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September 13, 2005
WWBD?
This topic came up on the Mike & Mike Show on ESPN Radio this morning - suppose that Boston clinches the A.L. East before their last three games of the season and that the Yankees still have a chance at the card going into the final series. How does Boston then play those games at Fenway at the end of the year?
Do they play them like spring training games - in order to prevent injury and line-up their pitchers for the post-season? Or, do they play their A-team for 9 innings, and play the games like they mean something, with the hope to knock the Yankees out of the post-season - and prevent New York from maybe coming back to haunt them in the ALCS?
It's a very interesting question.
In fact, it makes me think that perhaps the Yankees would be helped, in a way, if they fell out of the A.L. East before that Fenway series and still had a shot at the card.
This way, either Boston lays down for those games and it helps the Yankees towards the card, or, the Red Sox have to still play the Yankees hard in those games and then Boston weakens themselves, somewhat, for the post-season. (And, this helps New York in a possible ALCS match-up.)
It's something to think about if the unthinkable happens the next three days in Tampa Bay.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at September 13, 2005 03:15 PM
Comments
This has been the constant topic on Sports Radio here in Boston. Callers seem to call in hourly asking that exact question. All the callers want the Red Sox A-team out there to eliminate the Yankees but the hosts of the show are telling them they're insane and you rest your starters. You don't risk injury or tiring your team just to eliminate your rivals that you may not end up playing anyway.
Posted by: JJay at September 13, 2005 03:27 PM
It will be a hard call for Laughing Larry, Theo and JH - - crush the Empire or not let your emotions let you lose sight of your goal.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 13, 2005 04:04 PM
I suspect it will be like Sunday's game. Rest the starters, and use them as the game goes on
Posted by: Raf at September 13, 2005 05:58 PM