Mr. Crackerz wrote:With pitching, you must keep Lopez (1.45 ERA as giant), Rodriguez (0.70), Romo, and Wilson. Those are the untouchables in relief. Remember, Bumgardener will be a reliever as well, so that makes 5. I believe the giants will use a 4 man rotation versus the typical three we see in the playoffs. Lincicum, Cain, Sanchez, Zito (my preferred order). That right there makes 9 players.
Now the tricky part. If the team chooses to bring 11 pitchers, it must decide the final two relievers. Santiago Castilla has played well with the team, so i would elect to have him there. Now the final spot. If the team needs another lefty (it already has 2 in lopez and bum.), it has the choice of the inconsistant Affeldt or Runzler, who is playing decent. If they want another righthander, they can choose Ray or Mota. Of those four, I would take the gamble on Affeldt IF he is healthy. He hasn't been all year, so i am a bit skeptical. But if they do a bullpen session and he looks fine, then i want him to make the roster.
However, this relief is so strong, i wouldn't be shock if Bochy pulls a 10 man pitching rotation for the division series (as its only 5 games), and chooses to bring 11 pitchers for the other 2 series. Having the extra batter can be useful in a shorter series.
I think we're on the same page Crackerz, I would take Affeldt over Runzler. So Ramirez, Lopez, Affeldt, Casilla, Romo, Wilson. I'd put Zito as long relief in the pen. I don't think Bochy will do a 3 man staff, through all the playoffs. If Bumgarner is rotated in and out of starting rotation, he may go to long relief. If you go 12 man, then you'll have to eliminate 2 players from these position players: Rowand, Ross, Schierholz, Isshikawa, Fountenot or Renterria.