Despite Tanaka's inconsistency, I don't see how he's not part of the rotation mix should we advance. I will be surprised if the rotation order is not Severino, Gray, Tanaka, CC (Sevy pitching WC game would mean Gray pitches game 1). I think Monty doesn't make the 25 since they will likely opt for Garcia as the long man out of the bullpen (Yanks always go with the veteran). And they'll probably use the vacant 5th SP spot for a pinch runner, my guess is Wade.
OP question is much too easy. Better for me is, who is your number 2?
The WAR and the whole season argue strongly for POM, but ERod has better stuff--by a good margin--and lately (last 4 starts, average 6 innings and 5 ER's given up) has shown better command of those pitches.
So, me, I want to see what those two do against the Astros this week. If ERod does great and Pom struggles again, ERod is my #2.
Some guys like to go with the hot bat. I like to go with the hot arm.
Plus, as some of you probably know, I am not a big Pomeranz fan even though I agree entirely he was a huge bonus for the rotation this year, especially when Price went on the DL (twice?) and Porcello was horrendous. If our rotation is decent, it's mostly because of Sale and Pom. But what worries me about Pom he is a starter with basically two pitches--knuckle curve and fast ball. He's a lefty who faces 75% or more righty bats and still does not have a viable changeup.
Better for me is, who is your number 2?
I go with Pom
AWAY ERA
3.19 Pom
3.99 ERod
Home
3.58 Pom
3.81 ERod
Pretty clear ERod ain't no 2. What a choker in a big game.
Sale
Pom
Porc
other names i have posted under: none