Playoff Roster - 2018

[notin]

Hey, is key pinch hitting a repeatable skill?

 

No. Not for Holt. Sometimes he only triples...

[oldtimer]

The playoff roster is probably set now, barring any last minute injury. The possible exception is with the last reliever and with a slighter chance, one of the catchers vs Lin.

 

The question that comes to mind now is to whether to put in the hotter hitter versus the slumping player. In my mind, the slumping players we have currently are Kinsler and Moreland, which could be substituted for by Holt or Nunez for Kinsler or Pearce and Swihart for Moreland. In both cases, it would be giving up some defense for more offense. The hope is that both Kinsler and Moreland will show some offense before the end of season but it hasn't been that way of late.

[moonslav59]

So you don't think Pitchers who have success in this series with the Guardians, who we might face has no value. Hope Cora doesn't think that way.

 

I'm thrilled he thinks this way.

 

Hoping or thinking pitchers only do as well going forward as their last 1-2 games results is not a winning strategy.

 

Thankfully, managers and GMs take longer views than many of us do.

[moonslav59]

The playoff roster is probably set now, barring any last minute injury. The possible exception is with the last reliever and with a slighter chance, one of the catchers vs Lin.

 

The question that comes to mind now is to whether to put in the hotter hitter versus the slumping player. In my mind, the slumping players we have currently are Kinsler and Moreland, which could be substituted for by Holt or Nunez for Kinsler or Pearce and Swihart for Moreland. In both cases, it would be giving up some defense for more offense. The hope is that both Kinsler and Moreland will show some offense before the end of season but it hasn't been that way of late.

 

Lin is not in.

 

We will never need to us Nunez, Holt and Lin in a game. We won't sub for Bogey. I doubt we ever PH form Kinsler. That leaves just 3B, where we will PH for Devers or Nunez when they switch pitchers to the opposite hand. We won't do that 3 times in any given game.

 

We need to PH for our catchers more than anything else, IMO.

[OH FOY]

I'm thrilled he thinks this way.

 

Hoping or thinking pitchers only do as well going forward as their last 1-2 games results is not a winning strategy.

 

Thankfully, managers and GMs take longer views than many of us do.

 

No that's not what I'm saying, but spin it anyway you want. Every game should be important, every match-up should be important, all games you should be learning, from something that you might need to fall back on down the road.

Edited September 23, 2018 by OH FOY!

[moonslav59]

No that's not what I'm saying, but spin it anyway you want. Every game should be important, every match-up should be important, all games you should be learning, from something that you might need to fall back on down the road.

 

If I misunderstood your point, I'm sorry, but I will say it again, no decision should ever be made based on a 1 game result (maybe 2 for a RP'er who pitches twice in a 3 game series).

 

I can see, if a manager as 50-50 on the last 2 players for 1 slot remaining using the most recent sample size to "flip the coin", so to speak, but I doubt there are many exact 50-50 choices managers have to make. They watch our players all year, not just in games, but in practice, too, and they generally know who is the better choice, and no one great or bad game changes that. That's my opinion. I don't view it as a "spin."

[notin]

Lin is not in.

 

We will never need to us Nunez, Holt and Lin in a game. We won't sub for Bogey. I doubt we ever PH form Kinsler. That leaves just 3B, where we will PH for Devers or Nunez when they switch pitchers to the opposite hand. We won't do that 3 times in any given game.

 

We need to PH for our catchers more than anything else, IMO.

 

Unless there is an injury, which is a legitimate concern with both Nunez and Devers this year...

[Maxbialystock]

Lin is not in.

 

We will never need to us Nunez, Holt and Lin in a game. We won't sub for Bogey. I doubt we ever PH form Kinsler. That leaves just 3B, where we will PH for Devers or Nunez when they switch pitchers to the opposite hand. We won't do that 3 times in any given game.

 

We need to PH for our catchers more than anything else, IMO.

 

That makes a lot of sense. The one thing I thought Lin might be valuable for is pinch-running.

 

By the way, are you advocating 11 pitchers or 10? If the latter, I see these 15 position players. 9 starters: Betts, Beni, JDM, Bogey, Moreland, Kinsler, Devers, Leon, and JBJ. Then these 5: Pearce, Nunez, Holt, Vazquez, Swihart. That leaves 1 guy and maybe that could be Lin, who is almost as versatile as Holt and faster. I think better than Phillips.

