2011 MLB Playoffs: Who Should the Diamondbacks Use as Their 3rd Starter?

Now that their spot in the playoffs is secure, the Diamondbacks can focus on their strategy while in the playoffs. With the team likely facing the Phillies in the NLDS, they will need to make smart decisions if they hope to advance.

One of the questions that linger for the Diamondbacks is who their third starter should be in the playoffs.

Currently, Joe Saunders sits at the third spot in the rotation, however he did struggle some in August, prompting questions whether or not he would be the best option for the postseason.

Josh Collmenter, who many expected would see a drop in his numbers after he faced teams a second and third time, has remained consistent for the most part throughout this season, and has comparable numbers to Saunders.

However, as good and unexpected as Collmenter’s numbers have been on the season, it would be a mistake to use him as the third starter in the playoffs.

Regardless of this season’s statistics, there is one glaringly obvious reason to use Saunders, and that is games started. For his career, Saunders has 159 starts, including three in the postseason. This rivals Collmenter’s 23 career starts, and zero in the postseason.

While his postseason numbers are not very impressive, Saunders at least has the experience of being on the big stage, opposed to Collmenter who began the season in Triple-A.

Saunders has shown consistency in his last three starts which should go a long way to comfort fans that are nervous about his ability. He has gone 21.2 innings and given up only five earned runs, including a near complete game in his last start.

With Saunders as the third starter, it also gives the Diamondbacks the option of using Collmenter from the bullpen again. Before he was inserted in the rotation, Collmenter pitched 14 innings out of the bullpen and gave up only two earned runs.

This debate, however, might already be decided in the mind of manager Kirk Gibson. Last Friday, with the chance to clinch the division, Gibson moved Saunders up in the rotation in place of Collmenter.

Saunders delivered, pitching seven innings and giving up only one run. The Diamondbacks won the NL West, and the rest may be history.

But as we have learned throughout the season, Kirk Gibson may surprise us yet.