Here's What I Would Do

Game 5 will resume after 5 1/2 innings tonight and there is a lot of speculation about what the two managers are going to do with their pitching staffs and bench players being that the game is restarting so late in the game.

I don't think either pitcher that started the other night should pitch. That is asking those guys to do a lot and one rumor was that the Phillies put Brett Myers (Game 6 Starter) in. I don't think that is a good idea because what are you going to do if you get to Game 6 then?

I am going to tell you what I would do if I were Maddon and if I was Manuel.

First lets start from Maddon's viewpoint.

The game is in the bottom of the 5th inning when it starts again so they will be pitching first. Here is what I would do. David Price was a starting pitcher in minors and would be in the rotation except he came up too late in the season. I would put him in right away. I am sure he can give at least 2 or 3 good innings and right now I think he is the best pitcher in their pen. That leaves you with Howell and Balfour for the save by committee in the 9th.

I would worry about the bench players when I know who Manuel puts in but I would not sub anyone in right away.

Here's what I would do if I was Manuel.

From what I understand the pitcher's spot is due up first tonight. Well if Maddon puts Price in like I say then I would let So Taguchi or Chris Coste pinch hit. If he puts in a righty then I would let Matt Stairs pinch hit. After that you need to play the matchups.

I think pitching wise, Manuel has a much harder decision. He doesn't have a guy in the pen that could be dominant for a few innings. However, Manuel has the advantage in that he has 4 shutdown pitchers that could each throw an inning. Scott Eyre, JC Romero, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge. They are all rested on top of that. So what would I do? I would put Madson in right away. Bottom of the 5th. I know this is way earlier then when he normally pitches but like Price, he came up through the minors as a starter. If he can give you two strong innings then you are in the 8th. If Romero or Eyre can get an out or two then Lidge can get a 4 out save and the trophy is yours.

I am not going to predict the outcome because this is the craziest thing that could have happened but that is what I think gives both managers the best chance to win. I can't wait to see what happens. Tune in at 8:37 to see if I think anything like the guys managing in the series.