So just looking at this remaining 3 game series, I’m curious who’s in Hinch’s “circle of trust” with the pitching staff. It looks like: Cole Verlander Grienke Urquidy Harris Smith Osuna On the fringe: Peacock, Pressly Out: James, Rondon, Devenski So 7 guys you trust, 2 that you use tactically and have a short lease, and 3 you hopefully don’t see again. 3 games left, and a game 7 that would be an all hands on deck game. Game 5 should be a semi all hands on deck game with a day off tomorrow.
Really? It will be a battle but we got this game. Day off tomorrow, Hinch didn’t over extend the bullpen. Cole is on the mound and while he has t had his best 4-seamer lately, Astros have a game plan to get through the order through 6. Astros bringing home the victory tonight and onward to Houston.
If the Nationals can rough up our two Aces twice, I will hand them the trophy myself. I don't think that is going to happen. I think they are going to get smoked and our guys are going to knock their Aces out. They shouldn't have let the Astros back in the Series. Roll on.
I feft bad about the first two games of the series. My feelings were confirmed. I feel very optimistic about the next two.
Well said, solid! One thing though,...Washington didn't really "let" us back in...We're taking it....kicking it in gear down the stretch.
I think the hope for today is Cole gets you 6-7, and Smith and Osuna finish it (assuming leverage). Maybe Pressly, and Harris would be for emergencies (I'd rather not see how he does on 3 straight). Game 6 is Verlander with Harris, Osuna, Smith ready to go. You could debate using Urquidy if necessary, but JV and the bullpen crew should be ready. Game 7 is all hands. Greinke to start. Urquidy available on 3 days and Cole on 2 days, with Harris and Osuna to close it out as well. (I totally wouldn't be shocked to see Cole for the 8th/9th in a game 7). I know the decision to pull Urquidy after 5 was questioned, but it'll be easily to bring him back on 3 days rest after throwing just 67 pitches yesterday.
You can write this down now - JV isn’t losing game 6 at home. If the Nats win it’s going to be because they win tonight and then game 7 they get to Greinke early.
Devinski actually pitched a good inning...he could come in for 1...and James could come in for 1 out...
So, if they're baby sharks and as Carlos said, "we are the Apex predators", does that make us great whites?
