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 on TBS, TBS-INT 10-11 Framber Valdez (L) vs. Blake Snell (L) 6:37 10-12 Lance McCullers Jr. (R) vs. TBD 3:07 10-13 TBD 10-14 TBD 10-15 TBD 10-16 TBD 10-17 TBD
If this were a traditional series with 2 days off, I would have us as the favorites. Now that we've woken up our offense is better, and I don't think the starting pitching is as much in their favor as people would think, and with Javier we have 4 bullpen arms that can be played. However with no days off, it really exposes our lack of starting length and bullpen depth. I'm not even sure what in the hell we're gonna do for a possible game 5. If we're gonna win this, the offense is gonna have to get us some blowouts, or if we do lose it needs to be decisive so we don't waste bullets, which will be in short supply. I would have Tampa as the favorite, but we're more than capable of winning this. Given how awful I felt about this club 2 weeks ago, It feels like found money at this point. And it's valuable postseason experience for our newbies.
A bunch of Stros have had previous success against Snell, for whatever that's worth. As long as the NLCS is going, the Stros will be the afternoon game.
Astros in 6, only because in two games Stros are going to have to throw in the ugly side of the bullpen
The Rays are favored, as they should be. They're healthy....with a great staff, and balance in the line up...able to score in a myriad of ways. With a year of maturation since last we met, it's going to be tough. On the other hand, our staff is decimated by injuries. But, the good news is that our everyday lineup is back sans Alvarez. And, not only that..the bats are alive... The important thing to note is that this is not just a product of getting healthy. It is that wonderful chemistry/iron will of a Championship team...locked in and fockassed...picking each other up...always responding...relentless. There is no substitute for experience and confidence. Infectious magic that is pervasive...guys that regularly elevate their level of play big time in the postseason. We need that to extend into the staff. I expect a series to remember as both teams are exceptional at imposing their will. This should be a heavyweight fight that goes the distance.
It's hard to hate this Rays team as they do a lot of stuff right and for me personally very hard to root against Charlie Morton. I hope the Stros still got that chip on their shoulder and reading some of the comments many of them still feel that way but also know this might be the last run together for many of them. It sounds like they are determined to make this run last so hoping that keeps them locked in and focused.
There’s something magical about our core. I don’t expect them to go down quietly. people should throw our offensive stats out the window with the assumption this is the same Astros team of 17-19. Stros should be slight favorites.
I think Snell is plenty beatable. 1) He doesn't go deep in games (5.0 & 5.2 IP in playoffs) 2) Doesn't go high in PC (82 & 84 in playoffs) 3) Gives up the homer vs power clubs (3 HR vs NYY in 5 IP) The overall plan probably is the same as vs the A's. Get to the starter early, wear out their pen. I think Snell is extra susceptible to this strategy. If our bats show up, we win. Astros 7-6
Not sure how Astros will play this series. I think it is possible Astros go 3 days rest for starters. Javier needs to go at least 2-3 in 3 games. IMO. If Astros get 4 leads to the 7th, Astros should be able to have Javier. Pressly. Paredes, and Taylor pitch all those innings provided Astros don't dominate over a 4-game stretch. James and Raley should be used for middle relief in close games, leads in 5-6 inning. Maybe. Give me an inning Vasily. One inning only, please. Considering how good the Rays are and the limits of the Astros pen. If Astros are up in a game, and pen is spent, Astros should consider using a second starter if available. I think there is a good chance Astros will have tandem starters in Games 6 and 7 if they don't have starter go on 3 days rest for Game 5.
Yeah, you'd think we'd be used to it from playing second fiddle to the ALCS in '04 and '05, but still sucks (especially with the games on different networks)!! Hopefully the guys get to Snell early and can get looks at the bullpen arms for later in the series. Go 'stros! LFG!!
Appreciate you Seamheads that post the stats and details I haven’t even thought of. Two concerns for me are the obvious pitching disadvantage and possibility that Stros’ motivation could possibly not be as “locked in” as it may have been against the Yankees.