So what's the rotation for the Tampa series?

what would I do...? Heck I am scrambling at work to work out swaps, change days off and might even have to bang in sick a night or two to watch the ALCS.

Game 1: Dice-K.
Game 2: Beckett
Game 3: Lester
Game 4: Wakefield (and pray for blustery winds)
Game 5: Dice-K
Game 6: Lester
Game 7: Beckett

I figure the Red Sox will go with the extra pitcher, but Timlin's only role would be lowly mopup at this point. The game would have to be completely out of hand and his only job would be to absorb innings - a very undignified ending to a great career. Hopefully, he will not end up as the last man standing in a long extra-inning affair a la Gagne.

You forgot to list another intial option Tony
Beckett for game 1 on the road-normal rest
Lester for game 2 on the road-normal rest
Dice K for game 3 at home-longer rest but that was the norm in Japan for him
(Reply: Dismissed this as an option, only because it seems highly unlikely that Sox would pitch both Lester and Beckett on normal rest given the workload on the former and the injury concerns with the latter. Also, Matsuzaka would go NINE DAYS between starts, which is excessive even in Japan, where pitchers typically get six. But a valid question nonetheless.)

Got to give Wakefield a start in the dome, he's dominant there

It's simple:

Matsuzaka
Beckett
Lester
Wake or Byrd (Whichever of the two hasn't been used out of the pen yet if there are extra inning games, starter getting bombed out early, etc.)

I'm definitely with you here Mazz. I like Dice-K on the road, based mostly on this road record during the regular season. He still doesn't inspire as much confidence as you would want ot see for a Game 1 Starter, and I really wish Beckett were performing more like the usual Ace that he is. Dice-K is 1-0 against the Rays this year with that win coming at Home. He had 2 no decisions, too many walks at a 3.01 ERA. Still the scenario you painted is the best for the Sox.I like Lester at Home in Game 3, and ready on extra rest for Game 7 which I think we all know this one is most likely going.
Go Sox!

I'd start Wakefield in either Game 1 or 2, at the dome.
I'm cereal.

It's pretty simple ...

Game 1 = Josh
Game 2 = Jon
Game 3 = Dice-K

Go Sox!!!!

Makes sense to go with Dice-K in game one and Beckett in game two. Ditto for putting Velazquez on the shelf for that series and getting another arm in the pen. Yet, can Timlin really be depended upon in a difficult situation? I'd rather have a Byrd or even Wakefield coming out of the pen than Timlin. Mike has been a great pitcher for the sox, but in some respects, like Lowell, he's out of bullets.

Mazz! Not you too!------There is no TAMPA SERIES!-----There IS a Tampa BAY series, or a ST. PETE series. Good god, man. It's been eleven years! Don't you yet know where these games are played?

My rotation would be:

Becket
Lester
DiceK
Byrd

You want Dice-K on the road and lester at home, Dice has played much better away and lester is magical in fenway, so that makes sense. I think they should put aardsma over timlin, but its not the biggest of concerns, though if we make the WS I want timlin on the roster so he can come in a Drill manny, then he can have dead arm and they pull him out and put lowell in if hes better or put it aardsma

Geography nitpicking (Tampa vs. Tampa Bay) is even worse than the crybabies whining about how terrible Francona's managerial decisions are...

The shocks/struts are straining on the bandwagon this morning with all the "fans" jumping back on.

Knowing Francona's loyalty to the folks who got you here.....take note on that, Red Sox Nation...........if the clinching game is a blow out ( see game 7 2004 LCS as an example) look for Timlin on the mound for the final out.

Like Billy Beane, Wake's [stuff ] doesn't work in the post season. I was in Fenway for Game 3 against Cleveland in '95, when the Indians rocked him after his first and still his best season. It was a miserable wet night, with temps in the 50s, and he just didn't have it. So it's got to be Byrd in Game 4, and Wake as long relief in the dome. Though we're not going to need long relief.

Beckett should pitch Game 1 and Game 5. These are the two most important games in the series -- Game 1 sets the tone and can swing home field advantage in our favor and Game 5 is usually the most pivotal game in a 7 game series (you're either facing elimination 1-3, able to close it out 3-1, or breaking a 2-2 tie).

One mediocre game isn't enough to push Beckett out of that role.

Its pretty simple. You go with Beckett, Lester, Dice-k, Byrd. If you do it this way and Beckett is actually hurting and can't go for his next start then you have Lester pitch game 5 on normal rest, Dice-K game 6 on normal rest and have Wakefield if game 7 happens. If you pitch Beckett any game besides game 1 then you mess up the rotation and make pitchers either pitch on short rest or you make byrd and wakefield pitch games 4 and 5 which is NOT ideal...

Its pretty simple. You go with Beckett, Lester, Dice-k, Byrd. If you do it this way and Beckett is actually hurting and can't go for his next start then you have Lester pitch game 5 on normal rest, Dice-K game 6 on normal rest and have Wakefield if game 7 happens. If you pitch Beckett any game besides game 1 then you mess up the rotation and make pitchers either pitch on short rest or you make byrd and wakefield pitch games 4 and 5 which is NOT ideal...

This series against the Angels demonstrate that the true ace of this staff is John Lester. So he must be pitched in this series as soon as possible, so it's Lester in Game 2. That's a lock for me. Remember 1999 against NYY when Pedro had to start Game 3 that was too late. Game 1 it's a tough call, nevertheless i will go with Beckett, i'll give him another shot. Giive him a confindent boost show him that he is the guy we need in that series, and he also pitched great against TB in those final two series of the regular season(even though Boston lost those two games).

Beckett
Lester (the time for extra rest AINT NOW)
Dice K
Byrd (no way you can roll a dice with Ten run Tim)

Although Beckett was clearly subpar on Sunday I think he is the best choice for Game 1, with Byrd ready in the pen. Whatever his problems, I would gamble that they are resolved by Friday. Game 2 - Dice-K. We all feel a bit uncomfortable with his high pitch count and low innings, but on extra rest he will be very strong. Game 3 - Lester on extra rest. Game 4 - Wakefield - he's the unnerving guy who will confuse the young team. Game 5 - Beckett Game 6 - Dice-K. Game 7 - which I think will not happen-Lester, the perfect guy to lean on when the chips are on the line. If Game 7 doesn't happen Lester would pitch Game 1 of the World Series.

Beckett
Matsuzaka
Lester
Wakefield

gm. 1-- Dice K
gm. 2-- JON LESTER (one of the top 5 pitchers in the game right now....EASILY)
gm. 3-- Beckett
gm. 4--The Wake w/ Byrdman in relief
gm. 5--If we're down 3-1 you come back with Lester again here on 4 days rest
gm. 6--Dice-K
gm. 7--Beckett

Lester is easily our ACE right now, you pitch him as much as possible, plus he's young so his body bounces back quick. Beckett isn't himself right now and any amount of xtra rest he gets only helps him pitch better and deeper into the playoffs....so if you can you baby him...especially since there isn't much of a difference between he and Dice K right now. In fact Dice K is at least healthy and if he's on he can be tough.

Thank God we won last night....it gives us a much better chance in the ALCS. Go Sox!

I dont think this is even difficult besides who the fourth starter is....

Becket-He will be back to his normal self
Lester
DIce K
Wake

Ok, all of you need to take a deep breath and relax.. There is no need to throw ANYONE on short rest! That is a panic move. Go with what got you here, not some irrational short rest or shuffling of the rotation for the first time all year. Good grief.

Beckett in Game One would be on short rest. Lester in Game One would be on short rest. Matsuzaka starts Game One (road game, btw). Then Beckett in Game Two and Lester in Game Three. You do not decide on a Game 4 starter this far in advance. The circumstances of the series determine that. If Sox are down 3-0, then Wake or Byrd are not options, but up 3-0, they certainly are.

