All series talk goes in here. Non series talk goes somewhere else. No PBP, that can be found from other sources if you need it. All games are broadcast on AT&T Sports SW unless otherwise noted. 9-19 Luis Garcia (R) vs. Drew Rasmussen (R) 5:40 9-20 Cristian Javier (R) vs. Shane McClanahan (L) 5:40 TBS (out-of-market only) 9-21 Lance McCullers Jr. (R) vs. Corey Kluber (R) 5:40
My guess for the series: Garcia gives up 2 early runs, Clutchfans calls for his head, Garcia settles down and only gives up the 2 early runs, Astros win. Javier pitches great and wins. Clutchfans debates on how he should be used. McCullers shoves. All is happy this day except Rays fans.
They definitely make for a tough ALDS matchup with those 2 going one and two in a 5 game series. Rather they drop to 6 and move out of the Astros bracket. Astros can do something about that in the next 2 weeks.
How about: Game 1: Garcia pitches 5 innings giving up 3 runs. Brown comes in and pitches 4 relief innings getting the win after the Astros score against the Rays bullpen. Game 2: The Astros seriously dent McClanahan's CY chances by greeting him with 2 1st inning runs and 5 runs overall. Javier wavers a bit throwing too many pitches and only lasting 4 innings with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks. With no long man left in the bullpen, 5 relievers each pitch an inning and the Astros win 6-4. Game 3: The Astros tee off on Kluber scoring 7 runs in the first 4 innings then coast. Lance isn't great but good enough making it through 7 innings while walking 4 but not allowing the big hit and helping the bullpen recover some in a 7-2 win.
I don't go out of my way to see how fans of other teams talk about the Astros, but reading comments about the Astros pitching staff from fans of other teams can be fun when it pops up on twitter or in the comments of a national news article. They don't want to see Astros in a Division Series...too much Verlander and Framber. They don't want to see the Astros in the ALCS...too many starters, too many arms in the pen. They were really not happy with Hunter Brown's debut. Paraphrasing, but I read something like this in regards to Brown's debut: Fan 1: Please tell me the Astros don't have another arm from the minors Fan 2: They do, except he throws harder and has better stuff Fan 1: FML
Happy to see a good team, the boys can be challenged for a series. While doubtful that it actually means anything, I don't like seeing nothing but scrubs down the stretch. We've been playing some hot garbage opposition for a few weeks.
When I think of the Rays, they are negative thoughts. They always seem tough to get rid of. I don't like them. Perhaps my least favorite team.
Definitely not my least favorite...but maybe least favorite to play, at their place. [eta: '17-21 vs TB: 19-20 overall (incl 6-6 postseason), 7-11 @TB (incl 1-5 postseason)] I am digging these 5:40 starts though
Gonna get a great taste of playoff atmosphere this series. If we win 2 of 3 based on the pitching matchups, I would consider that a very successful outcome. These are definitely three of the four pitchers that will end up starting for Tampa in the playoffs.
If 6 beats 3 (likely), aren't we playing 6? We need Seattle to stay in 6th and then beat the Central division winner.
I fully expect meltdowns throughout in here with any sort of loss. They really have played a bunch of garbage teams on the road since that White-Sox/Braves series that they went 3-3 (but could have gone 5-1). Verlander-Framber in a short series is going to be a nightmare for any opponent.
No. there is no re-seeding in baseball. As it is 6 is likely going to have a better overall record than 3 regardless.
I'm not scared of any team unless they have Charlie F'ing Morton in their rotation. We run over Tampa.
