Superstar Lamar

I think Lopez moving back to the bullpen gives them flexibility to use Kopech whenever he is needed.

Should be a great game and a great series. I think the starting pitchers for both sides will rule with the bullpens being the deciding factor

This wouldn't have been my choice but this IS precisely the reason they traded for Lynn

He can take over Kopech's role from this year when Kopech becomes a starter next year...or maybe he takes crochet's role when crochet takes kopech's role

just gets lynn even more rest for game 2

I would hope the pitching is a dress rehearsal for the playoff game, with people playing their same roles

120 games is only about 3/4 of a season

I wonder if Kimbrel's presence changes the way Hendriks is used in the playoffs? Larussa could confidently use him for 2 inning saves, knowing Kimbrel can hold down the role if needed the next day.

I have real concerns that he is even going to be on the playoff roster at this point.

It would be nice if Larussa let Lopez stay out there for six innings finally

I think he can have a Rich Hill type career from here, where his innings and starts will always be limited but the production is very good when managed correctly

I don't know why owners wouldn't buy up cheap land in these secondary cities and build a dorm type situation to house players, including cafeteria. They could maintain control of their players nutrition, sleep and activities. The land would also probably increase in value over time.

any updates on Engel?

Lynn is historically terrible on short rest and fantastic on extended rest. I'm interested in the idea of starting him in Game 3, as it does seem to be a spot that is consistent with his stats. It also sets up a firewall should the first two games in Houston go poorly. If you are of the mindset to only use 3 starters, it also allows Rodon and Giolito to be the short rest guys. However, I am not of that mindset. Lynn is horrible on short rest, Rodon has battled shoulder fatigue this season and Giolito seems like a creature of habit. I also like Dylan Cease in that Game 4 spot. He pitched well last year in his playoff appearance.

I see we are going to pretend there is no bench today

where has Keuchel earned the right with Larussa to get to walk out there for a sixth inning but Lopez has not?

the lynn history is being remedied by skipped starts and short outings down the stretch Giolito was a minor issue which probably didn't require the time off. It was a luxury afforded by the well earned lead. If we had to go to war in the playoffs with Lynn, Giolito, Cease and Lopez as starters, I would still feel confident. I don't think there is any doubt those four will be available. That is a pretty good, worst case scenario

It's not really flipping a switch if its players who weren't previously available now playing.

There are many, very big pitching names in free agency next year. Rodon will have to wait a long while for all of those to be hashed out before someone swoops in on him as a cheap alternative. He could be the big name in 2023 free agency if he bet on himself in what is likely to be a strike shortened season.

might as well have a drawing and let a couple of fans call the game

Lopez' emergence has provided the Sox a luxury in giving starters a rest without a drop in the quality of pitching. I wouldn't be surprised if each of our starters has a 10 day vacation before the playoffs. Two down, three to go, with Keuchel being the most obvious next man up.

If he won't make the playoff roster, then what are we doing giving him starts down the stretch over Lopez? If he will make the playoff roster but not start, why are we not preparing him for his playoff role by putting him in a relevant role other than starter?

the sox need to develop a plan of usage that assures that Kuechel does not get to 160IP in one of these next two years That may not be possible this year short of a six man rotation or a couple of skips in his rotational turns. It appears he would have about 8 more starts. If they can reduce that to 6 and never let him go more than 5 innings (which is completely justifiable given his present work), they just might be able to avoid that 4th year of his contract at 20 million

Crochet has really heated up as well. His last two outings are 3.2 innings with 8 K

Just yesterday I was counting on Tepera for high leverage situations