28 Comments

I’m fine with the Orioles. I’m actually fine with anyone. Just being in is nice. Lol. At this point, anyone can beat anyone. And I’ll take my chances with Ragans and Lugo. That third game could be interesting….but that goes for any team.

Get Vinny back, do I expect great things coming back a little rushed? No, but just the threat should help.

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If he's actually healthy, he's fresh, which is a good thing. We'll see. I would say I'm not expecting much of anything, but yeah, having him there is big.

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I thought they would start MJ, let alone roster him. I don’t see any value in Grossman or DeJong. I’ve been convinced he could have a Moose-like October run.

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I could be way off since the Orioles are going to be starting righties. I obviously don't think Grossman makes it, but DeJong has that power potential, same as Renfroe. MJ does too. I could see it a lot of different ways.

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I imagine your breakdown tomorrow will cover it but the starter at 3B will be interesting tomorrow. I’ll be going back and forth on who I expect until the lineup comes out.

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I think the roster will obviously determine that. I think it's certainly possible DeJong doesn't even make it. In that case, I think it's obviously Garcia.

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Ok that’s good to hear. I was concerned if they go no MJ, Q would want a lefty in the range between Massey and Isbel and start Frazier at 3B batting 7th.

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I suppose I could see Frazier getting a start. It's just hard to say at this point.

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No way MJ doesn’t make the post-season roster. He’s been around for the losing, unlike guys like DeJong and Grossman. And he’s apparently one of BWJ’s best friends on the team, if a past interview is to be believed. But other than that, I think your guess is spot on.

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Yes, I think MJ is a lock because Camden Yards is lefty friendly and the Os won’t start any lefties.

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Excited for October and looking forward to our live chat during the games - appreciate that Dave!! LFGR!!!

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I agree with your roster choices with a couple of caveats.

1) I could see Hernandez being on the WC roster just because Marsh threw (basically) a full start

2) I'm not sure Vinnie would be a full-time DH, but I definitely see him as a pinch-hit/late-inning replacement (although nothing in the field).

I gotta say Garcia's body language has been almost as bad as his hitting, and if DeJong wasn't mired in his own hitting slump, I wouldn't be surprised to see him start over Garcia.

You'll probably laugh, but I saved that "starting pitching" graphic you created last week...and I'm going to ride that thing through the playoffs! I also didn't realize the Yankees haven't exactly been world-beaters the second half, because I originally wanted the lower-seed path.

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Yeah, I think Hernandez could be there too, as I wrote. I could see Marsh giving 25-30 pitches on Wednesday, though too.

I could be way off on Vinnie, but I don't feel like him being on the roster for one or two potential plate appearances is really worth it. If he's able to hit once, i would imagine they believe he's able to hit five times. I have zero insight into anything here, so like I said, could be way off, but it just seems like if he's on the roster, he's in the lineup.

And I wouldn't laugh at that at all!

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I would think Melendez would make the roster as the orioles park is more friendly to Lefty’s than righty’s now.

Even Judge hates hitting at Orioles park and there’s a reason why most of the Orioles power hitters are lefty’s or switch hitters

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Maybe, but unless they leave off DeJong or Garcia (and it's very possible), it's kind of hard to find the spot for him.

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I could see them carrying MJ instead of Garcia, due to a combination of the Orioles park (all games in Baltimore) and Garcia needing to get his head straight (see my comment below)--but only for the WC series.

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by far, the most surprising thing about this weekend was the fact that Schreiber could even stand up on Saturday. But what a week!!

LFGR!!

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He just wanted to shout out his wife. Gotta respect that.

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ha, true - although I think he almost forgot her name!

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I think they will go with fewer pitchers. They won’t, but I’d leave Singer off the roster for this round because Singer against the Os power lefties is a recipe for disaster, especially in Camden Yards. Anyway, it will be interesting and will probably end up with some marginal player with a big play. I’ll be there tomorrow and hopefully bringing the same luck as the extra innings game against the Nats last week. Let’s go Royals!

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Maybe I've missed one, but there have been 16 teams in this round and I don't think any have gone with fewer than 12 pitchers. Maybe the Royals are the first.

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Think Lesky referenced, but they did say Singer would be in the bullpen

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Sorry to rehash the MJ thing, but I think he plays for his power threat and cromulent defense.

Any chance they cut Frazier if MJ does make roster?

I am leaning Hernandez over Marsh, but should be interesting. thanks for the breakdown!

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I don't think they move on from Frazier. They love what he brings on the bench.

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First time in my 49 years that I've seen the word "cromulent", and I consider myself well read. Yet another reason to subscribe to ITC!

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I actually was hoping against hope last night for a matchup with the Orioles. Pretty shocking the Sox won twice. Houston is just scary, and I remember the O's games being winnable.

Bring on the Yankees, I would much rather see them and their bullpen over Guardians and that tenacious Ramirez

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Four years? Wow! Thank you for sticking with this, David. Always love your takes. Here's hoping the Royals move on to the next round.

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This was the 14th full season I’ve been writing about the Royals overall. Nobody is getting rid of me just yet.

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