num_nut wrote:

seems odd D. Reynolds got start against RH? 
now he scored a run (view game channel)

2 for 3 with an RBI

forsberg_us wrote:

If Garcia finishes the season healthy, they have to pick up his option, don't they? He was almost unhittable.

No question about it.  He has been near unhittable all season.  If i had to pick a game one playoff starter it would be him.  Then Martinez and wacha...not sure about game 4.  Leaning toward lackey because he is so steady.

Depending on how heyward resigning goes I wouldn't mind seeing lynn traded.  Id think he would have pretty good value.   The possiblity of resigning lackey exist.  I also think maro and cooney do offer protection.  Im not dead set on the idea but it is nice to have options.

VEB has an article on Martinez workload.  Author Nick Lampe had this to say ". Barring an injury, though, I think there is a very real chance that the Cardinals put Martinez in the bullpen if they make the playoffs."

I dont see how that is possible.  I see lqckey and lynn as the bottom 2 starters as far as putting out a dominant playoff preformance.  My thoughts on starters and my playoff order based off of how pitchers are throwing now.

Garcia- pure shut down stuff.  It seems when healthy he is a lock.

Martinez- his stuff is dominate.  When he is on he is like garcia in that he matches up with any ace in the league.

Wacha- im less impressed with his shut down ability then the first two.  Doesnt seem to be quite as dominant quite as often.  Not knocking him, just saying I think he comes in third.

Lackey/lynn-  idk which one to pick.  Both are similar.   Im leaning towars lackey because he seems to always do the same thing.  6 innings 3 runs.  He can throw to a shitty team and preform that way.  I think if he faced the 98 yankees and have the same results.  With the cardinals bullpen 6 innings is good enough to stay in any game.  Having said that lynn isnt much different.

JV wrote:

In past years I'd take Lackey's consistency over Lynn's potential, but this year Lynn has had very few crappy starts, so it's a tougher call. Still, it's hard to keep Lackey out of a playoff rotation with what he's done this year despite a little less success in his last two starts - both on the road. And if they're really that concerned about Martinez' and Wacha's innings, maybe Lackey for at least one home start per series with one of those two skipping a start makes sense.

I agree.  They need to give lyons and cooney some starts.  In September when the roster expands it will be easier to carry an extra starter on the roster.  It wouldnt hurt to skip them now tho.  One thing u dont want to do is going into the playoffs with a lack of hunger.  Ao if they give them extra time it needs to be ao they can still get a couple starts before the playoffs.

One other thing about Martinez, I think his youth and enthusiasm is infectious and really good for the team. He's always among the most excited when something goes well. Even something as silly as his stacking the cups and the rest of the dugout trying to knock them down keeps things light. I bet his teammates really like him.

forsberg_us wrote:

I suspect Matheny would go with Lynn, Lackey, Garcia and Wacha.

 

That would be a horrible missed opportunit to not start martinez.