Here’s the probable starters for the last three games of the season with their ERA+ beside them. Remember anything over 100 is above average and vice versa.
Friday 9/26
R. Dempster (CHC) 151 @ J. Suppan (MIL) 86
C. Volstad (FLA) 135 @ M. Pelfrey (NYM) 112
C. Balester (WAS) 89 @ J. Blanton (PHI) 101
Saturday 9/27
T. Lilly (CHC) 108 @ D. Bush (MIL) 102
R. Nolasco (FLA) 118 @ TBA (NYM)
J. Lannan (WAS) 111 @ J. Moyer (PHI) 118
Sunday 9/28
J. Marquis (CHC) 102 @ CC Sabathia (MIL) 245
S. Olsen (FLA) 99 @ J. Santana (NYM) 157
O. Perez (WAS) 101 @ C. Hamels (PHI) 145
First of all, I am going on Sunday which means that I get to see CC Sabathia’s last two regular season starts as a Brewer. That’s pretty exciting. The Phillies are clearly in the best position as they face the weakest lineup and have better pitchers going everyday. The only worry for them might be Cole Hamels who is at a career high in innings right now and hasn’t looked as great lately, but still 2/3 probably gets them in as they’re up a game.
Right behind them has to be the Brewers because juding by the lineup and relievers they used last night the Cubs are on cruise control til the playoffs start. The Cubs might be a better team than the Brewers, but the Cubs without Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Wood, Marmol, Soto and Derosa? I would hope so. Then again, think of what the atmosphere might be like this weekend with all the Cubs fans coming north? Will that have an effect?
I find it interesting the Mets don’t know who is starting on Saturday they went with J. Niese (58) in that slot last time, but recently activated J. Maine (99) off the DL so we’ll see who goes in that slot. I’d imagine it has to be Maine though. The Mets are looking like their going to “collapse” again because of all the contenders playing they are playing the best team, with the best lineup and the best pitching matchups, but really anything could happen at this point. Like a ton of rain.
Should be a fun weekend.
