With four off days left in the season (including today), it would be possible to skip a couple of Joe Saunders' starts.  In fact, by skipping a start or two, the rotation could line up to have Lackey, Santana, and Escobar each face Oakland twice at the end of the season (assuming the Halos go to a four man rotation the last ten games).  Considering Saunders' tired arm, it might be best to use him sparingly the last month.  Who knows - that might allow him to pitch more effectively, too.  It also allows the three veteran pitchers to take on the bulk of the load down the stretch, while only pitching on three days rest once or twice (again, during the final week only).

By eyeballing the remaining schedule, Santana would get seven starts, Lackey, Escobar and Weaver would get six starts each, while Saunders would only start three more times.  Alternatively, Weaver could be held back a few days, too, allowing him to remain somewhat fresher - Weaver would get five more starts; Saunders four.

The flip side to the argument is this:  If everybody maintained their current spot, EVERYBODY would be fresher down the stretch.  That means more starts for Saunders, but more days off for Lackey, Escobar etc.

If you were Scioscia, what would you do?  Get your best pitchers as many starts as possible?  Or hope that ALL your pitchers are more effective with extra rest?