 

If it's 11 pitchers--4 starters, and 7 in the bullpen, then Lin is out.

[moonslav59]

That makes a lot of sense. The one thing I thought Lin might be valuable for is pinch-running.

 

By the way, are you advocating 11 pitchers or 10? If the latter, I see these 15 position players. 9 starters: Betts, Beni, JDM, Bogey, Moreland, Kinsler, Devers, Leon, and JBJ. Then these 5: Pearce, Nunez, Holt, Vazquez, Swihart. That leaves 1 guy and maybe that could be Lin, who is almost as versatile as Holt and faster. I think better than Phillips.

 

If it's 11 pitchers--4 starters, and 7 in the bullpen, then Lin is out.

 

I want 11 pitchers, but we might only need and use 9 or 10.

 

With 5 days off before game 1 and 2 days off within the 5 game series, we don't need 12 pitchers.

 

We will have Wright and either Eovaldi or ERod as long men, so we don't need all these mediocre 1 inning guys.

 

Wright and ERod/Eovaldi can both go at least 2-3 innings twice in the 5 game series. That will lessen the need for set-up men by a lot.

[moonslav59]

Unless there is an injury, which is a legitimate concern with both Nunez and Devers this year...

 

Of course, an injury can change everything.

 

That's understood with anyone's choices.

[moonslav59]

In light of the fact that we will be using just 4 starters in the first round 5 game series and should have ERod or Eovaldi in the pen as a long reliever, here's a question I have for those who think we need 12 pitchers not 11 for the playoff roster:

 

How often can we use these pitchers with this game schedule:

 

5 days off

Game 1

Game 2

Day Off

Game 3

Game 4

Day Off

Game 5

 

Kimbrel ___

Brasier ___

Barnes ___

Kelly (or ?) ___

Workman ___

Eovaldi/ERod ___

Wright ___

 

My opinion:

Kimbrel for 1 IP 4-5 games

Brasier for 1 IP 4-5 games

Barnes for 1 IP 3-4 games

Kelly for 1 IP 3-4 games

Workman 1 IP 3-4 games

ERod/Eovaldi 2 IP x 3 gms or 3-4 IP x 2 gms

Wright 2 IP x 3 gms or 3-4 IP x 2 gms

 

If we go extra innings, we might end up using ERod or Wright once for 4+ IP, or we could have Velazquez or Johnson on the roster, instead of Kelly.

 

 

[S5Dewey]

Of course, an injury can change everything.

 

That's understood with anyone's choices.

 

In the event of an injury we can make an immediate roster change. The only downside is that the change has to be for the entire series. At least that's the way I understand it.

[Kimmi]

So what does that mean, being able to hit well as a pinch hitter, and the implied not being able to hit well as a pinch hitter?

 

I don't think of being able to hit well as a pinch hitter as a 'clutch' skill. I do think that some batters might be better at it than others, but I don't think those batters that are good at it can pinch hit at a level that is continually higher than their norm. In other words, there is no 'raising of one's game to an otherworldly level' going on.

 

Papi only had 19 hits in 102 ABs as a pinch hitter. Maybe he did not like pinch hitting. Maybe it's just the randomness of small sample sizes spread out over 20 years.

[Kimmi]

So you don't think Pitchers who have success in this series with the Guardians, who we might face has no value. Hope Cora doesn't think that way.

 

I wouldn't say that what pitchers do this series has no value, but I also don't think that a pitcher is going to win or lose a roster spot based solely on what he does this series either. Cora already has it pretty much figured out. If there are still any guys on the bubble, I suppose this series could be the deciding factor.

 

That said, we are not facing the Guardians in the ALDS. I think Cora already knows who matches up best against the Yankees and the A's.

[bosoxmal]

Why not this?

 

1. Betts RF

2. Beni LF

3. Bogey SS

4. JD DH

5. Devers 3B

6. JBJ CF

7. Holt 1B

8. Kinsler 2B

9. Leon C (w Sale & Price)/Vaz (w Porcello & Eovaldi/ERod)

That will work!!!

