Yes, pretty much. Game will also most likely be at Yankee Stadium. EDIT: I take that back. If the Rangers lose all 3 and Astros win all 3, there will be a tie in the division which means a tiebreaker game to determine a division winner.
I'm pretty sure that is the plan. He is only moving up one day and I don't think it will be an issue.
Plus I'm sure there is no chance in hell that we go into a winner-take-all game having the ability to use one of the best pitchers in the game and not use him. If the Astros can get a big lead early tonight, Keuchel will likely be on a short leash.
According to your profile, you live in the central time zone. If you start watching at 9:40, you may miss 3-4 innings.
I think you get Keuchel to at least the 5th before you take him out with the lead and then hopefully the bullpen can hold up that lead the next 4 innings
Arizona has a goal and that goal is to keep the Astros out of the playoffs. They are playing for something. If you can't be a winner, then you play to be a spoiler. As far as rooting for the Rangers...NEVER!!!
After 3? No chance. At the minimum, give the guy a chance to win his 20th. 6 or 7-0 (or better) after 5, though, I'd consider pulling him and putting VV in for 2 or 3 innings. It's unlikely but given the opportunity to keep Dallas as fresh as possible for Tuesday, I'd take it.
And the word 'hopefully' in your response is exactly why they don't pull Keuchel. This game (as well as potentially the next two) are extremely important. They can't mess around with planning for Monday or Tuesday. Also, you have mentioned Velasquez a couple of times. It is a small sample size this month, but why do you advocate bringing him in? He has pitched 9.1 innings in 6 games this month and given up 9 runs. His WHIP is 2.0 Only twice has he not given up 2+ runs and in one of those he pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up two hits.
I'm not mad at ya, but I find this thread title to be nauseating. I agree it's better for the Rangers to win, but prefer to couch this exercise as rooting for the Angels to lose. I just can't stomach the idea of rooting for the Rangers. I'm hoping they play multiple extra inning games that result in arm fatigue, frayed nerves, maybe a brawl of two, and angels losses.
Why do you want the Angels to lose? At this point you should root for the Angels to win 3 and the Astros win 3. That gives Houston the opportunity to win the division in a one game playoff with the Rangers Monday.
Maybe because at this point, knowing is better than waiting? If the Angels and Twins lose tonight and we win, 2 game lead with 2 to play guarantees we at least play on Monday. That said, yes, I'd prefer a shot at the division.
