Not sure if we're a piece short in the pen: Maton, Abreu, Stanek, Montero, Neris, and Pressly should be able to cover the late innings. The problem is they (Dusty) use them too much, which, unfortunately, can still happen in the playoffs. Can't have any bullpen cover 4+ innings every game, it will eventually catch up with you.
Another thing is, Odorizzi back soon right? Can always move Javier or Urquidy to the pen. I don't think Odorizzi will be as effective in the pen compared to the other two which is why I would have Odorizzi back in the rotation. Then if McCullers does eventually come back, either have him in the pen for the season or move Javier/Urquidy to the pen. On a side note, does anyone know if any Astros were at Trevor Rosenthal's showcase from a couple of weeks ago? If they think he's ready, sign him if you don't want to trade away assets for another reliever.
why did he burn yordan? how is that even a consideration when ur on the verge of extras? not to mention brantley was injured and replaced and the bench was shortened even further. why not let meyers hit that pinch hit yordan for maldy if he's set on burning him after one ab anyway? i still think hinch was even dumber, but why can't we just have a common sense by-the-book manager? somehow two of the dumbest managers i've ever seen have been in charge of running one of the best teams in baseball history. i'm looking forward to him being replaced next year.
Dusty won't even let Abreu pitch with a small lead. You think he is trusting a rookie? Nope, Click has to make a move to get a veteran so it will be someone Dusty uses.
Wow. It would have been nice to at least mention either the Yankees or Red Sox doing the same thing, but otherwise that article was amazing. The Post commenters don’t seem to agree.
Meh, only gripe is would have rather seen Abreu instead of Maton but this was basically a B effort house money game for us. Sat Yordan and our 3 top pen arms. This Yankee team is very beatable, which I already expected.
That they are. We were a Pressly and Maton ****up away from winning the series in a clean sweep. They are beatable, still disappointed in Dusty yesterday. Dude is clueless.
Hinch was conservative, but he was much better than Dusty at these kinds of decisions. The only times he would really get into trouble were in the post-season where his conservatism would overwhelm him.
My biggest takeaway is that Dusty knows how to keep a team cohesive for a season and help them bounce back from a tough loss... but he is completely outclassed in lineup construction, bullpen usage, late inning management, and situational awareness.
Why burn Yordan ESPECIALLY since it would either be him or the catcher as the Manfraud runner instead of Jake Meyers in all likelihood? And if Jake reached, use Yordan for your catcher instead of having a sub .100 hitter bat for Maldy...
Dusty treats the regular season as an experiment to know who he can trust in the post season. He get's infinitely better in the post season, but he values keeping people healthy and know what players can handle situations over winning some regular season games