The Rays just announced their rotation for the ALDS and, as I predicted Friday
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
, James Shields will get the ball in game 2 to keep him on regular rest and to keep him from pitching in that homer launching pad in the heart of Texas.
The full lineup:
1. Price
2. Shields
3. Garza
4. Davis
5. Price
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Mark,
I like the headline about you being in Maddon’s dome, but I think as we enter the playoffs the issue is James Shields being in his own head. I mean he puts up a front to the media about expecting to get the ball, but the fact is he has been brutal more times than not this year. I can’t imagine any scenario where he should be on the playoff roster let alone get the ball in a pivotal game two. I have been a proponent of a three man rotation but if I have to go to a fourth it has to be Jeff Niemann or Jeremy Hellickson. You have made mention of Maddon’s blind loyalty to a fault and this certainly seems to be the case. All year we have been told how this was the year because after 2010 the payroll was going down so if that much is riding on this playoff run, why are we not putting out best foot forward? I would like to go into the fight with our best.
I don’t think Hellickson got any real consideration. They only made a half-hearted effort to make him into a reliever and, when it was clear that wasn’t going to work, they effectively shut him down to limit his inning overage. I doubt he’ll even make the postseason roster. As for Niemann, I am torn as to whether he is a better option than Shields for that 4th rotation spot but, ultimately, side with Shields because he strikes out more hitters.
Look at the bright side, a Shields start in Game 2 means he cannot be the starter in Games 3 or 4. Score!
The insanity continues…inside Maddon’s dome…please. If the Rays drop game 1 with Price chucking, they’re done, because they will head to Arlington down 2-0. Having Shield’s anywhere near the starting rotation for the playoff’s is a joke….the league has his number and treats him like a BP pitcher…home run derby! No, Joe is being blinded by his “loyalty” thing….what about some loyalty to the fans? Dump Shields for Niemann ay day. Any if we do leave Tampa down 2-0, my money is on Price going in game 4.
I understand the frustration, trust me, but this was a layup to predict. Maybe I am a little more worried than I let on but, in the end, I suppose I really don’t want to see Jeff Niemann and his rattled confidence pitch in the playoffs. That feels like two walks and a three-run bomb.
Mark….I’d go with Neimann…the kid’s thrown well his last three times out and he’s a bull dog…the whole Texan attitude and all. If yoou’re worried about a 3-run dinger from Niemann, I’m more worried about multiple dingers from Shields.
I thought about that too but, unlike the regular season, I doubt Jamie gets a chance to throw a second gofer ball. They’ll be into Niemann or the the other parts of the ‘pen before then. Especially now.
I would love to know what the front office knows. I can’t help but give them a pass, because like most of the town I was frantic last year when we “gave away” Kazmir while we were “in the hunt”.
First I saw what has happened to him since we let him go…whew.
Then I see how what we got worked out for us…yesssssss.
So there has got to be something in there that they believe in, because Kaz was as much or more a part of the team’s transition from worst-to-first as Shields, but Shields is being given such a huge leash. I’m certainly scared stiff right now, and I totally agree with Larry, if Price loses I’m going to be downright terrified about our chances in the ALDS.
Merf,
It is funny that you mention Kaz because I was begging the team to flip him for a long time — correctly predicting that we had seen his best days and his little body and violent delivery did not add up to long term success — and I was upset at the trade, not because we were in the hunt, but because I figured we got low-value by waiting too long. Guess we were both pleasantly wrong on that.
Unlike Kaz, Shields strikes me as a guy that is going to be a mainstay for someone for a long time. I am still pretty confident that we are going to try and deal him this winter (Please note: The Mets are begging to interview former Rays Farm Director, and current Marlins executive, Dan Johnson for their GM job. I already thought Shields for Ike Davis was a good possibility. If they hire DJ, that deal is done because DJ loves acquiring guys he drafted.) but he will be strong this week. He better be.
Attendance will get better over the summer now that school is out and some big Yankees and Red Sox series are coming to town. We have not had many of the big league matchups in town much this season up to this point. Sternberg knows that but he’ll continue to campaign for the new stadium using what he can until he gets some movement from some city or investing group, and who can blame him? He can’t stay where he is now forever….