Thompson looked really strong in that Saturday Mets game and I think he will keep getting better, with the occasional blow up. I’d like to keep him up. I was kind of thinking that if Perez is up that means Izzy is on the DL. I’d still like to see him get some innings in September since he should be our closer next year. I’d rather see him pitching than Garcia actually.

What I’ve been waiting for all year is a true mop up situation when Miles isn’t in there and watch them use Ankiel to close it out! Would never happen, but that would be pure entertainment no matter what happened!

I’ll obviously need to put more thought into this

You’ve got seven in the pen there, plus an arm to be added (even though I said assume no trades ) – plus 5 starters?

If you’re choosing to go with one of Garcia, Looper, or Pineiro at the 5th starter slot – what happens to to the other two? Trades?

Given what we have to work with, I would slate them as follows:
1. Chris Carpenter – this is a given, but I doubt he really pitches like a #1 pitcher down the stretch. He still had command issues in his last start and isn’t likely going to go more than 5 or 6 innings if he can’t throw more strikes. I think the hope is that he is really ready by his 3rd start vs the Cubs.

2. Adam Wainwright – I think he is best served as a starter as he is one of the few guys we have that can go deep into a game on a consistent basis. We have seen over and over what happens to a bullpen when the starters get yanked early.

3. Kyle Lohse – Having a great year and has lots of reasons to finsih strong.

4. Wellemeyer – I would really like to say Jaime Garcia here as we really need a left handed pitcher to give teams a different look between the #3 and 4 starters. I would say Mulder, but he’s obviously toast. Garcia probably is worthy of a few starts as a September callup, or maybe as a left handed arm in the bullpen once the minor league season is over.

5. Take your pick. I don’t think it really matters too much. Maybe we should promote Garcia and see what he can do afterall. I think Looper is worn down and is throwing too many pitches. Pineiro has periods where he looks ok.

Bullpen:
Long relief – Thompson
Lefty – Villone and player X not yet on team
7th inning – McClellan
8th inning – Franklin
9th inning – Izzy/Springer/Perez
Extra innings – Miles/Ankiel

I really think Izzy is hurting and is only staying around to get save 300 which doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen right now. McClellan could maybe become a closer, but I think he is better in the 7th right now. Since we can’t get out of the 6th inning with a starter then Franklin and McClellan will both have to go two innings on occassions.

Springer has been dominant this year, so I’d hand the ball to him in the 9th and see if he can handle the added pressure. Has been around long enough that he should.