I wouldn’t feel worried. Nerves are there a little for me but I’d rather be up 2-1 than vice versa. Rodon has barely pitched since August and he hasn’t been all that effective. I’d expect something similar from the production Cease gave. The Sox aren’t expecting him to go more than 3 innings then shifting to bullpen. Kopech probably available but it’s those fans who are on pins and needles.
Finally actual game day. Lets get it stros. This right here. no other person I'd want on the mound for this one
If you don't mind me asking, why are you worried about Lance starting today? Reasons I am asking is because: 1. He went 7-2 (w/ 2.70 ERA) on the road this season. 2. Allowed a lower batting average and OPS in his road starts. 3. Is pitching on normal rest. 4. Lance went seven IP and allowed just one run in the Astros' lone road win vs CWS this season.
I love Bregman and definitely think he’s a good leader and plays the game the right way. But damn am I going to miss Correa when reporters ask him tough questions, Bregman says they’re focused on baseball very Patriot way answer. The way Correa took all the **** squarely on him so the rest of the team could kinda skate by is something that shouldn’t be understated when talking about his leadership.
I think this is right. I'm sure he's feeling better than where he was at the end of the season, but he's also probably not at 100% and hasn't thrown more than 5 innings since mid-July. So even feeling healthy, his stamina is probably not where it needs to be to go deep into the game. He has still pitched OK in the limited work he's had with decreased velocity, so the White Sox are probably hoping they can get 3-4 good innings out of him and then bridge to Hendricks. Maybe if things go perfectly for them, he goes 5. That's where the rain delay helps them as they had burned some guys they'll want to use today in Game 3. I think we can assume the Astros won't see Lynn again and if the series goes to game 5 then Giolito will start.
Correa has come along way in his interviews and some of that is probably just from getting comfortable with his English. He used to come from the Biggio school of interviews.
Anybody have thoughts on whether there will be any alterations to the line-up? Altuve 790 OPS vs Leftys Altuve 862 OPS vs Rightys Brantley 575 OPS vs Leftys Brantley 924 OPS vs Rightys Bregman 839 OPS vs Leftys Bregman 744 OPS vs Rightys Alvarez 881 OPS vs Leftys Alvarez 874 OPS vs Rightys Correa 844 OPS vs Leftys Correa 852 OPS vs Rightys Tucker 910 OPS vs Leftys Tucker 920 OPS vs Rightys Gurriel 925 OPS vs Leftys Gurriel 805 OPS vs Rightys Meyers 899 OPS vs Leftys Meyers 676 OPS vs Rightys Maldenado 665 OPS vs Leftys Maldonado 533 OPS vs Rightys Bench McCormick 830 OPS vs Leftys McCormick 742 OPS vs Rightys Diaz 789 OPS vs Leftys Diaz 686 OPS vs Rightys Siri 1078 OPS vs Leftys Siri 893 OPS vs Rightys Castro 561 OPS vs Leftys Castro 917 OPS vs Rightys Stubbs 452 OPS vs Leftys Stubbs 457 OPS vs Rightys
Rodon was more effective than you think in his limited workload. July was his worse month. His ERA in Aug/Sept was under 2 and his OPS against was about .500: https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=rodonca01&year=2021&t=p#all_878653590
I think I read Kopech is unavailable and they'll have Lynn ready if Rodon doesn't look sharp early on. Also they said Rodon takes awhile to get his velocity up so hopefully the Astros can pounce on him early and he's gets taken out before his velocity is up.
Yeah, Lynn will be the guy they turn to and pray he gets some quality innings. I also heard Cease could be available. That’s how desperate they are. side note: wind blowing out…
I’m also noticing fans getting upset and wanting to save Lance for G5. I don’t get it at all, some posters are right on with going Lance on regular rest. G1: Framber Valdez G2: Luis Garcia G3: Lance McCullers (Road) G4: Jose Urquidy or Greinke That’s a legit rotation for an ALCS bout with the Red Sox.
He's not going to go 7+ innings, but he can definitely go 5 which is where most starters are going to be in the playoffs these days anyway. I'm much happier the Astros are facing him not at full strength, but even not at full strength he's a really good pitcher. I wouldn't take him lightly. If Lynn is in the game, yes the Astros are in good shape.
