Pitching Depth

[Arky Vaughan]

Pitching depth means having Clemens to pitch three innings of relief in Game 4, since Pettitte was fresh for Game 5 -- as opposed to having to sit on Smoltz to save him for Game 5, and not having a solid starter who could eat innings effectively in the longest playoff game in history.

It also means, even coming out of a meatgrinder like this, having Pettitte, Oswalt, Clemens, Backe, Pettitte, Oswalt, Clemens lined up for the NLCS.

[Nate in IA]

Exactly right.  Everyone will be fresh and on schedule to go against the Cards and with those big three, I really like the Astros' chances this time around.

[JimR]

TV guys said Smoltz was physically unable to pitch.

[Craig]

Quote:
TV guys said Smoltz was physically unable to pitch.

Yup, they said the Braves told them Ramirez would have pitched Game 5.

[Nate in IA]

Yeah, Sutcliffe said his whole shoulder was black and blue and there was no way he would be able to pitch.  Ouch.

[David in Jackson]

Glad we won't see him.  I respect the heck out of that guy and like him.  Given my feelings for Glavine and Maddux, that's something.