Loaiza in Game 2

by Vegas A's Fan on Oct 10, 2006 9:57 AM PDT

The more and more I think about Esteban going in game two, it really bothers/concerns me.

He has pitched great in the second half of the season and pitched terrific in Minnesota in the ALDS but I would feel better with Rich Harden going in game 2 and the veteran Loaiza going in game 3 on the road.

This makes game 1 so very important for the A's to win because something in my heart tells me that Loaiza can't out pitch Verlander.

As far as Harden goes, I understand we haven't really seen how ready he is but to me he is a weapon and if he is on his game he may very well be the best pitcher in the AL. His control doesn't concern me because of the overly aggressive swinging Tigers and i feel he would thrive being at home with the crowd.

Any thoughts?

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Loaiza is much, much better at home

and got shelled on the road vs. Detroit earlier this season. It bothered me too, but I can live with it. For one thing, I like E-Lo mjuch better than I used to, but I definitely don't want him lined up for a potential Game 7 vs. Rogers at the Coliseum. If anyone can handle that matchup, it's Harden, which is why I'm okay with Rich going Game 3.

"It really doesn't matter who we play," Haren said. "If we get the Tigers, we'll beat the Tigers. If we get the Yankees, we'll beat them, too."

by Chavinator on Oct 10, 2006 10:28 AM PDT reply actions

much*

"It really doesn't matter who we play," Haren said. "If we get the Tigers, we'll beat the Tigers. If we get the Yankees, we'll beat them, too."

by Chavinator on Oct 10, 2006 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions

As much as I hate to sound like Joe Morgan

Loaiza is a veteran and I trust him to be able to handle the pressure of a big game more than Harden. That's not to say Harden can't do it, but in the postseason my belief is that you have to play it safe. That means giving the edge to your veterans.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Oct 10, 2006 11:28 AM PDT reply actions

The only reason I would like Harden in game 2

is because it is not as critical a game. I love Harden and I know he CAN have the best stuff on any given night but he did not look good in his last start (granted, it was a meaningless game but I assume he was trying to impress for post seasons starts) or his fall league game.

I prefer Loaiza to Harden at the moment but I prefer him in a more critical game 4 (though game 6 may be critical as well - who knows what will unfold).

by easyraider on Oct 10, 2006 11:50 AM PDT reply actions

Why Loaiza?

I agree with some of the comments here--better at home, veteran, great Sept. But I really think that the reason the A's didn't go with Harden concerns the bullpen--not Loiaza. Harden's propensity to throw alot of pitches and the fact that he will need to be on (some kind) of a pitch count means that he could limited to 5 innings on Weds--putting a large drain on the bullpen. The gamble is that E Lo goes 6 or hopefully 7--making management of the bullpen for game 2 and moving through the series easier. In a tight possibly 7 game series the bullpens (and the freshness of the arms there) could decide it.
Thats also why I really question Leyland going with Robertson game 1--we could get into the pen early and put pressure on their pen the rest of the way.

This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings. ~Bill Veeck

by Steve in Napa on Oct 10, 2006 12:03 PM PDT reply actions

re: overuse of the bullpen b/c of Rich...

Shouldn't be much of a concern. I mean, you have Joe Blanton and Kirk Saarloos out there who could give you 6 innings if the unmentionable happened early in the game (ok, i'll say it...if Rich re-injured himself). I don't think his performance will merit an early hook from Macha; I'm more confident in Rich Harden at whatever percentage he's at now than any other member of this pitching staff. And I think that confidence is warranted.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Oct 10, 2006 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

So nervous about the Robertson chatter.

It's freaking me out that everyone is penciling this in as advantage A's tonight. It's kinda a la Santana - Zito, only in reverse.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Roberston tosses a gem tonight. We can't take his starts for granted at all...buckle down boys and don't fall behind early, even if Robertson is pitching well. That's the key. Of course I hope we torch him 7 runs.

I think we'll be able to get to Verlander tomorrow. Tonight's game sets the tone. Start it off on the right foot boys.

by the stare on Oct 10, 2006 12:15 PM PDT reply actions

That's what concerns me also... we must

beat Robertson.

Zito must beat him tonight.

"I hate the Angels"

by Vegas A's Fan on Oct 10, 2006 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Loaiza or Harden...

..Whatever your reason for one over the other, there's one thing we can all agree on...

It's a pretty nice dilemma to have, ain't it?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Oct 10, 2006 1:06 PM PDT reply actions

Ah, come on . . .

Wasn't it more fun when we could debate the relative "merits" of Heredia versus a mostly used up Appier?? On second thought, I'm glad we are choosing between Loaiza and Harden. I would choose Harden, but I am pretty confident in any sequence of the 4 pitchers we throw out there.

Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 10, 2006 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Harden vs Haren

To me the debate should be if Harden should start before Haren. I would prefer that Harden start Game 3 against Rogers as that is a better matchup than Haren vs Rogers.

Game 3 has to be a low scoring affair is they have any chance of beating Rogers and Haren pitching that first game in Detroit scares me !!!!

by DaveinRoseville on Oct 10, 2006 3:44 PM PDT reply actions