Well, we were going to lose eventually. Initially, looking at the series schedule, it seemed like one of the first two games, if not both, could result in loses. So I am happy to have only lost one of them. The only thing that surprised me a bit about the loss was being shut down after the 4th inning. Usually it has been that we feast on opposing bullpens and score easily in late game situations. No matter, if we take one or both of the remaining games, we are fine.
Guduan didn't pitch terribly. The Perez hit was a blooper (though on a hanger). He pitched really well to Hosmer. That fastball to Moustakas was a good location (at least to most batters up and inside), but great hitting. Hoyt just didn't have his slider working, and without that he isn't going to be good without his slider. He threw one good slider the whole outing. I didn't agree with the decisions, but at least I understand that he wanted to get most of his bullpen arms a rest.
It was a disappointing loss. Of course winning streaks end and we won't win em all yada yada... It was slightly unsettling to lose the way they did. Get it back today. Need Keuchel and McCullers to dominate.
I think we need more from Reddick. I know he's been decent but nothing special really. Would love to see him get hot for a while.
Reddick is *exactly* in line with his career averages in terms of splits, and he's exactly in line with his good season in Oakland (2015). This is what we signed him for...in every way. He's had some hot and cold and is already "there"--expecting more will just leave you sad.
The All Star game no longer determines HFA in the World Series. The team with the best record now gets HFA.
He never had this kind of protection. Hoping he enters his prime in a great lineup is not setting up for disappointment. He's been adequate but I would like and expect to see more at some point. That's just not a reach like you imply.
He's 30 and in his 6th full season. I don't expect him to suddenly enter a new stage of his career. He showed more power in the past (2012) when he was much more of a free swinger, but he seems to have created his identity around being more of a contact hitter than a K/HR guy. Perhaps a slight uptick with protection like you suggest, but I haven't seen that happen too often. Jeff Kent comes to mind going from NY to SF... I'd love if that happened here, but I haven't seen any signs of that. Perhaps he could get back to the player he was in the 1st half of last season (pre-trade)... as long as it doesn't come with the 2nd half, which was awful. Personally, I'd prefer steady production through the season.
He is at the age where he should be at his best. He is in a lineup full of studs. HR's aren't really what I mean. I would like to see a little better slugging % and a couple more points on his on base%. Although he has been consistent I would like to see some improvement in those areas. With the bottom of our lineup being as good as it is and hitting between Springer and Altuve, I feel like he's getting pitches to hit with men on base. All this being said, I do think he was a solid aquisition.
That's how a lot of successful teams operate these days. Managing innings and dealing with the higher propensity for injury w/pitchers. The Mets' staff was built on a house of cards, and that fell apart.
I for one dont want to emulate their demise. I am torn between wanting us to make a bold move now and seeing what happens when McHugh, Gustave, Musgrove and Morton return from the DL. I dont want the lead we have worked so hard to build depleted by waiting. Personally, I dont think any of those guys will fill the role that is needed most. A strong #2 or #3 SP.
Agree. Also, not that Keuchel ever needs help with focus when he pitches but coming off that loss, I have a feeling that he'll be "extra" dialed-in tonight.
