Here is a brief, almost random rundown on some matchups that the Angels are best left to closely examine before they face the Yankees on Friday night for game 1 of the ALCS. As my Yankee-loving friend Roy Grillo said the other day on Facebook: We guarantee that Alfonso Soriano doesn't take the field in this series.
Hideki Matsui versus:
Joe Saunders: 1 for 1, 1 HR
Jason Bulger: 1 for 2, 1 HR
Godzilla can bang Lefties and Righties.
Derek Jeter versus:
Ervin Santana: 10 for 23, 2 HR
Joe Saunders: 7 for 15, 1 HR
John Lackey: 15 for 44, 1 HR
Probably Definitely more annoying to opposing pitchers than Figgins has been lately...
Alex Rodriguez versus:
Jered Weaver: 5 for 15, 4 HR
Joe Saunders: 7 for 14, 2 HR
Brian Fuentes: 1 for 2, 1 HR
Jason Bulger: 1 for 1, 1 HR
Probably want to avoid throwing fastballs down the middle or hanging a curveball on a tee.
0 recs | 27 comments
Fly-ball staff vs the Yankees...
…hmmm.
We’re going to need to score a few runs.
Didn’t we beat Sabathia twice so far this year? Could we make it 5?
The Limey - October 13, 2009
Yankees SPs vs the Angels
Pettitt 12-10 4.70 (he only has a worse ERA vs the Giants and Rangers)
Burnett 2-2 4.43
Lard-arse 5-7 4.72
These three can be got at.
The Limey - October 13, 2009
This is ominous
Slyintine - October 13, 2009
I picked the last one.
Just because I couldn’t make up my mind. Good arguments with Weav, Kaz, and the Colonel. Hard not to start our ace and see how it goes. Very tough call. That is what we pay Soth the big bucks for though, right??
matthiasstephan - October 13, 2009
If Swisher can have a perfect ERA, why not Q? CGSO.
Okay, I think Lackey/Kaz is the way to go, but that didn’t stop be from picking the awesomeness of choice number four.
AlanFalcon - October 13, 2009
It was awesome, wasn't it? I had to go with 4 also.
opiejeanne - October 13, 2009
I'm going with Lackey and then Kaz.
They’ve both got the playoff expereience over Weav. Also I feel more comfortable with Qeav pitching at home instea of that little league field.
angelskid2210 - October 13, 2009 via mobile
Lackey and Saunders
Fred Fredrix - October 13, 2009
agreed
hk47 - October 13, 2009
That's what I think
Save Weaver for game 3 at home. Keep the option of going with a 3-man rotation, in which case Kazmir will be more effective out of the pen than Saunders. Saunders is more of a groundball pitcher than Kazmir, who doesn’t look like he has his best stuff (FB velocity was way down on Sunday).
Gorbachav5 - October 13, 2009
I think you definitely want a lefty in Yankee stadium.
red floyd - October 13, 2009
More than anyone else on the Empire's team, Matsui scares the hell out of me.
More than A-roid (though if Fatolo were still pitching for us, that would be a different thing).
red floyd - October 13, 2009
the key is keeping this Offense under control, keep them to 3-4 runs a game and let the pitching do the rest.
www.lockerblogger.com
sethtwo1 - October 13, 2009
Your website is kind of weird.
44FAN - October 13, 2009
Weaver and Kaz...
Kaz didnt pich so hot in Fenway but then again, who really does? With Weaver’s knack for the flyball, it would be better to save him for Game 3 in Anaheim.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - October 13, 2009
i say we go with lackey and kaz.
one of those two has gotta give us a win over there, right?
retrohalo - October 13, 2009
I think I'd go with Lackey and Saunders
First of all Saunders has looked solid since his return. Secondly, these are the two least fly-ball prone starting pitchers we have according to Fangraphs, with the added benefit that The Colonel is a southpaw. Because of the extra day’s rest at home, Weaver, Saunders, Kazmir would all be available for game 7 if required (I think, assuming Weaver and Kazmir pitch 3 & 4).
The Limey - October 13, 2009
Yep
I agree – this is the way to go.
Gorbachav5 - October 13, 2009
agreed
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009
In fact let me refine:
1. Lackey
2. Saunders
3. Kazmir
4. Weaver
5. Lackey
6. Saunders
7. Kazmir
3/4 LHP starts in NY, 3/4 GB pitcher starts in NY, Weaver available for Game 7 on normal rest if Kazmir starts looking shaky. Our 3 top guys all get a start at the Big A.
The Limey - October 13, 2009
That is a persuasive argument
Love that lineup … +1
Rev Halofan - October 13, 2009
And this is worth looking at too...
Saunders last 9 starts, 8-0, ERA 2.55 (calculated on the back of a cigarette packet, so might be wrong) including 8 1/3 vs NYY for the win.
The closer you look, the better it seems.
The Limey - October 13, 2009
Can you call Mike Scioscia...
let him know HH has come to consensus on this rotation, and he make it happen.
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009
*...he needs to make it happen
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009
I gotta go with Weaver in 3 and 7
Fred Fredrix - October 13, 2009
Tough calls all around
That game 3 start time is a real pos, puts M. Layer on the bench.
Quinlan's Goofy Swing - October 14, 2009
It's like they're trying to neutralize whatever advantage playing on their home field gives the LA teams.
Why couldn’t they swap the start times for games 2 and 3? That way they have a 4PM start in NY and PHI, without penalizing the west coast teams.
red floyd - October 14, 2009
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