Decisions, decisions. ... Glad I don't have to make this one. I've been going back and forth among the previous comments, before agreeing with Michael and sean on the Beckett/Dice-K/Lester/Wakefield rotation. Becks rarely tanks two games in a row unless he's genuinely hurt -- in which case we'll all have to be afraid ,very afraid -- Dice-K's better on the road and also rarely stinks two starts in a row. Lester is money at home and Wake could indeed discombobulate a young lineup the night after a Lester start. Plus, there's still room to maneuver: If Beckett is awful and Byrd and the bullpen can't salvage game 1, Tito could turn to Lester in game 2 to salvage the road split.

Wakefield vs. TB this season... 3GS 0-2 5.87ERA .886 OPS against. No Thanks to him starting any games.

Go with...

Dice-K
Beckett
Lester
Byrd

Beckett
Lester
Matsuzaka
Byrd

Series over for the upstarts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3 out of 5 years ain't too bad!

going with lester on 4 days rest to start the series sets up the rotation to allow the home and away splits to be in the red sox favor for games 2-7. lester, beckett, dice-k, wake, lester, beckett and dice-k.

Would it be suicide to pitch Wake in game 2 (and potentially 6), since he is usually dominant in the dome (although not so much this year)?

wakefield game 1... he's money in a dome and against the rays (usually), saving him for a game 4 at fenway would be a waste, cold temps, likely to be windy. Dice game 2 as he's better on the road, then lester for game 3 and beckett game 4.

How can anyone argue with Beckett, Lester, DIceK, and Byrd? Who wants to face the prospect of facing Beckett and Lester for a possible games six and seven? IF Beckett is healthy, that is. If healthy, he certainly should be well rested, and if rust from rest is the issue, then why give him extra days' rest to rust? It's interesting to me that the actual pitching matchups seem less compelling that usual for such a big series, but it's really the Sox' starters' experience vs. the upstart Rays' callow youth. And it's Byrd over Wake because Wake has more experience coming out of the pen in the postseason.

The Sox should start Beckett and Lester on normal rest in games 1 and 2. All athletes usually perform their best when their routine is not tampered with. The idea that extra rest is beneficial is not necessarily true. Dice-K would be forced to change his pattern but that is better than having every pitcher go on varying rest periods, and Wake is the ONLY choice for game 4 for various reasons. 1/ He really can't be used out of the pen because I do not want to ever see a repeat of game 5 in 2004. 2/ He is capable of a great game while Byrd is Byrd, 6 innings, 4 runs which is too many against the Rays. 3/ When in doubt, any man who has been here since 1995 deserves the nod.

I'd go with 3 men rotation, also in other order if rest is needed:
beckett
mats
lester
beck
mat
lest
beck

First thought was to start with Beckett, but I like the idea of Beckett for Games 2 and 6 and Lester for 3 & 7, so start with Dice-K in St. Pete. Add an 11th pitcher, either timlin (who's been awful all year until late September when he showed a little something) or Aardsma who has better stuff but hasn't looked good since he went on the DL. That's a call for Tito and john Farrell, who's done a good job all season figuring out the staff. I also like ross as the third catcher instead of Velasquez.

For those suggesting that Wake start any game prior to game 4, that is completely off-base. This is true even if he had any mastery over the Rays in the dome, which is no longer true. He, or Byrd, is the fourth starter and should only get one start, and it should be the fourth game, not the first, second or third.

I think you need to find out ASAP what you have in Beckett for the series. Pitch him in Game 1 and find out. You can recover if he's ineffective and we take a game one loss. Also, to the extent possible, he pitches with less pressure. Not normally a concern, but if he's injured he might try to do too much in a later game.

Evidently, I can't count or use a calendar, so please redact my previous post!

Go Sox, but lose one game in the WS (if they make it) so it helps the lawsuit against Jordan's Furn

I feel Mazz is right ... it's not simply about rest. You want the baddest cat available in an elimination setting (regardless of who's down) and Beckett is the one with the track record. Period.

If the Sox trail going into 6, mark your calendar for Game 7. If the Sox are up, make plans for the Series. Provided the original Alien doesn't dig her way out of his oblique muscle, he's Bank.

I agree with Sean, above. I want Lester pitching game 2, which would be normal rest and would allow him to pitch game 5 on normal rest if we trail in the series. The other guys, I'm not as concerned about. I want Lester pitching 2 of the first 5 games. We win those 2, and take 1 of the other 3, and we're up 3 games to 2. Gimme that.
Beckett
Lester
Dice
Byrd
Lester (if behind) Beckett (if ahead or tied)
Beckett/Lester (see above)
Dice

Game 1 - Dice-K
Game 2 - Lester
Game 3 - Beckett
Game 4 - Byrd
Think about the atmosphere in the Trop; those fans are going to be excited and loud with those stupid cowbells. Dice-K is from Japan so he is used to loud domes, and not to mention it is his turn to pitch so he is obviously your game one starter.
I say Lester in Game 2 because lets face it, he is the best we have right now, and if Dice-K bites it in game 1 we need to even things up before we come back to Fenway. Beckett is worrisome right now, so I don't want to send him out on the road where - if he gets a litte rattled- the momentum can shift in favor of the Rays. So Beckett Game 3 at home.
Byrd in game 4. Why? Because I cannot remember the last time Wake did not get shelled by Tampa. They have simply seen the knuckle ball too much and they can let it fly, whereas they have never faced Byrd (while on the Sox anyways). Byrd is a veteran craving the post season spotlight, he's got it under control.
Game 5 - Dice K
Game 6 - Beckett
Game 7 - Lester

You pitch Lester as much as you can on regular rest. Regarding Beckett and Dice-K, ALDS results: Beckett -- 4 runs in 5 innings; Dice-K -- 3 runs in 5 innings. However, that was a bad day for Beckett, but a typical day for Dice-K . I'd go with Beckett over Dice-K. I'd lean to Wakefield over Byrd, although not strongly -- while Wake might throw a gem as post #33 points out, he could also cost you the game in the first inning, which Byrd won't do. So I get Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, and Wake for the first 4 games. After that, given off-days in the schedule you have some flexibility, and who pitches depends on how they've been pitching and how the series is going.

anyone who thinks Wake should start one of the first 2 games has totally lost their fricken minds.....Byrd is way better than wake, and should start game 4, look back to last years alcs and note that in game 4, Byrd beat Wake. as far as the first 3 games, i would make sure that Lestah starts at home at least once, meaning he starts either game 3 or what could be a cruicial game 5, so i would go this way......
dice k
lester
beckett
byrd
lester....normal rest
dice k...extra rest
beckett...extra rest

should be interesting!

gm1 BECKETT
GM2 DICE K

GM 3 LESTER
GM 4 WAKE/BYRD
GM 5 BECKETT
GM 6 LESTER
GM 7 DICE K

Anyone but Wakefield. Ever hear of retirement?

I'd avoid having Becket right after Dice-K, because Dice-K is likely to exhaust the bullpen, and Becket has a reasonable chance of leaving early. Lester will probably go deep and Wakefield can pitch a complete game loss. Dice-K, Lester, Becket, Wakefield has the advantage that the relievers won't be overworked for anyone who's likely to need them.

They should definitely add an extra arm in the pen. Going w/ only 5 true relievers (Okajima, Lopez, DelCarmen, Masterson, Papelbon) was risky and very nearly not enough in the ALDS. But that 6th man should surely be David Aardsma not Mike Timlin.

Dice-K needs to be on the road where he dominated and Lester needs to be pitching at Fenway where he dominated.

Dice-K
Beckett
Lester
Byrd

I know its probably not that popular of an idea and most people want to see Dice K or Beckett, but if wakefield has to pitch a game in this series, wouldnt we prefer it to be in the trop? His numbers are great there over his career, eventhough he had an ugly start there this yr. After that, I think you have to go with Dice K, due to his road record and seeing as he has had plenty of rest at that point. Next Id pitch Lester, followed by Beckett in Game 4, Dice K in game 5, Lester in game 6 and Beckett if need be in game 7. Who more clutch to be on the hill in a possible pressure situation that Josh Beckett. This wont be how it goes, I can almost gaurantee it, however I think it atleast worth toying with the idea.

