The game 2 starter is definitely Garcia right? He’s much better at home and that played out significantly in the previous series. I didn’t know there was even a conversation about it, that should be as obvious as Framber in game 1.
Garcia is not hurt. The prevailing theories are that A) Urquidy would pitch better at home in Game 2 since the flyballs he gives up are more likely to be caught by the better defensive outfield and B) Garcia could use the extra rest after throwing in Game 6 last Friday. I'd prefer Garcia in Game 2 since he's the better pitcher and it would set him up to go in Game 6. But I also didn't want Garcia pitching last Friday after his disastrous Game 2 performance in the ALCS, so I'm not gonna question Dusty and Strom on this one.
Urquidy is more of a flyball pitcher and if they go with Yordan(LF), Tucker(CF), and Brantley(RF), theyd want to have Luis pitch in Atlanta. Even though hes a flyball pitcher as well, he has more of a tendency to strike batters out.
Theory A sucks. Theory B, sure but he’s getting an extra day anyways. This probably isn’t a make or break decision but Garcia’s ERA is nearly 2 runs higher on the road. That’s dicey. But he also throws 97 now so what the **** do I know.
Urquiddy went from great to awful in the span of one inning, with the short sleeves in Boston (ATL will also be a little chilly). They’re also likely to have an OF of Alvarez-Tucker-Brantley in Atlanta, and would prefer not to have the extreme fly ball pitcher (Urquiddy) pitch there? Maybe Garcia needs 5-6 days instead of 4 days off? Maybe they like his bat? They’ve come this far… there’s no decision thats obviously wrong or right (until they play the game).
C) Urquidy is the winningiest World Series Pitcher in Astros History (tied). D) Urquidy is more likely to hurt himself swinging. E) Urquidy needs the work. F) Dusty gonna Dusty. (this is the actual reason). G) Urquidy is due.
Wasn't Framber pretty much 92-93 all season or was he gradually increasing velocity? Last game he was consistently sitting at 95-96mph and touched 97 as well. Not sure what's going on, but great for the 'Stros.
The bad news was that I was in China every time the Astros lost in this post season for work. The good news, I am not scheduled to fly into China until after the World Series is over……