Your playoff rotation

[Brutus]

So I myself am struggling with this. What's your 3-man rotation (though admittedly usage of four starters becomes necessary or advisable for some teams in some years) if the Reds make the playoffs?

For me,

No. 1 starter Johnny Cueto
No. 2 starter Travis Wood
No. 3 starter Homer Bailey (though there are many good reasons for Arroyo)

I'm having a hard time deciphering between those four. Volquez is actually the type of guy that can dominate more than any of them, but he's also the least reliable right now in my opinion.

If the Reds make the playoffs, how would you structure the rotation? Assume a 3-man lineup.

[Redsfan320]

If we're goin' 3:

Arroyo
Cueto
Wood

320

[mdccclxix]

I was imagining Arroyo throwing a gem in game 1 today. I've just accepted that he's going to start because he's a veteran, highly paid, etc. I kind of find comfort in Arroyo starting of these reasons myself. I guess I'd go with:

Arroyo
Volquez
Cueto

Arroyo being able to go in game 4 if he succeeds in game 1. Although, I'd really like to give Wood or Bailey a chance.

I want to give Volquez a chance to utilize his K skills in a series where it can give us a psychological advantage. Have Wood ready in a pinch.

[UKFlounder]

Arroyo, Wood & Cueto are the top 3 without question. Bailey probably would be the 4th if needed, as I just don't trust Volquez yet. (Then again, I'm not sold on Homer either, so I'm not really sure who would be my 4th choice.)

I guess the question I have is how many pitchers do we keep on the roster - 12? If 3 starters and 9 in the bullpen, including a couple who may be able to eat innings in case of a bad start so that the whole bullpen does not suffer, that might work. 4 starters & 8 relievers might be fine too.

[Brutus]

Arroyo, Wood & Cueto are the top 3 without question. Bailey probably would be the 4th if needed, as I just don't trust Volquez yet. (Then again, I'm not sold on Homer either, so I'm not really sure who would be my 4th choice.)

I guess the question I have is how many pitchers do we keep on the roster - 12? If 3 starters and 9 in the bullpen, including a couple who may be able to eat innings in case of a bad start so that the whole bullpen does not suffer, that might work. 4 starters & 8 relievers might be fine too.

I think those are the three that will get the call from Dusty. But I think a case could be made for three that don't include Arroyo. I do think it's a no-brainer he'll be out there in Game 1. Experience and all that. But if I'm choosing, it's not as easy for me.

[UKFlounder]

I think it has more to do with performance and consistency than experience. Arroyo seems a bit more dependable to me than the others, though his physical skills may not match them. I can see a point for going with the better arms, but I just don't know what to expect from guys like Bailey and Volzquez - I think Bronson is a bit more reliable

I think those are the three that will get the call from Dusty. But I think a case could be made for three that don't include Arroyo. I do think it's a no-brainer he'll be out there in Game 1. Experience and all that. But if I'm choosing, it's not as easy for me.

[Cedric]

Hopefully Volquez has 4 more great starts and then is a big part of the post season plans. Edinson, Cueto, and Bronson would be my 3 choices if that happens.

If not I would go Homer over Wood unless we play the Phillies.

[Brutus]

I think it has more to do with performance and consistency than experience. Arroyo seems a bit more dependable to me than the others, though his physical skills may not match them. I can see a point for going with the better arms, but I just don't know what to expect from guys like Bailey and Volzquez - I think Bronson is a bit more reliable

Yeah that's a good argument. Surprisingly, Bailey has been pretty consistent this year for the most part. It doesn't seem like it, but looking back at his starts, it's surprisingly solid.

[RBA]

Cueto and pray for rain after the 6th inning (so CoCo doesn't blow it) and pray for at least three days of rain between starts.

[HokieRed]

Cueto, Bailey, Volquez

[RBA]

Cueto, Arroyo, and Volquez. I think Bailey is fool's gold.

[Matt700wlw]

I think Arroyo is a lock, as is Cueto...not sure on the 3rd, but I'm hoping Volquez gets things in order in the next few weeks...

If Cueto and Volquez are both in it, I put Arroyo between them. A lefty would be nice, but I'm unsure Wood is there yet.

I basically answered nothing, have I? Lol.

[Will M]

Game 1: Cueto
Game 2: Arroyo
Game 3: Wood, Bailey or Volquez (whoever pitches better down the stretch).
Game 4: Wood, Bailey or Volquez. whoever goes is on a short lease with the 5th pitcher standing by in long relief
Game 5: Cueto

[RedsManRick]

Arroyo, Cueto, Wood, Bailey

- I don't want Cueto too worked up for Game 1
- If the Reds are getting shut down by the other team's ace, I think Arroyo is least likely to press
- I like having Cueto matched up against the Game 2 starter
- I want to alternate between the hard throwers
- I go 4 deep because Bailey can't get warmed up quickly enough to relieve and I want Wood in the rotation

[The Voice of IH]

Arroyo
Cueto
Wood
Bailey

Lets compete