2016 MLB Season Thread Baseball • Page 277

I am ok with this move from Tito regarding Kluber. He didn't have a high pitch count for one. Secondly, Kluber will have plenty of rest after this series. I also don't think we have many alternatives. Salazar is a question and Carlos is shutdown. We need our best arms against a good Cubs staff and lineup. Despite Merritt doing a hell of a job, I just don't think it's fair to him to ask him to lead us to victory. If Kluber can go we need to throw him as many games this series. And I think that means he goes in game 4 and game 7, if needed.

 

Kluber for three games seems like a no-brainer to me.

 

Yeah he has plenty of time to rest because this is the last series of the year but it's pretty much agreed upon that over use in situations like this really escalate your chances an arm injury that could affect you for a long time.

 

I would be curious for people against our thought process, how would they stack it? Merritt game 4? Clevenger? Salazar for three or four innings? I just struggle to buy into any of the alternatives. In a way Tito didn't really have to make a decision. Salazar and Carlos did it for him with their injuries.

 

Yeah, the overuse is a valid concern, but I think overuse is different for each pitcher. Kluber is used to throwing a lot of innings and has pretty simple mechanics. He only went 6 innings last night, so throwing him for about 5 innings makes sense. Is 11 total innings really putting him at risk when he has gone 8 pretty consistently and has several complete games on his resume? You obviously wouldn't do this for any pitcher, but certain guys I think can get away with it temporarily. Who knows when you get this chance again. You should go down with your best arms imo.

 

Yeah, Merritt looked good but I don't think you can count on that. Only had what, eleven major league innings before that start? I mean yeah, it's the World Series and I don't see an alternative to not using Kluber three games. Kershaw just went three times in 5 days. I wouldn't let Kluber go over 110 pitches or anything but he's your best. Gotta use him. I think he's pretty efficient with his pitches anyways right?

 

I'm just more concerned with the Cubs seeing one pitcher potentially three times in like a week and a half.

 

Yes. That is my concern.

I'm not worried about injury risk.

 

Still, most of that lineup only saw Kluber twice. It's a concern, but I think you have to trust your best players rather than an unknown just to have a different look. I don't think it's the ideal way to roll, but I do believe it's our best chance, given our situation.

 

Member Cy Young Jake?

I member.

 

Hopefully he can establish some rhythm outside the top of the order.

 

Getting real sick of these hit and runs, Baez had second stolen twice

 

Schwarber is the fucking best.

 

Schwarber has been the most productive hitter in the World Series for the Cubs, just like we all predicted last week

 

Yuuus Schwarber

 

Baez has reverted to his 2014 form for this game apparently

 

Not the Trevor Bauer power hour I was hoping for.

 

Soler is the worst. Really not happy with Joe for starting him. Only thing I haven't agreed with so far.

 

Honestly I agreed with his decision. Soler is a patient hitter (sometimes too patient) and Heyward and Coghs haven't done jack yet. Last at bat was decent too, he hits that a second later and we score a run on Russel's single

 

He's a bad cold weather hit, hits into DP's a lot, not a great fielder and hasn't had a hit in weeks. He could have got lucky and made something happen tonight, and still could but I'll take my chances with Cogs, Heyward or Almora all day over Soler in this specific game.

 

I see your point, but that position is a weak spot no matter how you play it right now. Wouldn't be surprised to see a sub next at bat.

Looks like Fowler has taken hitting lessons from Heyward , his swing is looonnng. Not good

 

Not super worried about Fowler.

 

Zobi Wan is seeing beach balls up there

 

Schwarber!

 

Schwarber for WS MVP