Given the fact that Dice K has a great road record, you start him in game 1, if they win, then why not go with Wakefield (who has had good games in Tampa) for game 2 to give Lester & Beckett some more rest and gives the Sox a better chance to win at Fenway - Here's my list:
Game 1 - Dice K
Game 2 - Wakefield
Game 3 - Jon Lester
Game 4 - Beckett
Game 5 - Dice K
Game 6- Lester
Game 7 - Beckett

I have tickets for game 5 and am coming from Maine. So it has to be Beckett, Lester then DiceK as I don't want to be at the park past 2am which is likely with the slow game pace of DiceK in game five if he starts game one.

Beckett then Dice K on the road in games 2 and 6 and Lester at Home in a game 3 and then on the road in a possible game 7
Wake historically has pitched great against the rays especially at the trop but Byrd might be the better pitcher at this point.

Byrd is your 4th starter. Past results in playoffs, and Rays never seen him, which is always a plus. Wake has been hammered at the Trop.
Rotation:
Beckett/Dice-K/Lester

John Cooney, one could argue that Wakefield was the best starter in the '03 ALCS (2-1, 2.57 ERA... despite the Boone homer), which was all played in cool weather. Of course, that's five years ago and ancient history in regards to this season. Your memory of the 1995 ALDS, which is clearly not influenced by any lingering resentment, should be fresh in Tito's mind when making his game 4 decision. I mean, that was ONLY thirteen years ago and still fairly relevant.

P.S. Dice-K, Beckett, Lester for games 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, all with extra (but not too much) rest. Wake makes a little more sense for game 4, as Byrd is easier to bring out of the pen, while Wake creates catching problems in relief. Mark it down, because this is a no-brainer.

Game 1: Dice-K with Byrd Long relief
Game 2: Beckett (on an extra day of rest his stats are pretty good PLUS he will be in a warm weather environment which means any lingering injury will not be susceptible to injury as in cold weather)
Game 3: Lester
Game 4: Wake with Byrd Long relief and Cash starts. THEN, easy to PH for Cash and insert Tek when Wake is done...
Game 5: Dice-K
Game 6: Beckett
Game 7: Lester with Dice-K & Byrd long relief if everyone is spent

Game 1: Wakefield, he has good success in past against Rays at the Trop
Game 2: Lester need to get 1 game out of Trop
Game 3: Dice K.
Game 4: Becket

Game 1 - Dice-K (this is the game that you can afford to lose)
Game 2 - JLester (this is the game where you remind the Rays who won the WS last year and rip their hearts out on the way back to Boston for 3 games)
Game 3 - JBeckett (he needs the extra time off - I don't think physically he can flip a switch and be the 2007 vintage, not this year - pitch him at home and keep him lined up for a possible game 7)
Game 4 - TWakefield (if anyone on the roster deserves a shot at another ALCS starts, it's wakey, not byrd, we owe him nothing)
Game 5 - Dice-K (also at home, he'll do better, I think)
Game 6 - Lester (if we're up 3-2 at this point, drive the stake home, finish it off. if we're down 3-2, then Lester gives us our best chance at a game 7)
Game 7 - Give Beckett the rest he needs and then the chance to pitch in the most meaningful game of the year - he'll show up and get'er done, or at least gives us our best chance. I don't want to see us lose in 6 because we throw Beckett out there and save Lester for a game 7 that never comes.

4 days rest is normal rest, 3 days is short rest. Beckett on normal rest in game one with Wake in relief if necessary (if Becks is hurt or getting blown out, Wake is dominant in the dome), Dice-K in game 2 (better on the road), Lester Game 3 (extra rest to recover from two 100+ pitches outings, dominant at home), Byrd Game 4 (Wakefield will have been used and can come in in relief if necessary, but is not the first option in Fenway with cold weather), Dice-K Game 5 (not ideal, but leaves Beckett and Lester for Games 6 and 7 on the perfect amount of rest).

I'm also taking Aardsma over Timlin and giving Masterson a quicker hook. That is all.

I would give Beckett a few extra days, screw Tampa up. and go with Dice-K in game one, then Beckett in two. If the Sox win one of those where Tampa is a different team, then the Sox are in the driver's seat. You come back with your strongest pitcher this season, Lester, in game three. For game four, even though Wake's knuckler is fifty-fifty iffy, I go with him and keep Byrd in hand for long relief. If the Sox can win one of the first two in Tampa, I'll take the Sox in five. And as a side note, someone please tell Tori Hunter and John Lackey to stop whining. If you're the better team then win the series or tell it to your momma or shrink.

Obviously Matsuzaka has to pitch games one and five inspite of how awful he looked last time out. Hopefully he'll finally step up his game.
Wakefield has earned the chance to start in the playoffs. At times earlier this year, he was their most consistent starter, although plagued as usual by poor run support. That said, he didn't dominate Tampa Bay as he has in years past. Too bad it's not in the dome for game 4. Paul Byrd is intriguing just because Tampa would be less familiar with him.
Finally, Lester vs Beckett for game 2 and 6. It all depends on Beckett's health. If he is fully recovered, the give Lester the extra rest, but if Beckett is still healing, then delay his start as long as possible and go with Lester on regular rest

also, sad to say, but Timlin shouldn't be on the roster at all.
they'd be better off adding one of their minor leaguers

1 Beckett
2 Dice K
3 Lester
4 Wake (but watch that Low System coming in from the midwest, it's timed to push through Mon or Tues, giving Beckett a Game 4 start if Game 1 goes decently)
5-7 Rinse & repeat as necessary

Here's the real question: is the 2008 rotation (pick either wakefield or byrd) better than the 2007 rotation? Let's be honest - after Beckett last year we had a TON of unknowns. Was Schilling going to make it out of the 5th? Turns out he did, but we didn't KNOW he would - he was starting to break down already. Dice-K was REALLY shaky, and hadn't pitched that many innings in a season in his career, so we had no idea, and Lester was just a few starts removed from the whole cancer battle.

Things bounced our way, which is great, but look at this year's rotation. Dice-K is in his second full season, and improved statistically in every way, Lester has emerged as a lefty stud, just as people predicted two years ago pre-cancer, and Beckett is still the most feared postseason pitcher in baseball right now. When you have three quality starters like that, the 4th starter only has to be someone who can keep you in a game, and I think that Wakey has enough history against the Rays to merit the start. And he has enough history with the Sox to merit the start, period. If he gets in trouble, bring in Byrd, that's fine.

Hasn't it been clearly established that Beckett is not healthy? Why do people continue to preface their sentences with, "If Beckett is healthy... ." He is not healthy. He is hurt. Management needs to neutralize that situation as well as possible. He'll start, but we cannot expect anything more than we saw over the weekend. Therefore, offense rules in a Beckett start. It's really the black hole created by Big Poopi in the lineup that is costing the team precious production. As soon as someone digs up the real Big Papi and unleashes this beast formerly known as Big Papi (and not Big Poopi), we'll crush the Rays.

Lester HAS to start either game 1 or 2, preferably game 2. Why leave your best pitcher for a potential game 7 that might not even come around if the sox get knocked out in five? Or six? You need Lester in 2-6, in my opinion. Beckett, the proven postseason guy, should go 3-7. HE can be the big stick that you have waiting in the wings after Lester rips your heart out in game 6.

Game 1 - Wakefield - Unbeatable in TB
Game 2 - Beckett
Game 3 - Lester
Game 4- Dice K

For the fourth starter, I would prefer to see Byrd over Wakefield. Wake, while dominant in the Trop in past years, hasn't shown that same ability against this years lineup. On top of that is Wakefield's past experience with coming out of the bullpen during the playoffs. I'm much more confident in having Byrd take the fourth start and having Wake do some relief pitching (especially if long relief becomes necessary), than the other way around - not because of Wakefield, but because I'm less confident about Byrd's ability to shift to a bullpen role.

This would put Dice K pitching at the Dome both times as well as Wake pitching there too - and as good as Lester as been - I wouldn't want anyone but Beckett to be my goto for game 7.

