Has Verlander even pitched in relief outside of Game 4 of the ALDS in 2017? And as I recall, that one didn't go so well. I agree all hands are on deck, but Dusty doesn't need to be thinking THAT outside the box. He has guys who are used to pitching out of the bullpen, including starters like Brown and France. Stick with what's worked in the past.
the ump last night was horrific for the astros but it wasn't scott foster level. Do we win last night with a fair ump? Certainly a good chance we do, but not for sure. We'll see what they do today
I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I'm fairly certain history is not kind to teams that throw a 40 year old pitcher out there on 2 days rest. What do you think JV is going to give us against this really good Texas lineup that someone like France or Brown can't?? We have enough guys in the bullpen to get the job done. Putting JV out there would only tell me they are desperate, and without answers.
Is Tucker = Harden in this analogy? The Astros ability to hit with RISP at home aligns with the brutal 3pt shooting in that game.
It's a stupid ass analogy frankly. This team has come up clutch in almost every possible way across these last 7 years, and has won more than any other franchise in Houston sports history. This team is full of winners, and guys who come up big more often than not when you need them to. Yes, they're struggling at home for some unknown reason, but tonight doesn't define their legacy the way Game 7 defines the Rockets. The book on this era of Astros players is that they are ****ing WINNERS, no matter what happens tonight.
This. If Verlander is in the game then it’s probably extra innings and the Astros have exhausted all other options outside of maybe Blanco and Montero.
I'll say this about Dusty: if JV tells him he's ready and willing, Dusty won't hesitate to pull the trigger. I suspect game 7 in 2019 might've been managed differently if Dusty had been here. Going with JV tonight, or Cole in '19 (or trusting Grienke) is a Dusty Baker special.
... have we? He has a .711 career postseason OPS. He's certainly had moments - but if you start to think back over this run... and, granted: he wasn't here in '17 or '18 and was just a rookie in '19 - but there aren't too many memorable moments that involve Kyle Tucker despite him totaling 219 PAs since '20. He had the two homer game in the '22 World Series (a game we eventually lost - not his fault) and did make the final out last year. But...
Verlander is terrible on 3 days rest. Can’t use him but I guess we could also see Montgomery for 2 innings
Maybe need to extend that batter’s eye all the way across. Spoiler Spoiler: Mimic Maid Park (Globe Life) Spoiler: Old Minute Maid Relatively clean Spoiler: New Minute Maid That’s a “busy” CF Spoiler: What they tried to fix in September Old: New: Spoiler: Faux mockup
Chas/Diaz deserved to have a chance to succeed when Singleton/Maldy/Others have failed. Maybe, they fail, too, but I think their track record suggests they are not as likely to fail as often.
Seriously cannot think straight and very unproductive at work today. 2019 World Series in the back of my mind too. Gotta break the cycle!
I agree. The question is how you factor in when/where/how often Brantley plays and whether or not Dubon was the hot hand. You can't play all three.
Please dear God Astros don't partially ruin my vacation by losing this game tonight. Please please please
