If O's play wild card game, who starts?

Post #1 by **Jordan Tuwiner** » September 27th, 2012, 11:06 am

I'm all for taking this season day by day, but I think it's important to think about who would start if the O's fail to win the division and are forced into the one game playoff.

At this point I'm thinking Miguel Gonzalez or Chris Tillman. Gonzalez has pitched well in so many big games and is consistent.

I'm still a bit concerned with Chen and Hammel may not be ready.

Post #2 by **osforlife** » September 27th, 2012, 12:27 pm

Steve Johnson

But I'd have to say Gonzalez. He's been great all year and keeps his poise. I don't think the pressure of the sitaution will get to him.

Post #3 by **birdwatcher55** » September 27th, 2012, 12:45 pm

Ditto on Gonzo but got a feeling it's going to be Tillman if we make it in 8-)

Post #4 by **Matt P** » September 27th, 2012, 1:20 pm

Tillman has the best stuff of the remaining starters and he will have an extra 2 days rest.

In a perfect world the O's don't need to use any top relievers in the pen on Wednesday and they will all be rested for Friday. That way if Tillman gets into an trouble regardless of inning they can turn the game into a bullpen game.

Post #5 by **ofahn** » September 27th, 2012, 3:57 pm

Tillman has the best stuff, but I see Gonzalez as less susceptible to pressure. Since we can configure the line up for just THAT game we should have at least one long man to back up the starter.

Post #6 by **LA Detective** » September 27th, 2012, 7:10 pm

I think it will be Tilman due to his turn in the rotation for the most part...Chen would have to start Sat on 4 days rest and then back on 4 days rest for the WC game...big mistake..I would like to see Saunders start Sunday and Chen pushed to Mon for 6 days rest and go into the playoffs Chen pitching game 3 on 7 days rest...I think thats the only way to get a great game out of him. Gonzo will prob be due to pitch next Tue and would only pitch the WC game if Tue and Wed mean nothing which is doubtful that at least Tues doesnt mean someithing.... TIlman could pitch Wed if it was must win but I think it wont be..If Johnson starts this Sat then he would be the next option....If Hammel said he was 100% ready, i would start him that day. 50/50 shot on that..My answer in prefrence would be Hammel, Johnson, Gonzo, Tilman but Buck wouldnt start Johnson on such an important game unless he absoluetly had to...Each of those options could pitch a great 5 innings on that day then the BP can take over.

Post #7 by **A_K** » September 27th, 2012, 7:13 pm

Tillman, and he only goes past three innings if he's pitching an absolute gem and looks like something special. Otherwise, let him get 9 outs and turn the game over to the bullpen, where there should they should aggressively target matchups. Patton, Matusz, O'Day, Strop, J. Johnson, Arrieta, Hunter, S. Johnson should all pitch.

Post #8 by **Rising O's** » September 27th, 2012, 8:10 pm

Probably Gonzalez but Tillman, Sanders could both get the nod too. Chen, has too many early inning problems, and you cannot get behind early in a 1 game playoff, the pressure is too great. I think Gonzalez falls into the same category too which is why I could see them going with one of the other two.

The Orioles are dead last in the AL in runs scored vs LHP. This is odd because they are upper middle in average, obp, slg and ops. The line-up needs to be scrutinized to maximize this performance so the runs are brought in and not left on base.

We're winning the division anyway

Post #9 by **Matt P** » September 27th, 2012, 9:04 pm

One thing Saunders has going for him is his "track record" against the A's.

Post **#10** by **ofahn** » September 28th, 2012, 7:07 am

Rising O's wrote:We're winning the division anyway

KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!

Post **#11** by **Matt P** » September 29th, 2012, 12:55 am

Tillman with 8 innings of 1 hit ball tonight. Lowering that season ERA to 2.78. The good thing is that as long as it's one of Tillman, Chen on 5+ days rest, or Gonzalez I won't be upset.

Post **#12** by **ofahn** » September 29th, 2012, 7:15 am

Tillman's normal rotation spot would be the last game of the season against Tampa Bay. Should they hold him back and pitch him on extra rest?

Post **#13** by **LA Detective** » September 29th, 2012, 1:31 pm

It depends on the magnitude of Wednesday's game...TIlman right now is our best and hottest starter...He is who we would want on the hill for a WC game unless it was a must win on Wed. And the extra day or two of rest would probably help him slightly.

Post **#14** by **Old Sneakers** » September 29th, 2012, 9:50 pm

Matt P wrote:Tillman with 8 innings of 1 hit ball tonight. Lowering that season ERA to 2.78. The good thing is that as long as it's one of Tillman, Chen on 5+ days rest, or Gonzalez I won't be upset.

What he said! He hit the nail on the head here. With ample rest it should not matter.

Post **#15** by **birdwatcher55** » October 3rd, 2012, 6:12 am

Hammel/Saunders Friday. Realistically everyone is on call for a batter or two 8-)

If O's play wild card game, who starts?

If O's play wild card game, who starts?

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