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The Tony La Russa cock-up has already begun. He changed his pitching rotation.

La Russa told reporters today that he will start – in order – Kyle Lohse, Chris Carpenter, and Jaime Garcia in Games 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Two things here: 1) Garcia – perhaps rightfully – gets moved up a game and 2) Carpenter will be starting on three days rest, something he has never done before.

Carpenter threw 105 pitches in a complete game shutout on Wednesday.

These are the sort of knee-jerk moves teams make when they’re trailing in a series. Garcia pitches well against the Phillies and would be able to pitch on full rest on Sunday. Perhaps someone isn’t too comfortable with him pitching in front of 45,000 screaming fans…

Video of La Russa explaining his decision, after the jump.

Video footage via Major League Baseball