I normally would agree with holding your ace out of game one. I actually think we should pitch Stratton this time, and I will explain why. But it all comes down to the match ups.
Let's look at some examples from the past and why they were right or wrong.
1. MSU pitches Maholm vs. MTSU. This was a mistake because Alan Johnson could have beaten them, and it would have given us an advantage with Maholm vs. UNC. We were also at home, and were the one seed.
2. MSU vs. Elon. Holding our starter was the right decision because we were clearly better than them, and again didn't need our ace.
3. LSU vs. anyone. They "always" hold their starter because the NCAA loves them and always makes them play someone like Grambling first.
Now- let's look at our regional.
We are matched up against one of the best hitting teams in the country. They have an ace that was drafted in the 24th round by the Phillies and just recently beat Oklahoma. They have also beaten Florida. In other words, this Samford team isn't Samford 1998 that would roll into Dudy-Noble on a Tuesday night and take their check and their *** kicking. They can play.
BUT it's not solely that. Kendall Graveman is hurt. We don't know what his groin is going to be like this weekend. That to me, is the biggest factor as to why the staff is leaning towards Stratton. They simply don't know what they are going to get. Pitch him Friday, and if he isn't better and we get down quick- that could be a big problem that we can't afford.
OK- so what about Brandon Woodruff? I also think that's a bad idea. If he pitches Friday, that would be two short rest starts in a row. And he is a five inning guy max anyway. Let's give him the full rest break. I'm totally OK with Woodruff going up against FSU. He started the Gov. Cup and the SEC Tournament opener and SEC Tournament Championship Game. All high profile games.
Also, there isn't an Elon in this regional. UAB has three guys that used to play for us, Palmeiro's kid, and Ron Polk. All who want to kick John Cohen's *** and would love to put us out of a regional. When we played them last year- they started their ace and their weekend starters all pitched at least one inning. We go down 0-1- not a situation or team I want to face. At least Cohen is used to playing people who hate his ***, so he has experience on his side at least.
And FSU is going to throw someone good regardless. It is what it is.
So, my plan:
Stratton vs. Samford
FSU beats UAB
Woodruff vs. FSU
Samford beats UAB
If we win game 2- pitch Graveman. Not really that much risk if he isn't on. If we lose this game- pitch Pollorena the next game.
If we lose game 2- Pollorena against UAB/Samford, pray that Graveman can go the next game, and then throw the pen in the final.
Let's look at some examples from the past and why they were right or wrong.
1. MSU pitches Maholm vs. MTSU. This was a mistake because Alan Johnson could have beaten them, and it would have given us an advantage with Maholm vs. UNC. We were also at home, and were the one seed.
2. MSU vs. Elon. Holding our starter was the right decision because we were clearly better than them, and again didn't need our ace.
3. LSU vs. anyone. They "always" hold their starter because the NCAA loves them and always makes them play someone like Grambling first.
Now- let's look at our regional.
We are matched up against one of the best hitting teams in the country. They have an ace that was drafted in the 24th round by the Phillies and just recently beat Oklahoma. They have also beaten Florida. In other words, this Samford team isn't Samford 1998 that would roll into Dudy-Noble on a Tuesday night and take their check and their *** kicking. They can play.
BUT it's not solely that. Kendall Graveman is hurt. We don't know what his groin is going to be like this weekend. That to me, is the biggest factor as to why the staff is leaning towards Stratton. They simply don't know what they are going to get. Pitch him Friday, and if he isn't better and we get down quick- that could be a big problem that we can't afford.
OK- so what about Brandon Woodruff? I also think that's a bad idea. If he pitches Friday, that would be two short rest starts in a row. And he is a five inning guy max anyway. Let's give him the full rest break. I'm totally OK with Woodruff going up against FSU. He started the Gov. Cup and the SEC Tournament opener and SEC Tournament Championship Game. All high profile games.
Also, there isn't an Elon in this regional. UAB has three guys that used to play for us, Palmeiro's kid, and Ron Polk. All who want to kick John Cohen's *** and would love to put us out of a regional. When we played them last year- they started their ace and their weekend starters all pitched at least one inning. We go down 0-1- not a situation or team I want to face. At least Cohen is used to playing people who hate his ***, so he has experience on his side at least.
And FSU is going to throw someone good regardless. It is what it is.
So, my plan:
Stratton vs. Samford
FSU beats UAB
Woodruff vs. FSU
Samford beats UAB
If we win game 2- pitch Graveman. Not really that much risk if he isn't on. If we lose this game- pitch Pollorena the next game.
If we lose game 2- Pollorena against UAB/Samford, pray that Graveman can go the next game, and then throw the pen in the final.
