I start with premise that Astros are markedly better team then Sox and we need to get lucky/be smart to win this series. Haven't felt like such underdogs going into play-offs since the legendaryJimy Williams was at the helm.
Most obvious route for series win is riding 2 dominant Sale outings to low scoring victories and finding way to steal another one.
I would plan for Sale for 7+ and Kimbrell for up to 2 IPs in Game 1, if we have a lead. In this ideal scenario, the pen (outside Kimbrell) gets another day of rest.
I am inclined to agree with those that suggest pushing Pomeranz back to Game 3, on the premise that he could use the extra couple days rest and he gives us best chance of winning non-Sale game vs. McCullers (I think) back at home. Plus it gives us better chance to spread out potential extensive critical Price usage in non-Sale/Pomeranz starts AND allows Price to go at McCann, Beltran and Fisher (?) or force the 'stros to make the platoon move early, which could pay dividends later in that game.
If so, who to start Game 2 from among Edro, Porcello, Fister? I am thinking Porcello is best option here. As bad as he has been, I still think he has a better chance to give us 5+ decent innings than Fister. Hey he's a CYA winner! I worry a little about giving the ball to Edro on the road in the play-offs. This is a bullpen game, with the starter on the shortest of leashes, like real short, with Price warming in 2nd or 3rd if need be. Think of it as the Porcello-Price-Kelly-Carson Smith game. Kimbrell limited to 1 IP for the save here, if he is coming off long outing night before. Gives us a shot vs Kuechel.
That would leave Game 4 to Edro on long rest vs Morton. I would not be surprised to get 6 strong from him in that setting, if the series goes that far. Hopefully pen is relatively rested after Pommy goes 6+ in Game 3. If Price pitches 3 innings in Game 2, is he available for 2 more in Game 4 on 2 days rest?