Avoiding division rivals in ST?

[Rocketbooster]

Is Joe overthinking things here? CC is not pitching against the Rays on Sunday (instead, he will throw in a minor-league game) and presumably AJ will be skipped against the Sox and Jays in his next two starts (and also throw against minor-leaguers). Isn't that kind of silly? It's not like the Rays have never faced CC.....The Jays obviously know AJ and so do the Sox. I could be premature about AJ since nothing is set yet, but the point sort of stands anyway.

[Tifoso]

Why give them an early look?

[Sheffield]

When a pitcher and batter have never faced each other, the advantage will typically go to the pitcher. I agree with your point that yeah sure, these batters have seen these pitchers before... but why give them a refresher when you don't absolutely need to?

[Yankees1962]

Is Joe overthinking things here? CC is not pitching against the Rays on Sunday (instead, he will throw in a minor-league game) and presumably AJ will be skipped against the Sox and Jays in his next two starts (and also throw against minor-leaguers). Isn't that kind of silly? It's not like the Rays have never faced CC.....The Jays obviously know AJ and so do the Sox. I could be premature about AJ since nothing is set yet, but the point sort of stands anyway.

Nope, just watch your division rivals do the same thing.

[cyhughes22]

I'm pretty sure this is standard practice for most teams. For instance, I doubt that the Mets start Santana against Phillies, Marlins or Braves this spring. I don't know how much it works but it's just part of the game these days.

[NYYDragoon]

IIRC, Torre didn't pitch Pettitte against the Sox during their first Spring re-meeting either. Standard practice.

[Rocketbooster]

Thanks, guys!

I guess I'm always finding something to worry about (not that I was worried, but still......)

As it turns out, CC would be making his start in Port Charlotte, which is apparently 100 miles outside of Tampa.......so, no long trip for him. The trip to Ft. Myers for the Sox is also a long trip, so again, makes sense for AJ not to make the long drive.

[President Kennedy]

I really don't care who the pitchers face in ST just so long as they get their work in.