Numbers

Two numbers have me interested today: 1008.1 and 997.2.

The first number is the number of innings for the last place Pickled Pecklers. This one is of interest only to the Doc and me. We think well make the 1075 target. We've got 6 starting pitchers, four of whom are pitching tomorrow, and so should have 3 starts to go. We'll have somewhere between 16 and 20 starts from decent pitchers. If we average 5 innings per starts, we'll make it with something to spare.

If we don't, we'll lose 14 points, and end up with 14 points, give or take. On the other hand, last is last.

The other number is the number of innings for the 300 Pounders. They are in 2nd place, and although it doesn't look like they're going to make it to #1, they have 19 pitching points at stake, which will move them to 3rd and possibly to 4th. That's some serious coin difference, particularly after ripping up their keeper list to challenge the Cartel.

With 7 starters, you would think that's no problem. Not so, elk breath.

One of those starters is Roy Oswalt. The Astros have announced they are shutting him down for the season.

Make that 6 starters.

They also have Kyle Lohse. He hasn't started a game in a while. He was scheduled to start on Friday, but he's got lingering discomfort in his forearm on top of a groin pull. With the Cardinals locked into the playoffs, he might or might not pitch again.

Maybe 5 starters.

Ricky Nolasco is eating innings, but not terribly many lately, and virtually every one is ugly. It's not clear if picking him up was a good idea for the Pounders, but he hasn't gone more than 6 and 1/3 innings in his last five starts, during which time his ERA is 6.67.

Carpenter and Lee and Zito are in the Pounders rotation, and they've been great. Carpenter looks like a sure fire Cy Young winner as well as Comeback Player of the Year. Zito has to be right behind him (and maybe Josh Johnson) for Comeback Player of the Year.

The other starter is a guy whose last start was on June 8. However, here he comes to save the day for the Pounders: Jake Peavy is scheduled to pitch on Saturday. Kevin never reserved him, so for three months he's enjoyed Peavy's zero ERA and zero Ratio. He's also enjoyed Peavy's zero innings pitched.

My guess: here are the projected starts.

Carpenter - 2
Lee - 2
Zito - 2
Peavy - 2
Nolasco - 2 short ones
Lohse - relief only
Oswalt - none

Assume Carpenter, Lee and Zito average 7 innings per start, Peavy 6 and Nolasco 5, that's 64 innings, bringing the Pounders to 1062. Maybe Lohse will get a few innings, and the three closers, Capps, Rodriguez and Valverde are probably good for at least 3 innings each.

Close baby. 20 Benjis at stake.

PS... He also picked up Tim Stauffer as his expansion player. That looks like money well spent. And congratulations to the Doyle Cartel.