Game 1 Dice K
Game 2 Wakefield
Game 3 Lester
Game 4 Beckett
Game 5 Dice K
Game 6 Lester
Game 7 Beckett

t

Ok, my take is Beckett, Dice K, Lester, Byrd, Beckett, Dice K, Lester. This gives Diece K 2 starts on the road and places Beckett in the role of pitching the bigest games. I'm certain he will be better than he was against the Angels. They need to add someone in the bullpen that can pitch the sixth inning in Dice K starts so is that Timlin or Ardsma? It might be tough to get Wake into a game even if he did earn it.

this is a nice problem to have, no?

no brainer, start wake in the dome. next!

Remember 2003, when Tim Wakefield pitched two brilliant games against the Yankees in the ALCS while Pedro was crapping the bed (with a little help from Grady Little)? I wish that Wakefield could have one final roundup for old times' sake. I'd love to see him perform on the big stage one more time, then retire and enjoy the well-deserved love of Sox Nation for the rest of his lfie.

I'm not sure, practically speaking, that Wake gives us the best chance to win that particular game (his playoff performance from 2004-2007 has been shaky at best), but a big part of me wants to give him the shot anyway. It's probably the same part of me that loves Remember the Titans (insert mocking joke here), but still - classy guy, performed well over his career, and it'd be good to send him out with a playoff win (a la Schilling)...

I don't know...call me soft-headed...

Beckett & Lester are your two best pitchers. They have to go 1 & 2 for the chance to maximize the number of times you use them. Dice-K for Game 3, Wake or Byrd for Game 4 - the difference there is negligible.

Tony, Tony, Tony

We're playing the Tampa Bay Rays in Saint Petersburg, FL. Why do you call it the Tampa series?

I actually think that maybe they should mix it up a bit. And using the bit of knowledge that Wakefield likes to pitch in domes where the humidity will be high due to all the bodies in Tampa.
1)Dice K
2) Wakefield (can the Rays play against Wakefield and his knuckler in a playoff game?)
3)Lester
4)Beckett
I know it looks weird...but give it a shot.

Difficult for me to read all of the comments; not sure if anyone wrote this already. To me it's this simple: DiceK in 1 and if he wins Beckett in 2 (no offense Josh); if the Sox lose # 1 then Lester in # 2. Then either Beckett or Lester in 3 and Wake starts # 4; if he doesn't have it early the Byrd comes in. Then 5, 6 and 7 are whatever the first 3 were in rotation. we really need one of the first two in Tampa.

Post 65 (kyrennion) is on target. Beckett is iffy (a nice iffy to have, but still iffy). Lester has to be used as often as possible. He's THE ACE, at this moment, and I for one would not like to see him ready and willing for game 7 when we have already gone down, 2 - 4.

Historically, Wake has done very well in the Dome, but not so much this year, and its a big gamble, because when Wake is on, he is unhittable, but when he's off, he's way off...still has to be a question about Beckett's injury after his his very un-Beckett-like performance in the ALDS. So even though Wake has done well in the Dome, you still probably choose Beckett to start twice in the ALCS over Wake, but you want Lester to go if there is a game 7, not Beckett, at least not this year. Thus, the rotation is simple: Game (1)-Dice-K, (2)-Beckett, (3)-Lester (give him a little more rest), (4) Wake,, then Dice-K, Beckett and Lester in games 5, 6 and 7.

Dice-K
Beckett
Lester
Byrd (they haven't seen him) (save Wakfield for relief)

In adding a pitcher, forget Timlin. Nice guy and all. Bring in Buckholtz. Better stuff, needs to see the real show, boost his confidence, maybe give him the inning (singular) Timlin might have gotten.

LESTER
LESTER
LESTER
LESTER
LESTER
LESTER
LESTER

Wake is my fourth starter. The roster would be way stronger with Jeff Bailey on it over 3rd catcher Ross. Bailey was AAA League MVP. He hit well with power after his callup, and can backup three positions. Why not get him (and Sean Casey) a pich hit AB or two now? We'll need warm sticks off the bench to pinch hit for the pitcher in the Series, where games 3-5, at LA or Philly, will not use a DH.
'Ush' (#23) is spot on to flip starters for games 5-7, as long as Lester's arm tests strong. Jon (on normal rest) at Fenway is filthy, and can right the ship if we were to lose game 4. Dice-K rules the road, and goes again at the Trop on extra rest.

Dike-K, Beckett, Lester, Byrd, repeat.
Byrd over Wakes because Wake's postseason numbers are awful.
Keep the order in place.

I'd go Dice, Beckett, Lester...Lester pitching a potnetial game 7 makes the most sense and gives me the most ocnfidence should that need arise.

On a totally different note, I saw a pic of Sean Casey wearing a Cinco Ocho shirt. Where do I get that shirt?! Please help!

Beckett - Needs to be back in his routine
Dice-K -Not too much rest
Lester -good rest
Wake-Due for a good game

I agree with Mazz except that I believe Becket is healthy and needs to routine to regain his control.

if it comes down to pitching we are in trouble - Jon Lester is the man this year unfortunately he can't do it alone. Dice-k is flip flopping as well as Beckett. I'm disappointed in Beckett this year, I believe he wasn't as hurt as he pretended to be, tell me that I am not the only one who noticed that every time he pitches badly / having an extremely bad day he explains it with an injury, suck it up and admit you cant win them all and get back on the mound and win the ones you can. Wakefield hasn't been so bad this year, but I can pitch better than Mike Timlin. Tampa Bay is on fire and our guys are pretty banged up but always put up numbers when in a pinch.
this time won't be any different - GO SOX's

Gotta go w/ Beckett in game 1 ... we need to find out NOW if he's healthy (then we can align the stars) . Then you gotta keep Dice for game 2, just cause of his 'away' ERA. Game 4 leave it up to mother nature, if it's too cold, you can't do Wakey,,, if it's breezy, throw the knuckler at'em ...

Gotta go w/ Beckett in game 1 ... we need to find out NOW if he's healthy (then we can align the stars) . Then you gotta keep Dice for game 2, just cause of his 'away' ERA. Game 4 leave it up to mother nature, if it's too cold, you can't do Wakey,,, if it's breezy, throw the knuckler at'em ...

I'd get Beckett in as soon as possible because that 13-day layoff hurt him game 3 vs. Angels. Pitch him Friday and I think he'll be a Rays killer---he's got the rust off now. After that:

Game 2: Lester--he's your ace right now, hot.

Game 3: Wakefield. If he's on the side of the coin that he's pitching well, almost unhittable. Dice-K still scares me because he throws too many pitches---he gets away with that in regular season (re: 18-3), but postseason different story.

Game 4: Beckett or Dice-K. If Beckett pitches well first time, he's a lock for this one. ONly exception would be if Sox ahead 3-0 at this point---then Dice-K.

For all you geography challenged fans out there, this IS a Tampa series. They do not play the games in Tampa Bay (scuba gear would be required) they play in the city of Tampa. Regardless of the team's name, the games are played in Tampa.

What does it matter,,,the Rays are not a good team. Anyone who cant beat them shouldnt be in the bigs anyway.

Gotta go w/ Beckett in game 1 ... we need to find out NOW if he's healthy. Then we can align the rest of the stars. Then you gotta keep Dice for game 2, just cause of his 'away' ERA. Game 4 leave it up to mother nature, if it's too cold, you can't do Wakey,,, if it's breezy, throw the knuckler at'em ...

WIth the extra day off, here is the best rotation for Sox:
1. Dice K
2. Lester
3. Beckett
4. Wake
5. Lester (on normal rest)
6. Beckett (on normal rest)
7. Dice K (both starts on road)

Ideally a 3 man roation with Byrd and Wake ready would be great, but Lester was pitched on short (3 days) rest in the Angels series and needs more time than the rest while Beckett is still recovering from his injury and probably can't go in short rest for 3 games in this series either. I think you start with Dice as he is the most rested and then pitch Byrd in Game 2 @ Trop. That gives Lester and Beckett time to be ready. The rotation should be: Starter (rest)
Dice K (6 days)
Byrd (N/A) - this game is not an elimination - best plase to start Byrd or Wake and Byrd goes beacuse it is away and in a dome.
Beckett (7)
Lester (7)
Dice K (5)
Beckett (4)
Lester (4)

These decisions depend a lot on the health and readiness of some of the pitchers.
I think Francona is going to need a pressing reason to re-order Dice-K, Beckett, and Lester. Start Dice-K in Game 1 and then, if Beckett is healthy, start him in Game 2. I don't think it would be good for Dice-K to delay his start until Game 3.
The guy who said Wake never pitched well in the postseason should go back and watch the 2003 ALCS vs. the Yankees.
(Where do these people come from?)

