We've seen this time and time again with managers. They had won the first two games of a 3 game road series. Managers have that in back of their heads regardless, you know this. There's zero chance Espada isn't thinking I need some of my best BP for LA. Baker did this **** all the time and it drove the forum nuts (not me) and we still added another funny looking trophy at the park. If Espada shifts to your thinking, who does he roll out last night (since you didn't say) and burn? Let's say COL goes onto to win in the 11th last night, then what are you saying tonight when we're up by 1 or tied in the 7th or 8th and we don't have our best BP? Isn't that "failing the team"? There's no way you know "you may never need them" the next night. Sure, the pitching matchup odds tonight say you may be right. I'm going to throw it out there and say no matter how foolish we may think it is that just possibly Espada's projecting confidence in LMJ and throughout the clubhouse just by simply saying "I trust LMJ is going to keep us in the game tomorrow night." I know, it sounds like I'm saying, "he's playing chess while everyone else is....." no I'm not. I just think this type of managing (at times) plays into and is part of the culture we hear about, the confidence in each other, the professionalism, the winning, it's all vets always talk about when they come here. I don't know how else to explain this run and yes with a manager like Espada that we consider average.
1) Verlander was a pending FA, McCullers still has another year at $17M 2) They kept Verlander in the rotation when he was healthy. But, yes they kept him off the playoff roster.
I think they are still optimistic about McCullers. He had a game where he got double digit strikeouts. His issue is command which could come back overnight. He has the tools. He has 3 seasons of rust.
I don’t think they will keep LMJ in the rotation the rest of the season if he continues to pitch like he has but that’s just my opinion.
I know - and while I believe Espada deserves credit for the Astros play, it doesn’t change the fact he isn’t a good strategist
