Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Vito 22
In a potentially controversial move, Jim Leyland has said that Verlander will not pitch in Game 4 of the ALDS no matter what the series is at that point. If they are down 2-1 and DON'T pitch Verlander I think that would be completely retarded...dude is having one of the best seasons in a long, long time. But Leyland's always come across as a stubborn guy who will go out of his way to go against public opinion.
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It does sound a bit odd but at the same time he doesn't want Verlander pulling a Sabathia a few years ago with the heavy workload which ended up not backfiring on the Yankees.
He figures Game 5 is more important than a Game 4 and if done correctly, he can have Verlander available in a potential Game 7 of the ALCS with normal rest than overusing him similar to Cliff Lee being tired by the time of the World Series last year or David Price with the Rays a few years back.
Sabathia was the only one in recent years to pull off a whole playoff run on very short rest but it also helped all the delayed games that year and other questionable calls.