Wilson’s opponent on Monday, Chris Carpenter, already has it. Carpenter was 8- 2 with a 3.10 E.R.A. in 13 career (postseason) starts, including two victories in the World Series.
He authored the (signature) pitching performance of this postseason in the decisive game of the (division)
series, with a three-hit shutout over Halladay in Philadelphia.
But Carpenter rejected the idea that postseason results should define a pitcher.
“I think what defines who you are is, one, the (consistency) you put in day in and day out as a professional,
and two, how you go about your business on and off the field,” he said. “That defines who you are.
“Postseason is just at a different level. I think the guys that are (successful), maybe, might be a little more
(relaxed) and able to deal with the distractions a little better, because there is a lot of them. But if you scuffle
in the postseason, it shouldn’t (define) what type of player you are. That could just be that series. There’s times
throughout the year where guys go through slumps or don’t pitch well.”