Mariners bullpen took a pounding today. Their starter couldn't finish the third inning. That should give us an edge in tomorrow's game.
I have a hypothetical I'd like to get some thoughts on. Say it's a playoff game, bottom of the 9th, we have a one run lead. Giles puts the first two men on. Devo is rested. Does Hinch pull Giles for Devo? Better yet, do you think Hinch would ever pull Giles with the game on the line in a playoff game, or do you think he's going to keep him in there no matter what? Even further, when (or what type of situation in a playoff game) could you see Hinch pulling Giles? I know there's a lot of variables that come into play given there's still 2.5 months of games to be played, and no idea of trades they may make, and how Giles pitches down the stretch. Just thinking ahead. I am NOT bent out of shape (or bringing this up because Giles gave up a run today). In fact I agree that it hurts him not being put in high leverage situations on a consistent basis.
Justin Wilson. Its okay that people want to defend Giles(since hes nails and all), but does it not spark anybodys mind that Luhnow is out there shopping for another closer. Maybe the end all be all man in charge isnt all that comfortable with Giles.
This... he's not looking for a "closer". He is just looking for dominant relievers so Hinch can shorten games in the postseason.... also, the idea of a closer is so outdated to me. Highest leverage situations often come earlier in the game.
Devo will be slated to pitch every single playoff game that is close... and he will be pitching multiple innings each outing (as he's done all season). Its just as important, if not more important, than the 9th inning itself.... Andrew Miller and the Indians pretty much outlined how to use that dominant middle relief to perfection last post-season. Nobody else on the Astros can pitch multiple innings effectively. And after Devo, if you need an Astro for just one inning, nobody else in the bullpen is as dominant or effective as Giles is. If they get more bullpen arms before the season is over, even better... but ideally, all playoff games that are close, and the Astros are winning, should hopefully consist of Starter-Devo-Giles.
I'm still trying to process the fact that Mike Fiers is the first Astros pitcher to throw 100 innings this season.
In a shortened rotation, there is a good chance Brad Peacock is your man. This is also dependent on if we get a starter here before the deadline.
So let's say Keuchel goes 8 innings (playoff game), and they go to the 9th with a 2-1 lead. Giles comes in and puts the first two men on (so man on 1st & 2nd and no outs) does Hinch let Giles continue to pitch or does he not F around and go to Devo?
We're definitely undeated when he starts. As much deserved crap as Fiers caught early this year, he has sure turned it around. Respect.
If his power output this year is not a fluke and can be maintained over 500 PAs and he can hit ~.250ish (there's the rub, huge rub), he's absolutely a starting CF for somebody.
Sure... if Giles looks like he's got a deer-in-headlights look, and those 2 guys got on base in large part due to his lack of command/control that game, and Devo is available, then yes... Hinch better use all possible pitchers to help him get out of trouble and secure the game. Giles is not untouchable. Devo is also not infallible... and still remains infinitely more valuable as a multi-inning dominant bridge guy. Also, in your above scenario, why isn't Keuchel being stretched for the complete game.... or on that note, if he had gone 7, why not bring in Devo for the 8th regardless (as Hinch did with him today, even though Fiers had only thrown 92 pitches).