Tony, Tony, Tony........you wait until Game 6 or 7 to give Lester and Beck their 2nd start in the series and there may not BE a game 6 or 7. Beck & Lester have to go in gms 1 & 2, no confidence in Dice anyway.....I'd start Wake in game 4, you won't have the Varitek/Cash catching fiasco by committing Wake to a start vs. a bullpen outing.

schilling
clemons
pedro
tiant

I am concerned that if Lester is the game 3 starter, that the Sox will not make it to game 7 for his 2nd start. I think if you are going to go down, you need to go down using the best pitcher in baseball right now for at least 2 starts in the series.

Simple...Wakefield

He is dominant at the Trop. Granted these are "not your father's" Rays, I still think he deserves a shot.

There is no question about it:
gather around, kids:

Game #1 Wakefield
Game #2 Beckett
Game #3 Dice K
Game #4 Lester
then its on to Philly!

th

The correct name of the team is the Tampa Bay Rays. Please do not refer to the team as "Tampa". Call them Tampa Bay or the Rays. Tropicana Field is located in St. Petersburg.

might like to see Bailey available as a righty hitter off the bench ..

1--Beckett vs. Shields
2--Lester vs. Kazmir
3--Dice-K vs. Garza
4--Byrd vs. Sonnanstine
5--Beckett vs. Shields
6--Lester vs. Kazmir
7--Dice-K vs. Garza
Just hope it doesn't go 7, as I don't think my nerves can handle Dice-K in a Game 7.

Lester is clearly our best pitcher right now so he needs to be the focus. Having the off day between games 4 and 5 gives us another option that no one has considered yet:
1 Dice-K
2 Lester
3 Beckett
4 Wakefield
5 Lester
6 Dice-K
7 Beckett
This allows Lester to pitch two of the first five games on regular rest, with the 2nd one being at home. It allows Big Game Beckett to be the game 7 pitcher while at the same time giving Lester two days off before game 7 which is always a game where everyone is available. And finally, it gives Dice-K two starts on the road where he has been so good.

Dice-k, Beckett, Lester, Wake, Dice-k, Beckett, Lester

Aardsma, not Timlin. ANYONE but Timlin

Beckett #1. His problem was sharpness not endurance or velocity. Then Dice, Jon, Wake. Tito also has to stop using Lopez against tons of righties like a m-f'n moron.

This time of year, you only want Wake pitching in the dome. The cold hands and dry air are not good for the knuckle ball. Coming in after Dice-K makes sense if both of Dice-K's 5 inning starts are in Tampa.

1. Beckett
2. Dice
3. Lester
4. Bird
5. Beckett
6. Dice
7. Lester

Baily NOT TIMLIN. Timlin adds nothing and if not careful, we'll see a reply of that agonizing loss to the Rays when Timlin was all we had left in the 14th. NOT IN THE PLAYOFFS!
Bailey gives a RH bat off the bench that can possibly even start against Kazmir at 1b. He'll contribute unlike Velasquez or Timlin. If we get to the 14th again, I'd rather turn it over to Byrd or Wake than Timlin. Let's not even allow fate to be tempted by having him on the roster.
I like the idea of having Lester pitch at home in Game 3, and he and Beckett ready for Games 6 and 7, if necessary. If not, say the Sox win in 5, then they are lined up 1 and 2 at home for the World Series.

How can anyone talk of using Wakefield in long relief? This is impossible because it wrecks the catching. If he doesn't start then Varitek is the starting catcher. He cannot catch Wakefield! Does anybody remember Game 5 in the 2004 ALCS? It was a good thing that Joe Torre was brain dead in that one. If Wakefield is on the roster it is only to start Game 4. Byrd was a great pick up and provided tremendous service but Wake is the man.

Tony--You did such a superb job breaking down the Angels series that I can't wait to see what your predication is here. Yawn..................

Go with the "strategery" as they say ... if we win game 1 , then use Wake in the Trop to frustrate Tampa Bay and also set up rotation... if we lose game 1, then Lester will get us a split...... My wild guess: Beckett is questionable, something's physically wrong with him...
Game 1 Dice K
If Sox win game 1, then Game 2 Wakefield Game 3 Lester Game 4 Beckett/Byrd
if Sox lose game 1 , then Game 2 Lester Game 3 Beckett /Byrd Game 4 Wakefield

Mazz,

Sorry, but the earlier post is correct. Why can't you say Tampa Bay or St. Petersburg? Why not say that? Is there something wrong with you and others about acknowledging the correct geography of the team? One city is in Pinellas County and the other is in Hillsborough County. Its 20 miles from "Tampa" Heck you have been there for 11 years. Why can't ANYONE know this and at least be right on about this?!

Please , no Mike Timlin on the roster!

Is there an argument to be made that, say we win game 1 in Tampa, we start Wake in Game 2? He's historically been great in the dome (although not so much this year) and if we know we're going to use four pitchers, there is a lot less chance that Wake will wind up pitching in Fenway in weather that makes his knuckle either too erratic or too flat. That would mean Beckett in Game 1 (cause Lester on short rest is silly), Lester in game 3, Dice-K in 4. This would also mean sandwiching Wakefield in between two power pitchers.

Just an idea.

Mazz!!

It is St. Petersburg!! Hello to Ed?! Maybe you need to understand the fact that like the Patriots, the Rays have a REGIONAL IDENTITY. If the Red Sox are going to play a series in Tampa, then there will be a forfeiture, because they will be in the wrong city. It is St. Petersburg, FL. A very, very nice city, I mind you. Again, like Jim, I know you know this. And I am sure Shaugnessy and Ryan know this too. What is the problem in being exact and right? This is NOT a Tampa series!

if you don't pitch Dice K in the first game, you are not thinking long range enough. Dice-K can beat the Rays. He may not be our #1 but he can, with good offense, give us a 1-0 lead. I also agree with Tony's assessment of Beckett needing to get in a rhythm and pitch game 2. Should it go to 7, I want Lester to have the ball and no one else. DiceK, Beckett, Lester, Wake, Dice, Beckett, Lester.

It should also be noted that match ups are important. I would love to hear what people think about our best match ups are

DIce k
lester
Beckett
Byrd

4 game swweept and they see manny once again at fenway

Dice-K
Lester
Beckett
Byrd/Wake with odd man out helping in long relief
Dice-K
Lester
Beckett

Reason being Games 2 and 6 are the most important.

Friday Game 1 Tampa Beckett 4 days, regular rest
Saturday Game 2 Tampa Dice K plenty of rest
Monday Game 3 Boston Lester, plenty of rest
Tuesday Game 4 Boston Byrd / Wake, plenty of rest
Thursday Game 5 Boston Beckett, plenty of rest
Saturday Game 6 Tampa Dice K, plenty of rest
Sunday Game 7 Tampa Lester, plenty of rest
Logic –
Unless you want to start Lester on 3 days rest twice, or Beckett on 3 days rest once you won’t get three starts out of anybody.
This means each of the big 3 pitches twice no matter what.
I would try to get Lester home as much as possible, maximum number is once.
I would try to get Dice K on the road as much as possible, maximum number is twice.
I would want my best pitcher on the mound in Game 7 – Lester.
If the Series doesn’t go 7 then you have Lester ready for Game 1 in Fenway.
Nobody pitches on 3 days rest.

game 1 : Wakefield, game 2 : Lester, game 3 : Dice K, game 4 : Beckett,
game 5 : Lester, game 6 : Dice K, game 7 : Beckett

I think the odds of Wakefield pitching game 1 are about 1%, but I think it would
be a good strategy. Tim is dominant in the dome. Lester would go on regular rest, and Beckett would get extra rest, which I think he needs(does anyone believe that Beckett is 100%?).

