Who should start NLCS Game 1?

[Benjamin Grimm]

Who would you like to see start Game One on Sunday?



I realize we don't know our opponent yet, so that may be a factor. But based just on what we know about the Mets pitchers, who would you go with?

[Gwreck]

I go Severino 1, Manaea 2. That way they each go on an extra day's rest.

[Edgy MD]

With six workable starters, they can pair them off in a three-game rotation. Each starter has a backup available if his partner falters early.



Also making that an appealing scenario is that the team is working with three righties (Megill, Senga, Severino) and three lefties (Manaea, Peterson, Quintana), so midgame switches can futz up lineup decisions that had been made on a lefty/righty basis.

[metirish]

=Gwreck post_id=175290 time=1728592057 user_id=56]
I go Severino 1, Manaea 2. That way they each go on an extra day's rest.

[Frayed Knot]

It's possible we do get that one - two but with Senga as an 'opener' for two innings or so in one of them. That way when Severino, say, is hopefully finishing up his strong six the game would already be in the 8th before you have to tap into the regular part of the pen.



But however it plays out, I agree that those two should be the main attraction.

[Fman99]

I presume we'll get Senga as the game 1 opener, again, and then Sevvy->Manaea->Quintana for games 2 through 4. With Megill & Peterson in combination as long men/following the ghost forker

[Benjamin Grimm]

I expect Senga would be allowed a larger pitch count in his next start.

[Gwreck]

The reason I don't go Senga in game 1 is that Peterson might be more useful as a reliever in games 1/2 (or even 3). And if you don't need him, then he backs Senga in game 3 or 4.

[MFS62]

I like Senga because he throws different pitches than any other starter the opponent might see, and that could mess up their swings into at least the second game.



Later

[roger_that]

I like the wacky option of a L/R 3-man rotation. Immediately, it removes 99% of pressure on the bullpen, which in turn means you can keep both McNeil and Acuna on the roster and drop some reliever (Ottavino?) who may not see action anyway. But the L/R thing really screws up the opposition's lineup, and you don't even have to pull the opening starter early if he's doing ok and feels good. You might pull him after 2 innings, but maybe you let him go for 4 or 5, depending. What would such a rotation look like, do you suppose? Which combo first, second, and third? Start a lefty consistently? I'd probably go for a righty opener, and then bring in the lefty guns for the middle innings, and then righties out of the pen.

[batmagadanleadoff]

I'd start a lefty. Unless I was starting a righty. Or I'd start a righty. Unless I was starting a lefty. I'd also like to wait until Saturday to see how my pitchers are feeling it. It would also help a lot to know who the hell the Mets are playing. I'm so wacky.

[batmagadanleadoff]

=roger_that post_id=175323 time=1728608994 user_id=128]Which combo first, second, and third? Start a lefty consistently? I'd probably go for a righty opener, and then bring in the lefty guns for the middle innings, and then righties out of the pen.

[kcmets]

I voted Senga. Do I get a sticker to put on my sweatshirt?

[roger_that]

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=175326 time=1728610007 user_id=68]
=roger_that post_id=175323 time=1728608994 user_id=128]Which combo first, second, and third? Start a lefty consistently? I'd probably go for a righty opener, and then bring in the lefty guns for the middle innings, and then righties out of the pen.

[Centerfield]

I was thinking Senga should have thrown a simulated game yesterday to get stretched out a bit. I guess he can even do it today. That allows him to go longer in game 3 if he gets the start.

[batmagadanleadoff]

=roger_that post_id=175334 time=1728637804 user_id=128]
=batmagadanleadoff post_id=175326 time=1728610007 user_id=68]
=roger_that post_id=175323 time=1728608994 user_id=128]Which combo first, second, and third? Start a lefty consistently? I'd probably go for a righty opener, and then bring in the lefty guns for the middle innings, and then righties out of the pen.

[metirish]

Per Martino it is looking like Senga will start game one ( he blocked me years ago, but another account tweeted it )

[MFS62]

=metirish post_id=175385 time=1728682364 user_id=72]
... ( he blocked me years ago, but another account tweeted it )