Oakland A's at New York Yankees- Wild Card game thread

[jacksonianmarch]

Still TBD vs TBD. I have to assume the Yankees will use Happ as he hasn't lost as a Yankee and he has been the most consistent. The best pitcher on the team rebounded a bit in September, but with memories of his debachle last year in the WC game and his swoon then rebounding to above average doesn't instill a lot of confidence. Also, Sevy has a 6.23ERA with 14 baserunners in 8.2IP this year in 2 starts vs the A's.

Happ has been lights out for the Yankees. He's 6-0 with a sub 3 ERA in NY and tossed a 1ER 6IP game vs Oakland earlier in the year. The only concern I have here is the right handedness of their lineup and how powerful they can be.

Tanaka would have been an easy choice. He was on fire coming into the last two starts, then all he did was suck ass and allow 2 baserunners per inning in his last 2 starts. He's got the playoff resume. He has the stuff and he was hot. He hasn't faced the A's this year. He is also a right hander, which could be of benefit against all their righty power.

For the A's, I truly think they're gonna BP game this one. Their strength is the pen and their rotation is like a game of survivor where nobody survived

[iortiz]

I think, you will send Severino and will use Happ if he sucks early in the game.

[Spudboy]

Meh.

[Slasher9]

OK Jacksonianmarch. you asked me about it on another thread and now it has come to fruition. LETS GO A's!!!

(based on your SP stats in your OP i would agree that Happ should start this game. but because: Boone. who knows???)

[jacksonianmarch]

We can agree on the Boone point. He's been tight lipped. I am wondering if he won't report a SP and will just wing it.

To be honest with you, I'd report Robertson as the starter. This whole "beginner" thing has kept teams from stacking their lineups with lefties or righties since they don't actually know who will be pitching the bulk of the game

[Slasher9]

To be honest with you, I'd report Robertson as the starter. This whole "beginner" thing has kept teams from stacking their lineups with lefties or righties since they don't actually know who will be pitching the bulk of the game

this begs the question...is doing this considered "gamesmanship" or is it "cheating"?
if this was football + Patriots it would be deemed "cheating". but i am curious what my fellow TS posters think of reporting a LH reliever as SP and then game time after lineups are turned in pulling him for a RH SP.
i vote that's cheating.

[jacksonianmarch]

It isn't cheating. It is definitely gamesmanship. Cheating is violating a specific rule. There is no rule that you can't start a game with a reliever.

The Patriots actually cheated. They deflated footballs and taped practices. Those things are not allowed in the NFL.

[bkzwhitestrican]

And TB destroyed his phone before anyone could look at it. Destroying evidence isn't something that is typically done by the innocent. But maybe he had photos on there with his dong out that he didn't want leaked.

[BillyWilliams]

Just announced that Sevy will start the WC game.

I think that's a mistake, I hope I'm wrong.

[Station 13]

Just announced that Sevy will start the WC game.

I think that's a mistake, I hope I'm wrong.

Why is wrong? Your supposedly number 1 is starting.

[BillyWilliams]

Why is wrong? Your supposedly number 1 is starting.

Well, given Severino's poor 2nd half and the combo of him and Sanchez didn't fair so well vs the A's in early Sept makes me feel there were better choices.

But he will be on a very short leash and I do like the prospect of Happ going against the sox should the Yanks get past the A's.

[Kimmi]

Well, given Severino's poor 2nd half and the combo of him and Sanchez didn't fair so well vs the A's in early Sept makes me feel there were better choices.

But he will be on a very short leash and I do like the prospect of Happ going against the sox should the Yanks get past the A's.

IMO, Boone is making a mistake not starting Happ in this game. He is already looking ahead to the ALDS. If the Yankees beat the A's, it will look like a great move. However, if it backfires, the Yankees go home. The stakes are too high. You can't risk being eliminated with your best starter sitting on the bench, being saved for a series that might never come.

[BillyWilliams]

IMO, Boone is making a mistake not starting Happ in this game. He is already looking ahead to the ALDS. If the Yankees beat the A's, it will look like a great move. However, if it backfires, the Yankees go home. The stakes are too high. You can't risk being eliminated with your best starter sitting on the bench, being saved for a series that might never come.

It is a ballsy call IMO. If it works he looks like a genius, if it doesn't he will feel the wrath of the Yankee faithful.

But I guess his thinking is that Sevy will be on a short leash so if he's not on the damage will be minimalized.

My bigger concern is Sanchez catching.

[moonslav59]

GO A's!!!!

[BillyWilliams]

GO A's!!!!

I guess I can understand your fear of the Yankees.........