Our most recent series we won against Tampa. The previous series was before Yordan call up and Greinke trade and was in the first quarter of the season when the Stros were struggling a little. In the most recent series, Stros scored 15 runs when Charlie started also.
Well, we won't. The A's pitchers gave those opportunities to the Rays. Our guys won't. Even so, 5 runs on 4 HRs is not insurmountable for our bats. I, mean, it's the playoffs; you can't take anything lightly, but I've yet to see some X-factor that gives me concern from either of these teams.
It was actually Opening Weekend that we played Tampa. I bet the Astros are pumped to get a chance to exorcise the Rays demons.
Well no **** but that's not the point. The Astros are favored against everyone. The Astros are guaranteed to win against no one. These are 2 very good teams. The Rays have very good arms and a solid lineup. We know what the A's can do. Stros better bring their best or they'll go home early.
So...why do the As not go with their best starting pitcher in these games? Did they not learn their lesson last season? Very odd.
Ill say one thing. Which ever team wins will be fired up big time come Friday. It will be hard to match their intensity. Not saying we lose. But 48hrs ago coming off an intense win to 5 days of not playing will have some (minor?) bearing on things. This will be especially true if the A's somehow pull this out.
4-0...1.21 ERA, 0.775 WHIP..granted only 30 innings since he came back, but he is their best starter.
Nah, MMP will be loud as hell I hope (even with the day game start). Stros just have to bring it - bats and balls and gloves and brains, they can absolutely get swept by either of these teams if they don't. Except for TB having a little Yankee voodoo, neither of these teams ****ed around against good teams this year.
We will be ready to play. I have no doubt. But the other guys will be on a high of their own. Look forward to it. That is, ruining their buzz
Yeah, you guys are right, tbh i tuned out for the end of the season so I didn't realize he was so hot, I know he was their ace before the injury and I guess I am just using hindsight here.
I’m just gonna quote myself from page 2. If folks aren’t respecting what TB brings to the fight, I can’t help you. Yeah, I want this bad and, while I know we are favored, TB scares the crap out of me.
Well, yeah. I'm actually factoring in the chance that the Astros aren't bringing their A game, at least on the batting side. You never know with the Astros. I think the pitching and decent Astros batting will be enough for the Rays. And, of course, I'm keeping in mind that this is baseball where anything can happen, but we have to assign probabilities. Otherwise, what would we do as fans on the internet?! Now, against the Yankees who completely batter the ball, no, I'm not going to make any outrageous predictions. I'm just feeling more confident than I have been about the short ALDS series after seeing the enemies.
Hopefully the As can knock up the Rays bullpen a bit. Make them throw a lot of pitches. I want every at bat to go full count.
