ALCS Pitching Preview
Here are the lines on the starting pitching we’ll see in the ALCS, along with their career stats against each other’s clubs.
2006 Season
GS W-L K BB ERA WHIP BAABarry Zito 34 16-10 151 99 3.83 1.40 .257Esteban Loaiza 26 11-9 97 40 4.89 1.42 .288Dan Haren 34 14-13 176 45 4.12 1.21 .258Rich Harden 9 4-0 49 26 4.24 1.22 .191Joe Blanton 31 16-12 107 58 4.82 1.54 .309
2006 Season
GS W-L K BB ERA WHIP BAANate Robertson 32 13-13 137 67 3.84 1.31 .259Justin Verlander 30 17-9 124 60 3.63 1.33 .266Kenny Rogers 33 17-8 99 62 3.84 1.26 .253Jeremy Bonderman 34 14-8 202 64 4.08 1.30 .259
Against the Tigers, career numbers
GS W-L K BB ERA WHIP BAABarry Zito 14 7-5 30 9 2.68 1.15 .226Esteban Loaiza 18 11-5 88 26 2.96 1.15 .252Dan Haren 3 0-2 19 2 5.31 1.23 .284Rich Harden 4 3-1 20 10 3.70 1.64 .326Joe Blanton 3 2-1 4 3 8.27 1.90 .384
Against the A’s, career numbers
GS W-L K BB ERA WHIP BAANate Robertson 4 2-2 14 7 5.46 1.07 .221Justin Verlander 3 1-1 16 6 2.25 1.05 .223Kenny Rogers 35 21-7 156 93 4.33 1.45 .275Jeremy Bonderman 7 3-3 19 21 3.77 1.33 .228
Game 1 [10/11] - Barry Zito vs. Nate Robertson, in Oakland, 7:00 pm CST
Zito and Robertson have been announced as the Game One starters. Zito gets the nod as the veteran on the A’s staff, and Robertson gets the ball because Kenny Rogers’ relief appearance in the final regular season game meant Nate Robertson had to start Game One of the ALDS. Robertson will stay on his regular rotation rest for this game.
Game 2 [10/12] - Esteban Loaiza vs. Justin Verlander, in Oakland, TBA
Esteban Loaiza just barely beat out Rich Harden for the second start, in a vote of decision makers in Oakland. I’m guessing Verlander stays on his normal rest to start this game, as he did for Game Two of the ALDS.
Game 3 [10/14] - Dan Haren vs. Kenny Rogers, in Detroit, 7:00 pm CST
This should be Haren’s game to start, but it depends on the health of Rich Harden. He was given a great show of confidence by Oakland brass in nearly getting the second spot in the ALCS rotation. Dan Haren started the third game in the ALDS, putting him on normal rest for this game, but it depends on how many times Oakland wants Rich Harden to start. If they decide that they want him to pitch in Games Three and Seven, they’ll pitch him here. If they think they can get just one start from him, they’ll use him in the 4th spot.
Kenny Rogers should reprise his role as A’s killer, as shown by his career numbers against the A’s. This will be a tough game.
Game 4 [10/15] - Rich Harden vs. Jeremy Bonderman, in Detroit, 6:30 pm CST
Rich Harden seems to be the frontrunner for this spot, if he doesn’t pitch in Game Three. There are some rumors that Joe Blanton may make his postseason debut in the ALCS, though, leaving the 4th spot as his likely destination. Of course, if Harden starts in the 3rd spot, Dan Haren will get the ball for this game. Look for Jeremy Bonderman to pitch a brilliant game, as he’s always pitched well against the club that drafted and traded him away. He has a career 3.77 ERA and just a .228 batting average against to the A’s.
Game 5 [10/16] - Barry Zito vs. Nate Robertson, in Detroit, 3:00 pm CST (if necessary)
Barry Zito has never missed a start in his entire career. Yes, you read that right. I can’t imagine the A’s would now decide to throw him off of his normal rest. I feel pretty confident that if there needs to be a Game Five, Zito will get the ball.
Game 6 [10/18] - Esteban Loaiza vs. Justin Verlander, in Oakland, 7:00 pm CST (if necessary)
I’m just going to assume that the A’s and Tigers will keep their starters on normal rest.
Game 7 [10/19] - Dan Haren vs. Kenny Rogers, in Oakland, 7:00 pm CST (if necessary)
I’m again just going to assume that the A’s and Tigers will keep their starters on normal rest. Dan Haren proved he can handle the role of series closer against the Twins in the ALDS, and if he pitches in Game Four, he’ll get the ball again for Game Seven, if necessary.