Once a week, you’ll hear from numerous Red Sox bloggers on the Internet on a Red Sox related issue, and we’ll aggregate the answers here. Answers are placed in the order they were received. Thanks to everyone for participating!
Assuming Beckett, Lester & Matsuzaka have the top three spots in the post-season rotation, who should be #4?
“If Wakefield is in the bullpen, we may have to experience tons of passed balls with Jason Varitek as we did in 2004. I can do without these heart palpitations, thanks. I would expect Byrd to get the start in the short series because it will be just one game and Byrd seems the choice, but for the seven game series, if we advance that far, you might have to tab Wakefield. — Evan Brunell, Fire Brand of the American League
“Neither Uncle Paul Byrd nor Tim Wakefield have had a great September, so this isn’t the easiest call in the world. The vote here is for Byrd, but Tito needs to have a quick hook and consider using Wakefield as a long man during the series, especially if there’s a blowout.” Dan Lamothe, Red Sox Monster
“Given that the Angels put up a .296/.318/.488 line against Byrd against a .294/.342/.548 for Wake in similar sample sizes (203 ABs to 221 ABs), I think you have to lean towards the new guy. Throw in the fact that Byrd’s gone at least 5 IP in every start this month, while Wake’s had one of 1.2 IP and another of 2.1, and I’m sold. That said, we could be creative and use both. Assuming they’re both on the roster, one may well end up relieving the other – particularly if things get out of hand early.” — Stephen O’Grady, wicked clevah
Wake vs LAA in 2008: 0-1, he gave up 2 homers and 4 ER through 7 innings on 7/20. Wake vs LAA career: 9-12 in 23 GS, 4.80 ERA, 21 HRs in 23 games… Wake in postseason: 5-6 with a 6.36 ERA in 9 starts; Wake really hasn’t pitched well in the playoffs since 2003. His most recent outing was against CLE in the 07 ALCS – he allowed 5 runs in 4.2 innings and took the loss.
Byrd vs LAA in 2008: 1-1, he lasted just 3.0 IP back in April, allowing 6 runs on 5 hits (3 homers); He was better in July allowing 1 ER in 5+ innings = zero HRs… Byrd vs LAA career: 4-2 in 9 GS, 4.94 ERA, 11 HRs in 9 games… Byrd in postseason: 3-1 with a 4.80 ERA in 5 starts; Byrd won both of his starts in the 2007 playoffs…
Bottom Line: I have to go with Byrd here based on the stats above and the fact that he’s 6-2 since Aug 1. He’s not going tp throw a shutout or fan 10 guys, but he always keeps the game managable – where as Wake can be unhittalbe or give up 6 runs in the first… sorry Tim. — Bottom Line Rob, The Bottom Line
“Although Wakefield and Byrd are both roughly league-average starters, I lean towards Wakefield because of his seniority on the team (which could influence Tito too, I think) and a belief that a good outing from him would be more dominant than a good outing from Byrd. Actually, Wake’s a bit better than league average — plus I like Byrd as the pen’s long man.” Allan Wood, Joy of Sox
“I would choose Wake, you know what you have early in his start and if Tito is not afraid to pull him right away if he does not have it: there is a lot of upside. When Wake is on, he can totally shut down a team. Paul Byrd did what he was supposed to do when he joined the Sox; fill in for some injuries and help the team reach the playoffs. Boston has received what they needed from him and should not expect much more. You know when Byrd starts a game the opposing team is going to score runs, if the offense does not come up big, the team is headed for a loss. Picking Wake over Byrd is a gamble but one the Red Sox must take if it is needed.” — Matt O’Donnell, Fenway West
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