Collmenter vs. Saunders: Choose your No. 3 for the playoffs
Sep 8, 2011, 9:14 PM | Updated: Sep 9, 2011, 2:03 am
As the Diamondbacks inch closer and closer to a playoff spot, much of the focus is beginning to turn to what the team will look like after game 162.
That’s what a seven game division lead will do to you.
As such, Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo wondered what the team’s starting rotation will look like after Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson.
“I think it’s going to be Saunders,” John Gambadoro said of who will be the third starter. “I think they want the experience.”
The lefty Saunders has started in three postseason games, compiling a 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA for the Angels. However, the veteran has been fairly steady for the D-backs this year and at the very least presents a safer option than rookie Josh Collmenter.
“I think they like Collmenter a lot, and in a perfect world all four of them would start,” Gambadoro said, noting a 2-1 series lead would afford the team room to not use Kennedy on short rest.
However, there’s a decent chance the rookie with the funky delivery could simply be a better pitcher than Saunders, experience be damned.
“If Collmenter is that much better than Joe Saunders wouldn’t you rather have Josh Collmenter as your number three starter,” Dave Burns asked.
Ultimately it could come down to who the team is playing. If the Diamondbacks face the Phillies the lefty Saunders may be a better option against guys like Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
