Please limit talk in this thread to this series. Other topics should be discussed in the appropriate threads. Play-by-play is not allowed. If you need that, there are other places to find it. Political discussions belong in the D&D forum not in here. All games are broadcast on Space City Network unless otherwise noted. 4-12 Dane Dunning (R) vs. J.P. France (R) 7:10 MLBN (out-of-market only) 4-13 Andrew Heaney (L) vs. Ronel Blanco (R) 3:05 FS1 4-14 Nathan Eovaldi (R) vs. Cristian Javier (R) 1:10 Space City Home Network (Alt.)
Look, this team has shown dramatic inconsistencies this year. Playing the royals awful could just mean things suddenly flip. I think it would help moving guys down who aren't hitting. The LOB issue is a problem. Need Diaz and Pena up, Bregman down... Abreu in the 9 gives you possibility of pinch hitter in front of Altuve if guys are on. Or pinch walker in Singleton's case...
Ok, Maldonado had some dingers. That's not disproving his lack of hitting ability. But no, didn't have a chance to catch the game.
FS1 wtf. Having to subscribe to 5-6 different channels to watch all the games is bullshit. A sweep of the Rangers here would make everything right in the world. I like how the SP matchups line up for Houston.
I worry about France and Blanco pitching against that lineup a 2nd time within a week and they pummeled Javier's "invisiball" in game 7 last year. This team probably will need to outslug them at MMP. But a big series win would be huge right now.
Offense outside of Abreu is fine. Hits will sequence better into runs. Pen is taxed but mostly pitching well. If we can avoid the non-competitive starts like we saw 3 of the last 4 nights we've got a great chance in this series. But I don't trust a single SP on the active roster outside of Blanco.
But maldy had the benefit of playing everyday. I think after drawing 2 walks and smacking a double, Singleton should start again right away.