Has it been mentioned yet that we got McCullers by not resigning Clint Barmes in 2011 and getting a compensatory pick? Because that is incredible.
I wonder if Deduno is really hurt, or if he doesn't wanna go to the minors, and we aren't ready to release him. A paid vacation if you will while we try something else.
excited to see what McCullers brings to the table...have to temper it though some because its hard to know how a rookie will pitch on their first game in the majors. WOJO had a great spring training then got hit pretty hard, here's to hoping he has a better experience.
hey guys does anyone stream the games? I live in Dallas so that means i get blakout if i go the At Bat route
Never seen him in person, but i'll be there tonight for his debut...about to leave now and have a few cold ones!! Can't wait till first pitch!!
A lot of talk about the Astros this year. Here's a link and excerpt for an article on McCullers. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015...ct-lance-mccullers-to-make-major-league-debut He still has the hot fastball and the breaking ball but reports from the Texas League indicate that his change-up has taken a large step forward this spring, giving him three plus pitches. His control has improved, too, his BB/9 dropping from 5.31 to 3.49. Better command and the enhanced change-up have quieted concerns about McCullers moving to the bullpen and there are few doubts about his ability to start at this point.
one run in 5 innings? I give McCullers a solid A-. Would have been higher except for the control problems. The guy has a very bright future ahead of him.
Can't watch the game, but checking the box score, but look like a typical rookie. Has trouble finding the strike zone, go way too deep in counts, but has the nasty stuff to get Ks. Probably still a year away, but hopefully he, Appel, and Correa can all be in the big leagues at whatever service time cutoff point next year.
Solid 1st start for the kiddo. He was visibly nervous. Even the commentators were pointing out how hard he was breathing in between pitches. Hopefully it was just nerves, but he did not come by a lot of cheap outs. He was fortunate to not give up more runs because even most of his non-K's were hard hits at people. He'll need to pitch to contact at least some if he wants to get to the 7th inning. He didn't bust out the changeup until the 4th or 5th inning and it was an effective pitch. I didn't imagine an 88mph pitch would be a change of pace but sure enough it was.
Lance McCuller's cool new batman cleats: http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastro...s-mlb-debut-wearing-unique-cleats/#31998101=0
He looked good except they weren't really missing that fastball. They seemed on it most of the night.
Bottom line is his stat sheet was not bad for a 21 year old kid facing a pretty good offense. He lost his composure a little, but he will get better. I was definitely impressed with his stuff. Dude is nasty.
