Low pitch counts. Remember the Toronto home game versus Berrios where Burnes came out after like 83 pitches but said they were a “tough 83 pitches”?
That’s really the only excuse he’s made. He also gets McCann catching this game. That helps him the run game and his low strikes.
I’m hopeful, with McCann over Adley, that we see Burnes unleashed this game and he goes 7.2 IP 2 ER or less.
This isn’t a negative thread. But this is exactly why we made the trade for Burnes. Playoffs.
But… this start does define Burnes’ tenure with us. That’s just reality.
The lineup decision is do we start Slater over one of Mullins/Cowser. I sort of like the thinking “you gotta dance with the girl you came with” and start both Mullins and Cowser. Give Burnes the defense.
Second decision… which of Adley and Westburg bat 2nd or 5th?
1. Gunnar L SS
2. Westburg R 2B (or Adley)
3. Santa S RF
4. Mountcastle R 1B
5. Adley S DH (or Westburg)
6. Cowser L LF (or Slater)
7. Urias R 3B
8. McCann R C
9. Mullins L CF
Slater vs Cowser/Mullins
Adley/Westburg for 2nd or 5th
I love DH Adley here vs a LHP.
We played all our Saturday games at home at 4pm. That should help us.
I don’t know if that was the full reason we made the switch this year, but it had to factor in. We didn’t do so well in the day games last year in the playoffs.
Also, don’t be surprised to see McCann get a big hit in game 1 and possibly just start this entire series versus the speedster Royals.
Let’s go. We owe these “guys” big time paybacks even if it’s 10 years later.
I understand why posters would want to avoid Skubal in a game 1, but the Royals starters are not going to be a cakewalk. Probably a deeper starting staff with Ragans, Lugo and Wacha.
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