[Slasher9]

In the event of an injury we can make an immediate roster change. The only downside is that the change has to be for the entire series. At least that's the way I understand it.

 

And the injured player is ineligible to come back for the next series.

[oldtimer]

I wouldn't say that what pitchers do this series has no value, but I also don't think that a pitcher is going to win or lose a roster spot based solely on what he does this series either. Cora already has it pretty much figured out. If there are still any guys on the bubble, I suppose this series could be the deciding factor.

 

That said, we are not facing the Guardians in the ALDS. I think Cora already knows who matches up best against the Yankees and the A's.

 

Cuevas had an excellent showing last night. He has had good stuff, better than many others but my question about him was he experienced enough and calm enough to be able to deliver. He probably won't make it to the post season but he is head and shoulders above Hembree, Scott, Pomeranz and Thornburg.

[S5Dewey]

And the injured player is ineligible to come back for the next series.

 

Ouch! I wasn't aware of that. Thanks.

[notin]

In the event of an injury we can make an immediate roster change. The only downside is that the change has to be for the entire series. At least that's the way I understand it.

 

And the next series as well. It’s a big deal...

[notin]

Cuevas had an excellent showing last night. He has had good stuff, better than many others but my question about him was he experienced enough and calm enough to be able to deliver. He probably won't make it to the post season but he is head and shoulders above Hembree, Scott, Pomeranz and Thornburg.

 

 

Based on what?

 

He's thrown 16 innings this year and before last night, was not particularly effective in nearly all of them. Going into last night's game, he had thrown 11 innings with an ERA of 5.56 and a WHIP of 1.68. and of those 11, only one was a 1-2-3 inning.

 

He's light years behind Hembree and Thornburg and it's debatable if he is even more effective than Pomeranz right now...

[moonslav59]

Based on what?

 

He's thrown 16 innings this year and before last night, was not particularly effective in nearly all of them. Going into last night's game, he had thrown 11 innings with an ERA of 5.56 and a WHIP of 1.68. and of those 11, only one was a 1-2-3 inning.

 

He's light years behind Hembree and Thornburg and it's debatable if he is even more effective than Pomeranz right now...

 

I never ceases to amaze me how people are convinced on something over a one game sample size.

[oldtimer]

I never ceases to amaze me how people are convinced on something over a one game sample size.

 

All you have to do is to watch the games in action. Hembree has been bad and so has Thornburg. Pomeranz has nothing left and has been very ineffective and Scott doesn't get it done. At least with Cuevas, he has the stuff to be an effective pitcher. You guys that want to denigrate those who watch the games carefully and fall back on a constant litany of stats do yourselves a disservice

[notin]

All you have to do is to watch the games in action. Hembree has been bad and so has Thornburg. Pomeranz has nothing left and has been very ineffective and Scott doesn't get it done. At least with Cuevas, he has the stuff to be an effective pitcher. You guys that want to denigrate those who watch the games carefully and fall back on a constant litany of stats do yourselves a disservice

 

The entire point is it was one game from Cuevas, and against a team not really playing for anything. Did you watch his other games this year? He was pretty weak all year in the other games we all watched.

 

Hembree has been pretty bad for a couple months, but also gave the Sox 3 very good months before that. But really, before last night, what has Cuevas done?

 

And you people who watch the games always assume those of us who know the stats don't watch. Why is that? All I did was ask you what was it about Cuevas you liked? So far, the answer is, he had one good outing. Is that correct?

[moonslav59]

All you have to do is to watch the games in action. Hembree has been bad and so has Thornburg. Pomeranz has nothing left and has been very ineffective and Scott doesn't get it done. At least with Cuevas, he has the stuff to be an effective pitcher. You guys that want to denigrate those who watch the games carefully and fall back on a constant litany of stats do yourselves a disservice

 

I respectfully, disagree. Yes, Hembree, Pom, Thornburg and others have sucked lately, but Cuevas sucked just a few days and weeks ago.

 

Do you really think Cuevas deserves to go based on 1 game?

 

I'm fine with Hembree, Pom & Thornburg not going, but not for Cuevas.

 

BTW, all of those 3 can pitch. They just suck right now.

