Damn. I just got home to check it out on the computer. Crazy. https://www.mlb.com/cut4/astros-defensive-shift-for-gallo-was-amazing/c-270005626
what a beautiful day. I'm here to defend Giles (honestly just hope that he's at least as good as he was last year. Not super worried about one non-critical inning) edit: if he isn't or has postseason hangover issues (and Smith/Rondon/Devo/etc. don't cover it up)...I have full confidence that Luhnow will supplement the pen at the deadline. Zero worries
Thank Goodness it appears Starters will IP more this season. Thank Goodness already knowing we can win a ring with Giles on the roster.
People sleep on our bullpen. Peacock throws filth. This does not get acknowledged enough. We talk about how nasty McCullers' stuff is, and of course it is, but Peacock's fastball has ridiculous arm-side movement at 94 mph and his slider is disgusting. He has two legit 70+ pitches and locates them. If that's not a dominant set-up man (who can also go multiple innings) I don't know what is. And as long as Devo is not overworked as **** his change-up is not a hittable offering. Plus I trust Giles and think he will turn it around.
The guy is a rare breed.... he rolls out of bed flashing 115 mph exit velocity. I was shocked at how fast he progressed when he came to the US considering he had very limited time playing in the year plus before he came. In the past he walked a lot, if he starts walking this season; he will be a flat out monster.
Recency and confirmation bias means many of us are leery of Giles, so you are probably right. So much of relief pitching is mental, though, and I am still not sure about his makeup.
Astros have Smith, Harris, McHugh, and Rondon available tonight if Hinch wants to minimize using guys on consecutive nights. Peacock and Devenski should be fine if needed to pitch, but a deep bullpen should give Hinch more options to keep top guys rested.
Fatigue already an issue? I expect dynamic bullpen management for the first few weeks... but there will eventually be a rhythm/pattern that sets in organically, as guys find what roles they're best suited to. Devenski/Peacock still seem better suited to a multi-inning role, but I don't see them going back to that unless absolutely necessary (I was surprised that he didn't just leave in Peacock to finish the game yesterday... but Hinch later said that he wants to get as many guys in early as possible, to minimize early season rustiness/jitters).
Once a bullpen arm gets fatigued, it takes a long while to get it back. Now is the best time to fight fatigue. I'm not sure how Hinch will handle pen, but I suspect he'll do it in a way to try to reduce stress. I'd try more rest with longer innings per outing. Hinch could do that, he could try less innings/outing, or mix and match as need be. With Cole and Verlander to go with Keuchel, Hinch may almost be forced to go with less innings/outing and more rest once those starters get into midseason form.
I think fatigue management is always on Hinch's mind. But last year, he was forced to use certain guys more than he wanted. While many may want one, we dont have a prototypical closer beyond Giles. Of course, we dont have a prototypical leadoff guy either