Does anyone besides me think that Varitek sets up outside of the strike zone far too often? Our relievers nearly blew game 4 on walks. How often do we go 0-2 and then let hitters off the hook by throwing three straight balls? I understand it's herecy to think that Varitek is less than perfect behind the plate, but I wish he'd have pitchers only throw strikes when we're ahead in the game rather than walk tying runs onto the basepath.

The Angels are the better team, there's no way the Sox get past them to the ALCS

No debate Maz. You got it right. One question though. Would you rather have another starter on the roster besides Byrd, in case you need another innings eater in a long, extra innings game, as opposed to Timlin, who's all but done ?

Dice K - 1 and 5
Beckett - 2 and 6 - Better on the road this year
Lester - 3 and 7 - Has to have a Fenway start
Wakefield - 4 - Short Leash

The extra pitcher would be for mop up of a lost game. Better to have a Pawtucket starter that could chew up 4 innings. Wouldn't matter how many runs he gave up. Just save the bullpen.

1. Dice K
2. Beckett
3. Lester
4. Byrd
5. Dice K
6. Beckett
7. Lester

This allows for strength in game six and game seven as this series should at least go six games and most likely seven. Byrd has been a good second half pitcher for Boston and allows for more consistency than Wakefield. He (Byrd) can also get you some innings based upon his consistency. I would add Timlin as a pitcher who could chew up some innings based upon a blow out one way or another.

I agree completely with the logic and recommendation made by Michael in comment #21,

Definitely:

Beckett
Lester
Dice-K
Byrd
Beckett
Lester
Dice-K

Dice-K game #1
Wakes game #2.....he's got crazy #'s against the rays in the dome
Jon game #3.....extra rest game #3 & #7
Josh game #4

i'm scared by becketts performance in the division series. he is definantly not the pitcher he was last year after that injury. dice-k has been great, but he's bad for your blood pressure. go for the proven lester in game 1 and dice-k in game 2, and hope that that gives you at least one win in tampa before we come back to boston. then start beckett for game 3, byrd for game 4, and then lester, dice-k and beckett the rest of the way. put wake in the bullpen or something, because it feels like the games we lose are the ones he starts.

Just curious, how many times does Mike Timlin need to be thanked for 2004? This guy should have an L-Screen out there when he pitches. Please go with Aardsma and not the sentimental favorite here. Timlin over Aardsma is a small step up from having Johnny Pesky on the roster instead of Cora

wake ( good record at trop)
dice ( undefeated on road this season )
beckett ( will need the extra rest )
lester ( 11-1 at home )
dice ( game 5 )
beckett ( game 6 )
lester ( game 7 )

think about it.....

The Angels series showed us all we need another arm out of the pen because our offense is not driving in runs. This series will have at least one extra inning game. As I said before the Angels series I would give serious consideration to Hansack over Timlin. This would give us 3 righty's and 2 lefties with all different arm angles that Tampa will need to adjust to.

Game 1: Beckett
Game 2: Dice-K
Game 3: Lester
Game 4: Wakefield
Game 5: Beckett
Game 6: Dice-K
Game 7: Lester

1. DICE
2. BECKETT
3. LESTER
4 .TOO EARLY
YOU GO WITH WHAT GOT YOU HERE....ILL BET MY 7TH INNING BEERS ON IT!

Before anyone says we should start Wakefield in Tropicana Field because he pitches great there, please look at the actual splits. From 2005-2007 (when TB was a doormat), he was 3-3 with a 4.46 ERA and 38 hits in 38 innings---WHIP of 1.46 at Tropicana Field. This year he was even worse, with an 0-2 record and 5.87 ERA and 17 hits in 15 inning---1.63 WHIP. Wakefield has no place in this rotation this series with TBs lineup. They'll run all over him and his track record vs the Rays is not what it was 5-6 yrs ago.

Otherwise, as long as everyone has their regular rest, I don't think it matters much. Though I will say that I'd rather pitch Lester earlier rather than later. You don't want this to go 7 games so lock up those wins early and you'll still have 2 of your top 3 pitching games 6 and 7 if necessary

Game1:Beckett
Game:2Matsu
Game3:Lester
Game4:Wake
Game5:Beckett
Game6:Matsu
Game7:Lester
I want Matsuzaka to pitch both games away where he is most efficient. Also I believe we'll split in TB and would like Lester at home for game 3 (where he is also most efficient)to win and take control of the series. Beckett on regular rest (game 1) is also a good idea since it could help his control by going back to a normal routine. Go Sox!

You do NOT want to screw up Lester with too much rest,

1) Lester
2) Beckett
3) Dice-K (who cares if he has too much rest, he's iffy either way)
4) Wakefield (unless Lester can go again)

the rotatom should be the same here's how i would set it up
game 1 Beckett vs Shields
game 2 Dice k vs kazmair
game 3 lester vs sonnanastine
game 4 Paul byrd vs gaza

no wakefield i say Redsox in 4 game sweep

Would like to see Tampa's rotation before putting Beckett first. Otherwise, Dice-K first...Lester will only get one Fenway start, so might as well be game 3. Game 4 should be Byrd because Wake is less effective in the cold. 5 is the game one starter and the other in game 6. But if Sox are down 3-2 , have to go with Lester at this point. Which would mean game 2 starter in game 79which is why Beckett should probably go in game 2). If Sox are up 3-2, use game 2 starter in game 6 and have Lester for 7....please, no Timlin. His best days are long gone. Anyone can eat innings IF THAT SCENARIO COMES UP!!

I think mostly everyone is under agreement for a Dice K, Beckett, Lester rotation...but I'd go with Byrd in game 4. Personally, Wakefield scares me way too much in these situations. If we enter game 4 up 2-1 or 3-0 maybe then I'd pitch Wakefield, but if the opposite happens, you have to try Byrd.

Not sure what Mazz is thinking, I know what he thinks of the fans from his days with that rag, the Herald, but it's crazy not to go with Beckett/Lester first two games.

First, you pitch Lester on normal rest always. He's the best pitcher in the series and you have to pitch him as early as possible (with full rest). So that is game 2 and 6. The idea of saving someone for game 7 is STUPID. What if there is no game 7. So that leaves Beckett or DiceK for Game 1. Are you kidding? Beckett has the history of success, so you go with him. BECKETT/LESTER/DICEK/WAKE

1. Dice K
2. Beckett
3. Lester
4. Byrd
5. Dice K
6. Lester
7. Beckett

As for the person who mentioned their nerves going if Dice K starts Game 7; that would defenitely be terrifying, but remember that he pitched well in Game 7 of last year's ALCS.

1. matsuzaka
2. lester
3. beckett
4. wake

i'd be surprised if it went any other way. oh...and i'd be surprised to see it go more than 4 games too! GO SOX!

Beckett
Lester
Dice-K
Byrd

Series over, Red Sox advance to the World Series!

the rotatom should be the same here's how i would set it up
game 1 Beckett vs Shields
game 2 lester vs kazmsir
game 3 Dice K vs Gaza
game 4 Byrd vs sonnastine

leave wake field off roster for ALDS and world series

1 - Dice-K
2 - Lester
3 - Beckett
4 - Wake

1. Dice K
2. Beckett
3. Lester
4. Byrd
5. Dice K
6. Beckett
7. Lester

Wake's been awful & can pitch in mop-up.

Go with 3 catchers again, no Timlin.

That being said, thanks to both of these guys for past contributions - it was, is and will continue to be a heckava ride.

Go Sox!

The key to this series is Dice-k. We'll probably get great work out of Lester who is clearly picthing like the ace of the staff. Beckett is injured and has stunk it up lately. If he's still hurt I say sit him and let him mend. To those who think we owe Wake a start, I don't see it that way. Check out his stats this year in domes and see how badly he's pitched. There's not much to chose from between Byrd and Wake because both have high eras and give up lots of home runs. Byrd has better control so there are fewer walks, wild pitches, passed balls and stolen bases. Having said all that I'd probably go with Wake because sometimes he is brilliant!

