Dusty Baker makes history with playoff berth Dusty Baker is the first manager in major league history to lead five different teams to the postseason. https://calltothepen.com/2020/09/26/houston-astros-dusty-baker-makes-history-playoff-berth/
Dusty Baker: "I’ve been a villain most of my life, you know what I mean? So I might as well join the rest of the group.” https://sports.yahoo.com/houston-is...s-021332649.html?soc_src=hl-viewer&soc_trk=tw
Playoffs have been very well managed. I'm not sure how much game planning the F.O. has put in, but whether it is the F.O.'s plan or Dusty's, Dusty is executing and putting Astros players in good positions. Paredes pitching on a day after going two innings is the only out of the ordinary stress that Dusty has placed on a pitcher. Astros are a win away from having a well maintained pitching staff that is ready for the rigors of a 7-game postseason series without off days.
I would add that pitching Pressly in game one with a 5 run lead was unnecessary. All in all, the fact that our offense has finally arrived, it reduces the stress all that much more for everybody.
Agree. They had to go through a lot of distractions and controversy.... that doesn’t contribute to a clubs winning mindset. Dusty inherited a **** show. They’re just now beginning to rally. There are plenty of teams that have come back after an all-star break. We’re just seeing the beginning of this club pulling it together. Way to go Dusty.
He hadn't pitched in a week... and was already getting prepared/warm when it was 8-5. At that point, he's already in pitching mode. Sure you can "save" him but risk more rustiness when you actually do use him, or you go ahead and pitch him. Most managers would still utilize their closer at that point, especially if there had been a long layoff prior. And in the end, he only threw 7 pitches. Threw more yesterday. There's a pretty good chance he'll be available today if its a save situation.
Leaving James in for a 2nd inning was a real bad decision for Baker, and I think it reflects on Click too. Baker should have pulled him, but Click should have added the RP help at the deadline they could have used today. Damn it.
Know the bullpen isn't what it was say last year, but not a fan of throwing these younger guys multiple innings in the playoffs. If they have a good inning, get them out. And as I type that 2nd and 3rd no outs.
