I'd go with Mestepay, then Nate, then Meier. Bumstead is itching to get his shot. If we drop to the losers' bracket, we're probably toast. That 3 game Championship series makes it necessary for the coaches to look way ahead when filling in their rotation. Dirks, Determan and Smith will all be used before this one is over IMO.
Bumstead didn't pitch as badly as it seems. If Gill makes the routine double play, Bumstead gets out of the first with NO runs. And Bum's brain fart on the tapper back to him was his doom. I think Meier will get the start Saturday. I don't think Smoke will bring back Mestepey with only 5 days rest. He has been pitching with 7 days rest all season.
Remember that Bumstead will blow his wad for nearly a week when he pitches, so I wouldn't be surprised if he went in game 2. Mesty can bounce back and pitch on Wednesday or Thursday if need be after going on Saturday. Nate can't do that. I also know that Smoke really likes Meier (he says that Justin has the best arm and best stuff on the team), but he's concerned about his consistency. I know he'd love to see Justin pitch at some point, and he's hoping in a 3rd game. So my guess is a Mesty-Bumstead 1-2 punch.
That is spot on. Sometimes it takes him an inning to get into a groove, which I think he was working toward. Those errors just killed him. I think there were a few "errors" that didnt get scored as such, as well. Although, the one that got through Gill's legs was hit pretty hard, so they were getting good wood (aluminum, lol) on some of his pitches. I still maintain that Mestepey is the man. I dont care who we are playing, if there is one absolute must-win game, I go with Mestepey.
damn i thought someone said the Canes had a lot of lefties although I couldnt recall any from watching them.... surprised if Smoke doesnt use a righty....i like my Meier decision even more. Im sure he will listen.
