The Astros may not win a playoff series if Framber starts and gives up a run per IP. A real conundrum. The Nerd Cave and the pitching coaches may insist Framber either does not start or have an extremely short leash, which is not the expectation for the game 2 pitcher.
Concern that a player might throw a fit and bail on the team if he doesn't get his way is not a reason to give in to his needs over what's best for the team.
In their last 8 starts, Framber has been blown up twice by NY, once by Boston, and once by Detroit - an ERA of 9+ those 4 starts. His only good start during that stretch was against Colorado (0 runs, 7 innnigs). Alexender gave up 0 runs to Toronto (7 innings), 0 runs to NY (6 innings), 3 runs to NY (5 innings). These are their respective starts against the potential teams they'd face in the postseason. Normally, experience matters to a degree - but Framber's postseason experience is all over the place with dominance and complete trainwreck in more recent years. I'd rather go with the guy who's performed in some really critical situations down the stretch over an elite guy with a history of imploding who's currently on a sustained 2 month implosion. But regardless, its not going to be a fun decision for the front office there and will be second guessed if it doesn't work out either way.
Framber's next 2 starts are going to determine this, for me. Striking hitters out and keeping balls out of the air in the playoffs is still the ideal way to pitch and win. Framber has much much better stuff to compete in that environment. Alexander has been great, but his lack of "stuff" and exposure to potential playoff teams could drastically reduce his effectiveness. I don't know who I would choose yet. The next 10 days will decide. I am totally on board with Blubaugh though. Build him up to 80+ pitches the next 2 turns and make him #3 or #4.
I used to play softball against him after he sucked his way outta baseball. He was garbage at softball too.
Speaking of Backe... he slashed .256/.317/.414 for his career with a .731 OPS. Different era, but that would be outhitting Yanier and Walker.
I agree our upside is way better with everyone healthy But our one really strong month+ of winning games came around the height of people being out
I’ll take the over on the 5-8 range. With good (top 1/3) but not great health - I think the only thing keeping them from 100 wins would be a lack of interest the last few weeks of the season because they would be 10 games up.
Maybe - I’m not privy to what the pitching duo of M&M will suggest, but I would be very surprised if Framber doesn’t start game 2… the Astros will need him to win a WS.
I have faith that the "real" Framber shows up this weekend, Hunter up on Friday is HUGE, IMO we have to take game one with Brown on the bump.......its time to turn into playoff mode and show the M`s who owns this division
feels like the offense went playoff mode vs rangers. The runs scored and approach were very good. Against some tough pitching too.
this team based on injuries for this year should be sitting similarly where Orioles and Braves are sitting. Yet they're still in the race. Props to the AAA players and pitchers. They have delivered more than asked for.
