If Scherzer hadn't pitched in Game 5...

by Muttcutts on Oct 7, 2011 3:57 PM EDT

As we watched the Tigers pull of an epic Game 5 win, my friend couldn't help but express disappointment in the fact that Max Scherzer was used in relief. I'm curious to hear what people have to say about this, considering it basically guarantees porcello two starts in the alcs including game two:

Likely starters for ALCS:

Game 1 on 10/8 - Verlander, Game 2 on 10/9 - Porcello, Game 3 on 10/11 - Fister, Game 4 on 10/12 - Scherzer, Game 5 on 10/13 - Verlander, Game 6 on 10/15 - Porcello, Game 7 on 10/16 - Fister

Now, let's play devil's advocate for a moment. Let's say Jim stuck with Fister in the 6th and he got through to Benoit in the 7th and 8th. How would the rotation look for the ALCS?

Game 1 on 10/8 - Verlander, Game 2 on 10/9 - Scherzer, Game 3 on 10/11 - Fister, Game 4 on 10/12 - Porcello, Game 5 on 10/13 - Verlander, Game 6 on 10/15 - Scherzer, Game 7 on 10/16 - Fister

Clearly a better situation. Will it come back to bite us though? Both Porcello's starts are on the road. Whatever. A win is a win right? Max came in and did a good job in relief, but are we regretting his use today now that we now he'll only get one start in ALCS?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff.

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Scherzer in Game 2

As Max only through 32 pitches last night, I would not be surprised to see him back in game 2 on three days rest sort of like Verlander did. Then your second scenario looks realistic

by Gwangi on Oct 7, 2011 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

dallas reporter

a dallas writer is reporting that the first scenario is our rotation for the series, though he could just be speculating. obviously, leyland hasn’t said anything.

by Muttcutts on Oct 7, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I have no regrets

I had doubts about putting Max in when JL did, and taking Max out when he did, but it’s all good now. Both Rick and Max have gotta keep the ball in the park and they’ll both be fine. Kid Rick struggled a bit in game 4, but three of his five hits were not hit hard. Two past diving Jhonny’s glove and one squibber off the bat of Gardner to short left field in front of Delmon.

I don't care what the Chinese say, 2011 is the Year of the Tiger!

by Tigerdog1 on Oct 7, 2011 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

I felt most comfortable when Scherzer was in that game

I’m not sure why, but Fister seemed like he was reeling much of the time. Scherzer seemed completely in control of the game. My heart needed the break so I’m glad he was in there.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981

by momotigers on Oct 7, 2011 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Me too

I don’t think we’d be discussing any of this if Max hadn’t pitched last night.

"i think it will be mostly feast the rest of the year,"

by Honeyman on Oct 7, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Fister was fine

The Yankee lineup is what scared me. Max was more likely to serve up a gopher ball, IMO. That’s his history. Coke and Perry warming up in the pen had my stomach in knots.

I don't care what the Chinese say, 2011 is the Year of the Tiger!

by Tigerdog1 on Oct 7, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

my sentiments exactly

fister had a four pitch 1-2-3 inning in the 5th. he was 92 pitches deep. i felt he would go back out there, but leyland went to scherzer and it worked out. good job, skip. that’s why you’re the manager and i’m the guy watching in on television.

by Muttcutts on Oct 7, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

To piggback on your title

“If Scherzer hadn’t pitched in game 5…” the Tigers would probably be golfing tomorrow.

Detroit4Lyfe

by Rob Rogacki on Oct 7, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz

"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching

Contributor, Bless You Boys

by David Tokarz on Oct 7, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's imagine Fister didn't get through the 6th!

You can play what if all day but it does nothing and I like the outcome of Scherzer pitching. I’ll take it.

I have a grand idea: let's win a game.

by 13194013 on Oct 7, 2011 5:28 PM EDT reply actions

i applaud the outcome obviously...

it’s just interesting that the playoffs causes managers to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do. for instance, girardi’s pitching roulette he had going on early. does anyone really think nova was “hurt”?

by Muttcutts on Oct 7, 2011 5:58 PM EDT reply actions

Nova had an MRI

that revealed a grade 1 forearm strain. Long story short: ice it and it heals in a week.

Detroit4Lyfe

by Rob Rogacki on Oct 7, 2011 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Looks like he's going lefty for awhile.

I have a grand idea: let's win a game.

by 13194013 on Oct 7, 2011 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

tigers agree with me

scherzer starting game 2. i’m glad they decided to go that route.

by Muttcutts on Oct 7, 2011 7:27 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

If Max can keep his mechanics in check he has the best stuff on the team next to JV. He is pitching well so far in the playoffs, I would keep on riding the hot hand until it turns cold.

by wilsonm24 on Oct 7, 2011 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Make of it what you will, this should be an excellent series by two classy teams.

April 11-13 in Detroit:
Tex 2-0, Det 5-4, Det 3-2. Total runs Det 8, Tex 8
Jun 6-8 in Arlington:
Det 13-7, Det 8-1, Tex 7-3. Total runs Det 24, Tex 15
Aug 2-4 in Detroit:
Det 6-5, Det 5-4, Tex 5-2. Total runs Det 13, Tex 14

1 run games: Detroit 4-0. Both teams 4+ Detroit 4-0.

The Roar Restored!!! Go Tigers!!!

by eromnek on Oct 8, 2011 8:45 AM EDT reply actions