Archive of SportingNews.com's old SOM Baseball forum

I have two starters who can go on three days rest, and three can go on four.

Am I forced to start the three dayers Game 1 and 2 in the semi finals. I'd rather start the second guy in my fourth semi-finals game, if there is one. But I think that would cause problems later in the week if I make the final.

Anyone have any ideas on playoff rotation strategy?

By using the "Per-Game Starters" function, you can have anyone start that you want, given that they will have appropriate rest. I believe the only person who cannot start game 1 is the guy who started game 162 of the regular season. You want your game 1 starter (if he is a four day starter) to be your ace so that he can come back in game 5. Everyone else will only pitch once in the series, so then it's just important to have the matchups right.

Hope this helps!

Go with your top S* pitcher in game 1 of the semi-finals so he can pitch again in game 5. Beyond that your rotation doesn't matter. All SP can only pitch no more than 2 games in the Finals anyway.

AeroDave is right about making sure your top S* doesn't pitch in game 162 or he won't be available in game 1 of the playoffs. However if you have NOT clinched a playoff spot before your last series you should go ahead and use your best pitcher in game 162 because if you don't make the playoffs you would have nothing to save him for anyway.

Just like the said, start you best * SP in game 1 so they can also pitch game 5.

But what I do is then pitch your 2nd best pitcher in game 3. The reason, bullpen management. Since your RP's can only go 2 games in a row, you want your game 3 starter to be your next best and last as long as possible to give your pen a break for the next 2 possible games.

I wouldn't turn my back on the best match up pitcher in game 1.....mainly if you are on the road.

I know this is a situational application but I would rather have ....say...Willis pitch Game 1 on the road in PNC vs a line up of 5+ LHH than Webb.

Thanks !