Why do you think Javier would be more effective in a start than 2-3 innings in relief? Odds are not great that the Astros have a 3-run lead in the 7th with Javier still available tomorrow.
I don't see how anyone could be comfortable with this team after blowing a 3-run lead in a closeout game.... Best of 7 , I wouldn't be worried... But the A's hit HRs that demoralize your bullpen.. One semi-bad pitch and it's gone! Not good for this bullpen...
If A's win, Fiers game 5? I want to win tomorrow. I don't care if they have a shot at destroying Fiers in game 5. With how 2020 is, watch Fiers dominate and there's no avoiding the headlines. And the fans will be running their mouths.
The offense has been more than enough... which was the biggest concern coming into this series based on both the regular season and they didn't exactly rip the ball against Minnesota. They should continue to put up runs throughout the rest of this series given the A's bullpen usage and the general ability of our hitters... but unless Framber has an amazing regenerative ability, there isn't a pitcher they have left that is guaranteed to stymy the A's. Javier will probably be ok for 3-4 innings, but is prone to tiring.
The A's bullpen has failed them in the same ways the last few days Why would people be comfortable with them? It's playoff baseball - it's not supposed to be easy. The team that wins the World Series will lose several games along the way. Some will be ugly. Just look at the Astros' 2017 run and how many leads they blew along the way.
With Hendriks throwing 37 pitches today, could he still be available tomorrow? Hard to believe he would be.
He pitched the day after throwing 49 against the White Sox. They're on the brink with no tomorrow if they lose, so no sense in "resting" anybody at this point. The key is that no pitcher is as effective if they're overextended... especially if you're Josh James and haven't pitched in a month, let alone pitching multiple innings, and being asked to do so today.
Astros have scored 22 runs in 27 innings so far, and that's not facing the A's fourth-best starting pitcher. That would estimate them at 5-6 runs through 7 innings tomorrow. Why are odds low that Astros could have a 3 run lead in the 7th? Are you thinking Astros hitting will go cold against crappy pitching, or Javier performs poorly? A basic decision tree analysis of the pros/cons of pitching Javier today makes it really clear that it would have been a terrible choice to use him today. That doesn't mean it always works, but the benefits vs consequences very clearly favor using him tomorrow.
Disappointing, but considering our pitching has been an issue all season I feel fortunate to have won the first 4 games in a row.
Astros score about 4.5 runs a game. Let's assume it is 6. If Javier gives up 3 runs in 2-3 innings today, Astros are tied. If Javier gives up 3 innings in 2-3 innings tomorrow, Astros are likely down a run, and have to get 6 innings from the bullpen while A's go there bullpen. Very simple decision tree. Unless Greinke can go, Astros do not have better than 50-50 odds to win the game. If Javier gives up less than 3 runs in 3 innings, series over. If he does it tomorrow, Astros still need 6 innings. If Javier gives up 4 or more runs today hypothetically or tomorrow in 3 innings, it isn’t good for the Astros. Javier is not an innings eater. He's one of the best for 2-3 innings. In addition, Javier could also pitch in Game 5 if he went today and got knocked around.
You never hold back your best for a possible tomorrow in a close out game. Never. also, you don’t push your luck with a 7.27 ERA in a close out game either. Baker gave it away. Could easily cost us the series. Never take your foot off their throat. We did. Seen it too many times. that said, get em tomorrow!
It only makes sense to save Javier if you think he would pitch bad tonight, but pitch better and longer tomorrow. Considering Javier typically fades with more innings, the reverse is likely unless Greinke starts.