[iortiz]

I respectfully, disagree. Yes, Hembree, Pom, Thornburg and others have sucked lately, but Cuevas sucked just a few days and weeks ago.

 

Do you really think Cuevas deserves to go based on 1 game?

 

I'm fine with Hembree, Pom & Thornburg not going, but not for Cuevas.

 

BTW, all of those 3 can pitch. They just suck right now.

 

I think Cora has been inconsistent a bit with the resting thing.

 

Hembree and Thornburg could come back next year, but they are done like a month ago to make

the POs. Pom? IMO he has been done months ago and will not come back next year.

 

Regarding Cuevas, I think he has an interesting upside for next year, he is still young isn’t he?

 

Said that,’Cora is a great manager, but even great managers don’t make sense at times.

[notin]

I respectfully, disagree. Yes, Hembree, Pom, Thornburg and others have sucked lately, but Cuevas sucked just a few days and weeks ago.

 

Do you really think Cuevas deserves to go based on 1 game?

 

I'm fine with Hembree, Pom & Thornburg not going, but not for Cuevas.

 

BTW, all of those 3 can pitch. They just suck right now.

 

It's much more likely all 4 are left off the roster than Cuevas being placed on it.

 

If Cora goes with an 8-man bullpen, Kimbrel, Brasier, Wright, Kelly, Workman, Velasquez, ERod, and Barnes is a likely set. Johnson and/or Poyner might eliminate someone from that list. Cuevas is a few injuries away from entering the conversation...

[moonslav59]

I think Cora has been inconsistent a bit with the resting thing.

 

Hembree and Thornburg could come back next year, but they are done like a month ago to make

the POs. Pom? IMO he has been done months ago and will not come back next year.

 

Regarding Cuevas, I think he has an interesting upside for next year, he is still young isn’t he?

 

Said that,’Cora is a great manager, but even great managers don’t make sense at times.

 

I wouldn't have Pom or Thornburg on the PO roster.

 

I can see having Hembree, but I'd rather have Velazquez or Johnson.

 

My 11 pitchers would be ...

Starters:

Sale

Price

Porcello

Eovaldi

 

Long Relief/Middle men:

ERod

Wright

 

Set-Up:

Brasier

Barnes

Workman

 

Closer:

Kimbrel

 

Plus 1: (My order)

1. Poyner

2. Velazquez

3. Johnson

4. Hembree

5. Kelly

6. Scott

7. Cuevas

8. Thornburg

9. Pom

[Kimmi]

Cuevas had an excellent showing last night. He has had good stuff, better than many others but my question about him was he experienced enough and calm enough to be able to deliver. He probably won't make it to the post season but he is head and shoulders above Hembree, Scott, Pomeranz and Thornburg.

 

As I've mentioned before, Cora pretty much already knows what direction he's heading in. While Cuevas was very strong last night, I can't see that swaying Cora one way or another.

 

Cora did say he was going to start using Wright in situations where there is traffic on the bases. That idea makes me nervous, but perhaps Wright will be better at stranding those runners than some of our other relievers have been.

[moonslav59]

As I've mentioned before, Cora pretty much already knows what direction he's heading in. While Cuevas was very strong last night, I can't see that swaying Cora one way or another.

 

Cora did say he was going to start using Wright in situations where there is traffic on the bases. That idea makes me nervous, but perhaps Wright will be better at stranding those runners than some of our other relievers have been.

 

I feel better bringing Wright in with men on base than anyone but Kimbrel and maybe Brasier.

[iortiz]

I wouldn't have Pom or Thornburg on the PO roster.

 

I can see having Hembree, but I'd rather have Velazquez or Johnson.

 

My 11 pitchers would be ...

Starters:

Sale

Price

Porcello

Eovaldi

 

Long Relief/Middle men:

ERod

Wright

 

Set-Up:

Brasier

Barnes

Workman

 

Closer:

Kimbrel

 

Plus 1: (My order)

1. Poyner

2. Velazquez

3. Johnson

4. Hembree

5. Kelly

6. Scott

7. Cuevas

8. Thornburg

9. Pom

I concur 100% with this. I’ll be surprised if Poyner doesn’t make it and someone of your 2-9 does.