What do you think? Steibrenner got the devil in his pocket when they were down 2-0 to the Braves in the World Series, so I am sure that contract would take precedent over anything the Snakes might be able to work out. So it is either appeal to God to kick the devil's team, or do it on their own.
In his favor: The guy is about as much of a workhorse as there is in MLB. 29 Starts, 10 Complete games. Those are old school Grover Cleveland Alexander type numbers. He also has great control and so doesn't walk many people and so doesn't have to normaly throw that many pitches. Also, his slider and splitter would likely get more motion if his arm was tired and as long as he keeps his control, lost velocity on the fastball shouldn't hurt him that much. Not in his favor: Shilling's last 3 starts were complete games. You'd have to expect that that can't bode well for his future endurance. What I expect: If he's able to maintain his control, throw a limited number of pitches, and gets the chance to not have to go all 9 innings in one of the first two games, I don't see why he can't start all 3.
I expect he will. Sandy Koufax did it in '65. Schilling (and RJ) have been waiting for this moment their entire careers. I also wouldn't be suprised to see RJ come out of the bullpen if there is a Game 7. Like Ottomaton has said, Schilling has pitched a lot of innings in this postseason. It may have some effect on his overall performance.
Could he? Yes Will he? MAybe If Schilling goes in 3 games it tells me Arizona is in trouble in the series. More than likely you could possibly see Schilling and/or Unit in short relief (not necessarily closing the game) appearances. Pitchers typically even on their off days still throw so I think you may see them coming out of the pen. But I would only expect eacch of them to start 2 games each.
If Schilling goes 3 times in this series, it means that they made it to a game 7 at home. Not a bad place to be.
In the 1988 league championship series against the Mets, Orel Hershiser started Games 1, 3 (after a rainout), and 7, and appeared as a reliever in Game 4. Of course, I think he also needed surgery the following spring and was never the same pitcher again.
The average ERA for pitchers in the playoffs on 3 days of rest is above 7. And remember, if a manager wants a pitcher to do that, he must be good to begin with. Not a good idea.
He wont need to pitch in a game seven cause there wont be a game seven. YANKEES IN FIVE BABY YEAAAAH!!!!
But he got a RING!!! I watched an awesome special on ESPN the other night about the 88 Dodgers - it was focused on Kirk Gibson's Homerun in Game One. It did say how dominating Orel was that year. Its amazing that his scoreless game streak started in the later part of the season. What a workhorse. The Mets were amazed with his pitching. Oh and my Dad's boss is Orel's uncle.
Currently the D'Backs are scheduling Batista for game 4 (Anderson for game 3). I suspect if they are down 3-0, Schilling will pitch game 4. Teams used to regularly use 4 man rotations. If Schilling had to pitch 1,4 and 7, he'd probably have no long term ill effects. He would have 3 days rest between starts instead of 4. He and Johnson are veteran workhorses. They'll have all winter to rest. If Schilling doesn't start game 7, they'll have a nice 1-2 punch in the bullpen. If they could get Anderson or Batista through 4-5 innings, they could bring Schilling and Johnson in for 2-3 innings each.
If they are down 3-0, they might as well not worry about pitching Schilling in game 4. But if they are down 2-1, they could try to get Schilling in 4 & 7 and RJ in game 5 (good to have him pitch at least one in short leftfield Yankee stadium because he is the best lefty over the last 20 years at least). I think for the Dbacks to have a chance Gonzo is going to have to take better swings. They need for him to get on a roll (he is quite capabable) and have good pitching. There defense should not fold like the As or Ms regardless. I am not that hopefull because they Yankee's were even about to beat Kevin Brown on that roll of his a few years ago, but maybe Brown wasn't as rested as CS and RJ and maybe this isn't the same Yankee's team???? That is the hope for the free world.
