It definitely is a blow to not have him if that's the case, but the rest of the team is more than capable. Every single year, the team that wins the WS gets unexpected performances from at least one non-star player. The X-factor with anything regarding the Astros is our lineup and defense is so strong that it can negate a lot of issues in other areas. I know a lot of people hate it, but Kyle Tucker batting 7th in this lineup might be the best cheat code in baseball at the moment. Regardless of McCullers playing or not, I think a big key will be how Dusty uses Greinke and (hopefully) Odorizzi in this series. Not of huge fan of either atm, but I think they could provide some valuable innings if a starter fatigues early or doesn't have it.
I'm hearing it seems likely Garcia would start game 2, and then Urquidy for game 3 if McCullers is out. Garcia is fine, he had a good season, but what exactly is the logic in that? Prefer Garcia at home and Urquidy on the road? I guess I could see that
I agree But that doesn't qualify as being f**ked, or needing a miracle, or having no chance like so many here are suggesting. We went from maybe 50-55% chance to win to 45-50% chance to win. Could not having him tip the scales, sure, but it is more likely this series is won with some breathing room for the victor.
LOL so you’re contention is with the definition of the subjective term “****ed”. In my world, going from 55% chance of success to 45% chance of success qualifies.
We have homefield advantage, the best offense in baseball, and a capable pitching staff with significant playoff experience. It's not exactly time to panic here.
Urquidy started and won a road World Series game. With this being Garcia's rookie year, pitch him where he'd be more comfortable at home.
I think the big worry is how serious is the injury. Devastating if he’s out next season. Hoping worst case this is a unfortunate injury and he’s out for playoffs but ready to go next season. Best case according to all the rumors would be he misses ALCS but could come back late in WS.
I'm concerned about Garcia. He's really struggled over the past month, and it makes me wonder if the innings have gotten to him. The end results have been ok, but the strikeouts are down and the walks are up. Could just be a tough stretch obviously, and with LMJ's injury, we really need him to excel.
It's not simply about the difference in quality between Lance and his replacement (and the cascading effects of losing your best starter), but also the fact that Lance is one of two pitchers on this staff we can rely on to pitch deep into a game. Having Lance pitch six in the first game of a stretch of three games in a row compared to another guy who might last three innings also makes a difference. The Astros may have gone from having two relatively dependable starters to only having one. That's a pretty severe blow.
Which again likely plays into the logic of starting him at home vs. on the road. You'd feel okay with Urquidy in either situation.
I respect your opinions, but ******* is that a depressing way to go through life haha. You're at coin flip status in either scenario. Save the hyperbole for the things that matter, my guy.
Just a couple days ago there was discussion that the Astros extended Lance at a bargain price, well now I guess it looks like the price was just right.
It's easy to read a lot into one guy's Tweet, but I'm going to wait to go panic mode until after the Astros or Lance officially say anything. If he's out, hopefully it's just for the ALCS, and if he has to miss the playoffs, hopefully he'll be back for the regular season next year. More than anything, I would feel bad for Lance, who was having a career year and looked to be the ace on a World Series caliber team. But if he's gone, the Astros need to get over it quickly. There's enough talent to think they could still win the whole thing without him. The pitching behind him isn't great, but between Valdez, Urquidy and Garcia, I have to think those guys can give the Astros a few quality starts in these last two series. And between Greinke, Odororizzi and Javier, you've got options for a fourth starter and longer relief guys. With this offense, you don't need every starter to go six scoreless innings. If any roster left in the playoffs is capable of winning a lot of 8-6 or 6-5 games, it's this one.
