Rays throw a curveball

[markedman5]

 

[wildcat83]

I think this has more to do with getting Rasmussen matched up with someone that is not Misorowski.  He's still available to throw the same number of times in the series, and they don't risk wasting a good start if Miz has a great one.  I always liked this strategy if the opponent had a true ace.  Throw a wildcard against their ace, and throw your ace against their number 2.  They are probably viewing a split in Milwaukee as a victory overall.

 

Martinez has pretty strong road splits as well, much better on the road than at home, and this gets Freddy away from starting in Milwaukee.  There are a lot of positives from the TB point of view.

[thammondwis]

Interesting strategy.  Would the Brewers swapping Gasser and Henderson be a good counter strategy?

[sobomp3]

1 minute ago, thammondwis said:

Interesting strategy.  Would the Brewers swapping Gasser and Henderson be a good counter strategy?

First thing that popped in my mind!

[Jim French Stepstool]

14 minutes ago, wildcat83 said:

I think this has more to do with getting Rasmussen matched up with someone that is not Misorowski.  He's still available to throw the same number of times in the series, and they don't risk wasting a good start if Miz has a great one.  I always liked this strategy if the opponent had a true ace.  Throw a wildcard against their ace, and throw your ace against their number 2.  They are probably viewing a split in Milwaukee as a victory overall.

 

Martinez has pretty strong road splits as well, much better on the road than at home, and this gets Freddy away from starting in Milwaukee.  There are a lot of positives from the TB point of view.

I thought something might be up when they resisted naming a starter despite Rasmussen being available. And I think your theories as to the reasons behind it are spot-on.

[Team Canada]

4 minutes ago, thammondwis said:

Interesting strategy.  Would the Brewers swapping Gasser and Henderson be a good counter strategy?

Other than rest reasons, I can't imagine wanting to do anything other than pitch your best pitchers as much as possible. I'm getting Miz and Henderson their 2 games apiece (if necessary) and throwing them for however many their arms are good for in G7 if needed.

[Jim French Stepstool]

3 minutes ago, thammondwis said:

Interesting strategy.  Would the Brewers swapping Gasser and Henderson be a good counter strategy?

Maybe, but that guarantees Henderson one start, and most likely only one other & then only if there's a 7th game. I think they stick with Misiorowski & Henderson for the first two.

[thammondwis]

2 minutes ago, Team Canada said:

Other than rest reasons, I can't imagine wanting to do anything other than pitch your best pitchers as much as possible. If Freddy only ends up pitching 1 game because the series ends in 6, I think they'll regret it.

True, If they don't win both GM's 2 AND 3 they have put themselves in a BIG hole.

[thammondwis]

7 minutes ago, Team Canada said:

Other than rest reasons, I can't imagine wanting to do anything other than pitch your best pitchers as much as possible. I'm getting Miz and Henderson their 2 games apiece (if necessary) and throwing them for however many their arms are good for in G7 if needed.

The more I think about it, the more it looks like a desperation move for a team that thinks the're outmatched.

[MrTPlush]

Miz hasn’t even pitched that good, what a weird move…and kinda insulting to Rasmussen.

[82brewcrew82]

20 minutes ago, thammondwis said:

The more I think about it, the more it looks like a desperation move for a team that thinks the're outmatched.

This was my thought.  They are reacting to a team they know is better than they are.  Only two reasons you do this if you are the Rays.  Either Rasmussen and Peralta actually need more rest or you are trying to manufacture an advantage.

[Frisbee Slider]

Miz and Henderson in game 1 and 2. We are fortunate to have Gasser for game 3. And plenty of LHP in the bullpen for middle innings.

Gasser matches up just fine against the Rays. 

[markedman5]

 

[formerlybis]

I don't see any desperation - seems like a solid move to me. The point is to win more games than the other team, and this kind of makes them a favorite to win 2 of the first 3, I would think, Unconventional, perhaps, but thoughtful.