Sunday Discussion Thread: A Right-hander Under Pressure

by John Sickels on Mar 11, 2026 3:07 PM EDT

Minnesota Twins right-hander Jack Morris pitching in Game Seven of the 1991 World Series (Photo by Rick Stewart, Getty Images)

Yesterday's discussion and poll question about picking a lefty to start Game Seven of the World Series for you generated a good discussion. We'll continue with that theme today, but flip things around to the other side and ask about picking a right-hander.

The scenario: it is Game Seven of the World Series. You are playing the Texas Rangers, in Texas. Your bullpen is burned out, and you really need your starter to give you five or six good innings. If you have to pull him sooner, you have no confidence that your long and middle relievers will do the job. You can't pull a stunt and have the rookie just pitch one inning or something like that. Your primary closer is available but you can't use him for more than two innings.

Which of the following prospects do you want to start this game for you, and why?

Liam Hendriks, Minnesota Twins
Drew Hutchison, Toronto Blue Jays
Nestor Molina, Chicago White Sox
Brad Peacock, Oakland Athletics
Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels
Joe Wieland, San Diego Padres

Remember, you're not trying to pick the best prospect. You're trying to find the guy who is most likely to help you win this game, today, under pressure.

Poll

Who do you want to start Game Seven?

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Read More: Garrett Richards (P - ANA), Drew Hutchison (P - TOR), Liam Hendriks (P - MIN), Brad Peacock (P - OAK), Nestor Molina (P - CWS), San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox

Comments

I’ll take Peacock since he seems to be the most advanced, among the oldest/most mature, and the most convincingly dominant numbers-wise and stuff-wise.

by Jaumiusk on Mar 11, 2026 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

None

really.

But I voted for Joe Weiland.

XandyMan Coming for you!!!!1

by DominicanDandy on Mar 11, 2026 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

I'd feel OK starting any of these guys except for Richards and Hendriks

by Kapellmeisters on Mar 11, 2026 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

lol

who voted for hendriks?

Your 2012 Colorado Rockies, hoping values outperform performance

by papality on Mar 11, 2026 5:58 PM EDT reply actions

It's not that bad

It depends on how you look at the question. I figured Hutchison and Wieland would be too young and probably shut down so I didn’t consider them. But of the remaing four, Hendriks seemed like a good pick.

He’s a year younger than Peacock but both got their cup of coffee in the majors this year. In a game 7 at Texas, I’d want a pitcher that doesn’t walk anyone and doesn’t give up many home runs. Hendriks MiLB 8.2 K/9, 5.72 K/BB and 0.3 HR/9. Peacock 8.3K/9, 2.75K/BB and 0.8 HR/9. Hendriks gets a ton more groundballs. Peacock had a bit of a breakout year but he still walks a lot more players.

If you like predictions, ZiPS predicts Hendriks to put up a 3.57 FIP in a 137 innings for the Twins this year while 4.11 FIP in 143 innings for Peacock. (4.45 FIP, 125 ip for Molina and 4.89 FIP 133ip for Richards).

Generally, I think Twins pitchers tend to be underrated a bit. Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey have combined for as many 2+ WAR seasons (3) as Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes. (All 4 made their debuts in 2007). Brad Radke had as many 4+ WAR seasons (6) as Josh Beckett and John Lackey, combined. I think Hendriks is one of the more underrated prospects in baseball.

by Gunnarthor on Mar 12, 2026 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Agree on Hendriks being underrated

I voted Peacock, but Liam was my second choice. I have Hendriks in my top 50 pitching prospects, and top 100 overall.

by cookiedabookie on Mar 12, 2026 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

This one was easier for me

I chose Peacock. I don’t think he’s the best long term guy but for 1 game right now I like what he brings to the table at 24

by ribman on Mar 11, 2026 7:14 PM EDT reply actions

I'd take Wieland here

though Peacock and Molina get my consideration too

by PrincetonCubs on Mar 11, 2026 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

In today's SS game against the Indians

Richards pitched three scoreless IP with no Ks no BBs and a 7:1 GO/AO ratio. A GB pitcher in Texas would be favorable.

go long with extenze...i do

by angelsownredsux on Mar 11, 2026 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

but my choice would be Molina

go long with extenze...i do

by angelsownredsux on Mar 11, 2026 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Peacock and Hutch

Can’t go wrong with either.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Mar 12, 2026 2:35 AM EDT reply actions

They would get crushed

Unfortunately they would be my choice as well.

by pedrophile on Mar 12, 2026 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe not

Alex A already said he sees Hutch having an impact this year so the Jays don’t think he is that far off.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Mar 12, 2026 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Hutch is decent

but more as a back-end starter at the moment. He just doesn’t have that plus stuff or plus command. Those types of pitchers tend to get crushed late in the playoffs when you are facing not only the best teams but also the hottest teams.

I just don’t see a single starter in this group that has some combination of stuff/command. At least the Lefties group had a nice mix, some with plus stuff, some with plus command, and a guy like Hultzen with a nice mix. This group is a bunch of mediocre guys that will probably contribute a fair number of solid seasons but just not the guys that you would count on in the playoffs.

by pedrophile on Mar 13, 2026 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Nats fan perspective

Not having seen the others I can only give my reservations on Peacock. Up to now he has a tendancy to suddenly lose his command. Game seven pressure!! Not completely convinced he’s the guy.

by 3b11 on Mar 12, 2026 10:02 AM EDT reply actions