Well I have defended Dusty all year and still have no issues with how he managed in the regular season because the team did what he was overseeing it to do - get the #1 AL seed. And have always thought his bullpen management the past 2 post seasons has been very good. But his decisions to keep JV and Lance in too long have cost us. I realize that for a team like Houston, starter going less than 5 usually causes its own problems but the bullpen has multiple guys who are rested and can go multiple innings - very effectively. In game 1 Dusty HAS to take JV out after the first 2 reach in the 5th. It's game 1 and the entire bullpen in rested and has been nails. That cost them the game. In game 3 after Lance gave up 4 runs in the first 2 innings, 9 hitters Dusty has to have him on a short leash. One more baserunner and bring in the bullpen. When Marsh singles that has to be his last batter - especially with top of order coming up. Turns out didn't hurt because you can't win without scoring but Dusty simply HAS to make these moves
Can the Astros trade Lance McCullers and get 2 Top Prospects. The Astros I think should consider this because Hunter Brown and Forrest Whitley can be Starters out of Spring Training.
No With his contract and injury history he would not get much in return. And counting on Whitley would be a HUGE mistake. He still has a chance but getting very unlikely.