Fall Classic

Many people will have more things to say and more time to say it than I will. Viva El Birdos and Detroit Tiger Weblog are just two of them. My problem with both the coverage and many of my friends' opinions is the fait accompli that the Tigers are going to steamroll the Cardinals. There are many good reasons to believe this. The Birds have too many easy outs throughout their lineup. El Hombre, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds are all hurting. Chris Carpenter got a rock in his trick or treat bag. And let's face it, Detroit has played great baseball in April, May, June and October.

Furthermore, they have "momentum" on their side after bitchslapping the Yankees and the A's into the middle of next week. I'm not sure how to measure "momentum." It's strikes me as trying to calculate how well a hitter does after the organist plays the "CHARGE!" paean. Nevertheless, it's taken for granted that Detroit's pitchers will be well rested and ready to bury the Cards.

My question is this: What are the stats on pitchers that pitch on more than 4 days rest? Is there a health risk to doing that (assuming you're not missing a start for another health reason) or if there's a loss of 'sharpness' when you're not pitching at > regular intervals.

This is by no means a scientific argument. But two of Minnesota's pitchers: Boof Bonser and Scott Baker got absolutely shelled when they their turns were skipped. Although, they may simply be poorer pitchers.

But Bonderman and Verlander have both dealt with arm and shoulder issues in the second half and both of their numbers are down. Rest could very well help them, but I wonder if there's a risk as well. Presumably they've been throwing on the side in simulated games, etc. But any pitcher will tell you there's a world of difference between simulated games and the real thing.

As for me, I don't want to take anything away from Detroit. They've earned to be where they are by playing amazing baseball. But let's not be too quick to write off St. Louis. Yes, they will be tired. But I would argue that Detroit is pitching well above their heads in the playoffs (certainly Rogers is).

At the end of the day, we're talking about professional athletes here that are well conditioned and trained to play under pressure.

Tigers in 6.