Beckett, Lester, Dice K, Wakefield

Let Beckett open up the series, keep Lester on normal rotation, and Dice K to open at home. With the extra days rest, and who know about October weather in New England, we may still be able to see Lester in three games.

Dice K game 1, Beckett game 2, Lester Game 3, Wake Game 4.

Lester
Matsuzaka
Beckettt
Bird

Beckett, Lester, Dice K, Beckett, Lester, Dice K
No issues with short rest.....Game 4 will be rained out.....because God is a Red Sox fan.

1. Luis Tiant
2. Bill Lee
3. Bruce Hearst
4. Jon Lester

Should be a sweep, but if not you could go with any of the 5 inning, 100 pitch rag arms that are left....

Game 1 - Check out his stats this year in 5 starts vs. the Rays including two starts in September when he only allowed 1 run in each game. He was dominant and it was only the Sox offense which could not score more than 1 run that prevented him from being 5-0 vs. Rays. He needs to pitch again on regular rest, no sense giving him an extra layoff to get more rust. He will be very motivated after his last game. As long as he is healthy.
Game 2 - Best pitcher in baseball right now (September and last two starts). It just does not make any sense to not let him throw on regular rest. Rain can change the schedule....so let Beckett and Lester get the first two games and set the tone in the series. With a little rain Beckett might even get three starts.
Game 3 - Dice K - Home/road records this year are very overrated. Dice K is not that much better on the road and a lot of times it depends on the teams you face on the road. Stats against a particular team are much better indicator. Dice K cannot handle pressure...see last year's playoffs, games against the Yankees, etc. The better teams just don't let himn off the hook for all the baserunners he allows. Compare that to Beckett and Lester who come up big against the Yanks or in the post season (Beckett's last start aside).
Game #4 - Byrd. Wake cannot pitch against the better teams. They are patient and cream him. Byrd can keep you in the game as he did last year in the playoffs and he throws strikes. Also thinking he will be less rusty than a knuckleballer who has not pitched in two weeks.

And Masterson is giving up runs every time out! Give the ball to Delcarmen in the 8th. Would also like to see Timlin....he was lights out last year in the playoffs. I am going on a gut feel on this one especially with him being a little upset over being left off the roster for the first round. From the games I watched, I don't think his stuff is that much different this year. Maybe the pressure and adrenaline will allow him to rise to the occassion one last time. I am tired of everyone else walking runners in a close game in the 8th inning. There is no excuse for walking someone with two outs and a two run lead. Even Papelbon does it occassionally but the rest of them (Masterson, Oki, Delcarmen, Lopez) seem to do it every game. We really need some 7th and 8th inning guys who can throw strikes. If we lose the series, that will be why.

Throw away the worst card: Wakefield.
In 3 Games, 2 Losses, 0 Win, 5.87 ERA, Stolen Bases, Hit by Pitch, etc.
Their singles are virtual "Doubles." Automatic Stolen Bases. Easy 6 Runs.
You ask Rays fans. They love to see WAKE. Any Given Day.

1. Dice-K 2. Beckett 3. Lester 4. Byrd 5. Wake as Long Relief

Game 1: Tim Wakefield- Awesome record against TB in FL
Game 2: Daisuke Matsuzaka- Better on Road than at home
Game 3: Jon Lester- Ace is unstoppable at home
Game 4: Josh Beckett-starts game 4 so he can take more time to heal
Game 5: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 6: Tim Wakefield-Gives Wake 2 chances to pitch in TB
Game 7: Jon Lester-Who else would you rather have in do or die?

BECKETT GM1
LESTER GM2
DICE GM3
WAKE GM4

BYRD LOND RELIEF

The Pitchers I would use are the following

Game 1 Dice K
Game 2 Josh
Game 3 Lester
Game 4 Byrd
Game 5 Dice K
Game 6 Josh
Game 7 Lester

I like Dice K, Beckett (if he looks good and feels good, otherwise Lester then Beckett), and Lester.
In game 4, I'd start Byrd for 4 innings and have Wakefield and Cash know they're coming in to start the 5th inning. Let the Rays deal with the style contrast and limit the exposure of each. You could start Cash and bring in Varitek in the late innings, ideally the 8th inning when reliever replaces Wakefield.

T-Mazz... nice work always... glad you joined a "real" paper!
Rotation = Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, Byrd
Beckett: Games 1/5-Angels outing was rehab start - expect greatness from here.
Dice-K: Games 2/6-two road starts (if needed); home/road splits warrant this.
Lester: Games 3/7- home start in 3 (see splits), waits in wings for Game 7. Risky, but this series has 7 games written all over it.
Byrd: Game 4-Wake's a warrior, but postseason record is brutal; Byrd was tough last year vs. Yanks and Sox.

1-Beckett
2-Lester
3-Dice-K
4-Byrd
5-Beckett
6-Lester
7-Dice-K

How can you even think about starting Dice-K in Game One?
The Sox can take home field advantage from the Rays. They can set the tone for the whole series... and you want to hand the ball to Dice-K?
You're going to get 5 strong innings, then let Masterson/Delcarman/etc try to get you to the finish line? No thanks.
Put the two horses out there, take your best shot at going up 2-0 and then try to out-slug them here at Fenway with Dice-K and Wake pitching against Tampa's 3rd/4th

Hey Maz why did you Post my info? Thought what I had to say made sense.

Thanks for beating the Angels. As a Dodger fan, I hate the Angels slightly more than I hate the Red Sox. Also, what is with the Red Sox fans? Boston - the city where men are men and so are the women!

For anyone who thinks the Sox just NEED Wake to start a game at Tropicana, given his CAREER numbers, RECENT stats suggest they perhaps should not:

2008 @ Trop - 0 W's 2 L's, 5.87 ERA, 15.1 IP
2008 in Domes - 0 W's 3 L's, 7.13 ERA, 24 IP

2005-2007 @ Trop - 3 W's 3 L's, 4.46 ERA, 38.1 IP
2005-2007 in Domes - 5 W's 5 L's, 4.56 ERA, 73 IP

Maybe we shouldn't associate Wake's pre-2006 dominance of the Rays with a general success in domes, specifically the Trop, but rather the quality of opposition he WAS facing.

Dice K
Beckett
Lester
Wakefield (if leading series) or Dice K's rubber on short rest (is losing)

1. Beckett
2. Lester
We'll come back home at worst 1-1.
3. Dice-K ... will be more comfortable at Fenway.
4. Wakefield ... veteran deserves the shot.
5. Beckett
6. Lester
7. Dice-K ... hopefully it won't even be played.
Sox in 6, then start the Manny circus!

FROM Montreal Canada GO RED SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Game 1: Dice K
Game 2: Beckett
game3: Lester
game4: Wake/Byrd
game5: Dice K
game6 Becket
game7: Lester

from

Game 1: Beckett

Record against TB in '08: 2-1 in 5 starts, 8 earned runs and 37 Ks in 35 innings

Comment: Beckett simply dominated the Rays this year. His one loss and two NDs were a result of little run support as the Sox only scored a total of 3 runs in those games as opposed to 17 runs in his two victories. If Beckett is healthy he should pitch on normal rest rather than extra rest so he can stay sharp.

Game 2: Lester

Record against TB: 3-0 in starts, 2 earned runs in 20 innings, 19 Ks

Comment: Lester was also just as dominate although all of his outings against the Rays this year were at Fenway. However, in order for the Sox to gain any advantage in the series, they must take one out of the first two games on the road. Lester is this years ace of the staff and you want your ace to pitch as early as possible in the series on normal rest.

Game 3: Dice-K

Record against TB: 1-0 in three starts, 4 earned runs in 15 innings, 17 Ks

Comment: Yes, he has the only road victory against TB and his record is 9-0 on the road, but his short outings against the Rays (5 in pitched in all three starts) have to be a bit of concern. If Dice-K is expected to have a shorter outing, it would be better in Game 3 than game 1 where Beckett and Lester would hopefully go deeper and save the bullpen for Dice-K's outing.

