I doubt the plan was to pitch to him... just a bad pitch by Weiland who was probably trying to do the unintentional intentional. I guess if you don't have confidence that your pitcher can have enough control to do that, you might as well just put him on base.
The Astros are a lot better "win one lose two" team this year. Is that an accurate statement? Or, should I retract?
Why Lyon in the 9th? How does this help developing young players? Wouldnt it be better to pad Myers stats than Lyons? Do we have a bench full of tired arms? What am I missing?
I don't think putting any young player in a 12-0 game would go towards "developing" them. At that point, you need the game to be over as soon as possible. Guys who need rest are rested, and guys who need work get work. Not a time for "experiments." The ONE thing it could be good for is to get a struggling pitcher back on track in a low pressure situation... and the only bullpen guy who's really struggled consistently all year has been Lyon, so there.
Man it's nice having a productive Astro on my fantasy team. Jordan is off to a great start this year. Ed Wade is a genius!!!!!!!!!!
Its academic really, There wasnt much to gain or lose by it I suppose. But I do feel that if Myers is going to be taken seriously as a closer, he needs more than 3 innings every 16 games. As far as development goes, any MLB experience helps more than AAA does.
Myers got mop-up duty with the last blowout win. Also, its not like this is his first time closing... and frankly, its a genius move by the Astros to boost his trade value (hiding him in the closer spot gives him a chance to have infinitely better peripherals and more value at the deadline). Also, who on this releif staff really needs more MLB experience in the 9th inning of a blowout game? Rodriguez, Lopez, and Cruz are basically the 8th inning guys (and all have been in hold situations this year), Carpenter gets plenty of action, and Wesley Wright is a mediocre situational lefty who has seen plenty of big league action.
I'm really encouraged by Altuve's new found patience at the plate. If that guy gets over his free-swinging ways, he could be a fantastic 2-spot guy for this team.