2022 Phillies Post-Season Campaign Discussion

andyb 2022-10-12 15:53:02 UTC #82

This might be a "check the weather radar around 3 PM" decision. The forecast does look more like on and off rain and some of it might pass by game time. I'd certainly have one of Thor or Gibson ready to go at game time if there are going to be delays. It would not be the worst thing to try to get through the lineup once with either of them and try to go to Wheeler to lead off the 3rd or 4th inning if the chance of a delay is past.

Aquapong 2022-10-12 15:59:04 UTC #83

Yeah we took a game from them at home already. Don’t burn Wheeler or Nola on some 2 or 3 inning start.

zambonir 2022-10-12 16:03:00 UTC #84

I wish one of you guys would get an avatar!

phillychuck 2022-10-12 16:03:25 UTC #85

Weather forecast for the ATL today:

andyb 2022-10-12 16:10:29 UTC #86

I was looking at that and seeing the hardest rain before 6 PM. That is the kind of forecast where they should be able to get the game in. Just might take a little while.

phillychuck 2022-10-12 16:12:57 UTC #87

We have to worry about Wheeler not being able to get up again after a delay. Might be time to use a "starter" and let Wheeler come in after the weather clears out.

David_Criss 2022-10-12 16:31:38 UTC #88

I've tried to wrap my head around why, with Falter, Nelson and Thor, Gibson was kept on the roster over Hall or Maton. Now it makes a little sense that he can be the opener today. But wouldn't we still want Falter or Thor opening today?

andyb 2022-10-12 16:35:27 UTC #89

I think Falter/Thor is likely the game 4 plan. 2-3 innings each. Maybe a bit more from Falter but imagine he'll have a pretty short leash in the postseason. Obviously they could pitch Thor today and put Gibson in that piggyback role too.

Imagine the Braves have the same mediocre choices too that they'll need to make.

zambonir 2022-10-12 16:57:53 UTC #90

Yeah I think they are playing Game 4 totally by ear depending on the series score and who they've had to use. The worst-case scenario now would be that Falter goes today and Thor is needed in a high-leverage spot today or tomorrow, leaving a Gibson start for Game 4.

The names don't really matter though, the five-man bench was clearly never on the table. And between the extra innings game we saw in another series and now today's weather, it that caution was obviously warranted.

For sure, this does the Braves no favors either. Fewer favors even, since they are under more pressure today, and Strider's availability is still unclear.

Lucky_Beagle 2022-10-12 17:18:43 UTC #91

Has there been any talk from anyone associated with the team indicating Wheeler may be held back or out of today's game, or is this all phan talk at this point?

zambonir 2022-10-12 17:20:12 UTC #92

oh it's all fan talk I don't think the beat writers have even weighed in. but pre-game interviews should be soon I'd think?

I don't think you make a decision until the SP is about to go warm up either.

Aquapong 2022-10-13 02:22:41 UTC #93

So who starts Saturday? If they are having Thor come into a losing game in the 8th, it seems they don’t trust him as a starter. I guess that means Falter. If it gets to Sunday, I assume it’s Suarez.

phillychuck 2022-10-13 02:43:24 UTC #94

If it gets to Sunday it's all hands on deck. Wheeler will pitch at least some, I'd think.

zambonir 2022-10-13 02:46:58 UTC #95

It was a losing game but also a winnable game and Thor needed to pitch. Thomson actually talking about it right now. I think Thor and Falter are still a likely tandem (vs. Gibson and Falter). And for sure Wheeler available in Game 5, just a question of when/for how long.

It takes Thor out of the game tomorrow, but bullpen depth shouldn't be an issue tomorrow.

HopeSpringsEternal 2022-10-13 02:52:24 UTC #96

Friday, that is. Tomorrow’s a travel day

zambonir 2022-10-13 03:07:36 UTC #97

heh, indeed. So they are set up pretty well for Game 4. the top guys will still pitch two days in a row if they have to.

Sabin 2022-10-13 04:01:01 UTC #98

Well, he's not wrong. I really don't see the bullpen being an issue tomorrow.

Sabin 2022-10-13 04:05:33 UTC #99

[Side note: I wasn't any better earlier when I was rushing to get my football picks in before Thursday Night Football kicked off.]

gmwannabe 2022-10-13 11:09:18 UTC #100

i was afraid of this. All of this pitching talk won't even matter if the 1st and 2nd batters continue their pathetic hitting. just a shame. does Rob shake some things up now or keep status quo. Rhys is working his way out of town. with the right handed pitchers the braves have starting, I'd go with Long Ball. Not a good top of the order. Friday at the Bank will be electric. hopefully they give Nola some runs.
gm

David_Criss 2022-10-13 13:25:14 UTC #101

I don't think this takes Thor out for Friday or Saturday as a tandem with Falter. It is fairly common for starters (long relievers in this case) to throw a small bullpen in between outings. His just happened to be in a game. And he only threw 16 pitches.