Joe Torre has decided on his first 3 starters for the playoffs this week, and it's really not at all surprising. Derek Lowe goes Game 1, Chad Billingsley in Game 2, and Hiroki Kuroda in Game 3. After that, it's a toss-up.
I think Lowe and Billingsley each have great cases to start the first game, but with the obvious experience edge going to Lowe, it's a good call. Granted, the last time he start Game 1 for the Dodgers back in 2006 against the Mets, it didn't go so well. But this time around, I think we all have a much better feeling about how well he can do.
Billingsley has gone 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA, 201 K's in 200.2 IP, and 1 complete game shutout. Take away Lowe's World Series run with the Red Sox, then it may be him taking the hill first. It really doesn't matter either way. In my mind, it's like having 2 aces go in consecutive games.
Kuroda has one last tuneup today against the San Francisco Giants before he's unleashed in Game 3. We've seen him look absolutely brilliant in some games, and struggle in others. In a way, he reminds me of how Lowe has been in the past, where you never know which pitcher will show up. However, he's earned his way to this spot, so I think he'll be fine.
In other news, Clayton Kershaw will pitch in relief, a role in which he says he's excited for. The Greg Maddux question will be answered soon. His great start Saturday night should earn him some sort of spot one would think.
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