If LSU were up say 3-4 runs tomorrow in the 7th, but was out of pitchers. Used up Ross, used up Bradshaw, maybe Cain or Byrd gone, too. Would you consider letting Ranaudo go to try to close it out and win it? Or do you guys think that's too risky because you need him for a potential Wednesday game?
I would throw Jones if lefties were due up, and would even let Haydel pitch to avoid having to throw Ranaudo. Also Paul Berticini should be available.
If LSU were up that much in the 7th, I'd do what ever it takes to keep the lead and win it right there. If we are up that much, chances are that Texas is out of pitchers too. Our bats can out bat their bats.
I'd start Ranaudo tonight and let him go as long as he's effective. At least let him get into the 7th inning. I wouldn't take any chances with a 5 or 6 run lead. But hey, I'm fine with letting CPM make that call. He's been terrific so far. :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
3 days rest for a kid used to 6 days rest while also having had arm problems in the past? No way I'd START him today. I'd maybe let him go an inning or two if it's to lock the door, though.
i was talking to a friend yesterday how i (still) think the cws is too long and could be shortened. we were talking about rest for pitchers etc. however during the regular season, with the two mid-week game stretches, teams get in a lot more games than the do in the almost two week cws. point being, that when one uses the argument that stretching out the cws gives time for pitchers to rest and come back, the flip side of that argument is that a big part of baseball is managing your team/staff. if your team has depth, that is easier to do. but still, we are seeing the importance of managing your staff, even with the cws being stretched out like it is. just one more reason to love baseball.:grin:
Biggest thing to remember in tournament baseball is the best time for a win is now. Meaning if you have a chance to close it out, you close it out. It would not surprise me at all if Coleman came in and pitched tonight late in the game. The rest rule is good only for keeping the guys healthy for a long season. They can rest for 2 or 3 months if need be after the tournament.