Game 4: Byrd

Record against Rays: Did not face them this year

Comment: The above says it all. This years version of the Rays have yet to face Byrd which gives the pitcher a clear advantage. Though Wakefield, has had overall success against the Rays in his career, he was overall mediocre this against the rays in three starts including an abysmal performance in his last outing where he gave up 6 earned runs including three homers in just 2 1/3 innings. The Cash situation should not effect this decision.

Note: Losing Lowell was a huge blow offensive for the Sox as he batted .296, 7 homers (4 off Scott Kazmir) and 16 RBIs against the current Rays pitching staff.

Whooaaaa.... wait a minute here! I understand wanting Beckett in Game 1, but why have him start Game 1 and Dice-K game 2 when he would have to go short rest.... doesnt make sense. If you're going with Dice-K and Beckett in the Bay, then Dice is first, Becks 2, and Lester at home in 3. I think you start Byrd in 4 with Cash catching, so Wake can be long relief if needed. Soooo.....
Dice-K, Beckett, Lester, Byrd makes the most sense
The results after that will dictate the final 3, with Lester an option for game 6 on regular rest.

Dice-K, Beckett, Lester, Byrd.
I hear ya on the catcher thing Maz, but Wake has had it rough against Tampa and he tends to not receive the same kind of run support has some of the rest of the staff. He has proven to be versitale out of the pen and has a great attitutde about his role with the team. Furthermore you are not giving up a hell of a lot offencively to switch out Tek for Cash in the 3rd or 4th inning. Wake has to be the long relief guy. Additionally, the Rays have not seen Byrd this year. For at least the first and second time through the order, advantage pitcher. Plus Byrd had great numbers the 2ndn half of the season which is why the Sox went out and got him in the first place. Worst case senario you start Byrd and Wake ends up having to relieve him.

bring back Julian Tavarez

Because the off days in this series would let the Game 2 starter pitch Game 5 on regular rest, let the Game 3 starter pitch Game 6 on regular rest, let the Game 4 starter pitch Game 7 on regular rest, I'd pitch Tim Wakefield in Game 1 in the Dome (with Paul Byrd as the first man out of the pen in an emergency).
Game 2, Lester on regular rest
Game 3, Becket (with a little more time for his oblique to heal)
Game 4, Dice-K (with more rest at the end of a long season)
Game 5, Lester in Fenway, where he pitches best, on regular rest
Game 6, Beckett on regular rest
Game 7, Dice-K on the road, where he's best, on regular rest

You go with Byrd in game 4. The unknown has a better chance than the well known AL East knuckler. Wake may have done well against the Rays (Devil Rays) over the years, but this Rays team has his number. #49 could be invaluable as a middle/late reliever in my opinion as he has in post seasons past (forget Aaron Boone). Anyway, here it is: Matsuzaka - Lester - Beckett - Byrd - Matsuzaka - Lester - Beckett. 2 games for the 18 game winner; 2 for the ace (on the road); and the finally for Beckett the savvy veteran - the new Schill!

Start Josh in game one, only because Lester would be on short rest, Lester in game two, Dice-K in game three, then Byrd for game four, No way should Wakefield start any game. We are not going to win the series if both Josh and Lester are not lights out. In case you haven't noticed, Tampa Bay is a great team, maybe the best in baseball. By the same token, Timlin can't take a valuable roster spot just for old times sake. This series is going to be war and we will need another pitcher with at least a chance to do something, Aardsma is probably the best bet.

Anybody but Denny Galehouse.

Never mind last year - until Beckett proves he is back 100% Lester is the ace He goes on normal rest, and Beckett gets the extra days to see if he can return to form, thus: Dice/Lester/Beckett/Wakefield/Dice/Lester/Beckett. If they win in 6, Beckett starts WS Game 1 on long, rest, Lester in Game 2 on close to regular rest. Dice K in 3 on long rest. They should win the WS in 5 or 6 with Beckett or Lester on the mound.

As much as I love the Sox - I've got to face it.....they are going into ALCS with 1 starting pitcher (have you gotten excited about Dice-K or Beckett lately ??) and the Rays have four solid guys (young but solid) and the Rays have a deeper bullpen. Also I live in FLA, so get plenty of cotton or earplugs for the Trop. This isn't the regular season. But I thought, because of this season's series, that the Angels would win, too !!!!!!!

If it goes to 7, I want Lester pitching that game. And if the rotation is planned that way, and if the Sox win in 5 or 6 but not 7, then Lester would likely start game 1 of the WORLD SERIES!!!!!

ok here is my take.....If, well when the Red Sox win game 1 I say Wakefield in Game 2 that would set us up for Lester, Beckett and Dice K in 3 , 4, and 5 at home and keep Wakefield pitching in the dome for game 6 if needed and Lester for game 7, but we know it won't take 7, which means we have Lester for game 1 of World Series

To the nimrod (Dan Wells, that's you) who trashed Mazz for allegedly saying the series will open in Tampa, here's a news flash for you: He never said it. Read his column: he says it starts at the Trop. Yes, the headline says the series is in Tampa, but, genious, how long have you been reading newspapers? The writers don't write the headlines. Editors -- or as we in the profession used to call them, amateurs -- do.

1. Burkett
2. Clement
3. Bhyun-Yun Kim
4. Castillo
but seriously - a lot of folks here are nervous about throwing Matsuzaka - the guy won 18 games! I like our chances in this series and think Dave (140) was right on. You don't even think about Game 7 - you play to win now. I understand Tito's hang up with having wake in the pen because of the catching match up with Cash, but starting Wake against the aggressive running Rays could be trouble...

How about Bobby Sprowl? Ask Zim. He's got ice water in his veins.

Denny Galehouse.

You want your best starters to go as early as possible...so Lester must pitch games 2 and 5...leaving Beckett for game 1 and Dice-K for game 3...

1. Beckett
2. Lester
3. Dice-K
4. Beckett (short rest)
5. Lester
6. Dice-K
7. Beckett (Lester in Pen!!!)

OR

1. Beckett
2. Lester
3. Dice-K
4. Byrd
5. Lester
6. Beckett
7. Dice-K (Lester in pen!!!)

Was Dan Wells the guy who was fixing grammar at the Grand Canyon?

I guess if you don't know anything about baseball, you show off your knowledge of geography.

What an @s$hat.

I can't understand the theory of kicking off this series with Dice K.
He is our THIRD best pitcher. THIRD. And quite frankly, DISTANT third.

You start with your two best - Beckett followed by Lester.

I don't care if that means Dice K will have 9 days of rest.

You put in your best as early as possible, and set them up to come back for their second starts ALSO as early as possible.

I don't want to set them up to pitch game 6 and 7. I want them to come back and pitch 5 and 6!

This is a no brainer to me.

Dice K-Beckett-Lester-Wakefield. Wake's knuckleball should have lots more movement in the cold air at Fenway than in the dome in Tampa.

Go with Dice-K in game 1, he is a winner 18-3. I don't care if he pitches 5, 6 or 7 innings. The sox win with him on the mound. You then go to Beckett in Game 2. He is fired up to show that the ALDS was just one game. If you get a split in TB we are looking great. Game 3 Lester is the man at home. Game 4 you have to give to Wake, for everything he has done for this organization. However, you have Byrd warming as soon as you see that Wake is not on. Don't wait for 3 or 4 runs, you get him out after 2. The worst we should be looking at is 2-2 heading to game 5. And then with Dice K, Beckett and Lester going 5, 6 and 7, I like our chances to win two.

I think Josh is ready for game 1 vs the" Devil "Rays, if he is healthy. Dice K is the perfect choice for game two because of Jon Lesters domination at home. So with Jon pitching game three do we go with Byrd or Wake. I'm sorry, and I love Wake, but him pitching in the cold breeze at Fenway will not work. He is more suited for relief work in the Dome. i know Byrd has not fared well recently but he will throw strikes and it shouldn't be batting practice for the Devil Rays..Okay fine me $1.00

Well, Mazz, you're a genius!

I hope the guy is able to deal with his divorce... Not that I have any direct experience, but I can definitely understand how that can be a distraction