Wandy was 29 before he had a season like Harrell is having. I feel bad for Harrell though that we are moving to the AL West.
I knew Harrell had sinking stuff that induced ground balls... what I did not realize was that he is able to get that sinking stuff up to 94-95mph (which he was still throwing that speed in the 8th inning). Anybody with a plus fastball, good command, and sinking stuff is going to be capable of putting together lots of quality starts.
What do Brett Wallace and Fernando Martinez win for hitting 3-run homers last night? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Astros lineup: 2B Altuve, SS Gonzalez, 1B Pearce, LF Maxwell, 3B Moore, RF Francisco, C Castro, CF Barnes, P Norris</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/235764573830008832" data-datetime="2012-08-15T15:47:09+00:00">August 15, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Maybe because if he performs too well again today, Mills will not be able to justify using 6 relievers in one inning. That and the blowout gave the bullpen too much rest. Can't risk that 2 days in a row.
I was listening to the radio in the car yesterday and they were talking to either Lunhow or Mills and were saying how they needed to start playing Wallace against lefties because how is he supposed to learn to hit lefthanders if he never bats against them. I wish I knew who they were talking to but I wasn't really paying attention until that subject came up. Hard to imagine it being Mills though if he's the one who's not only sitting him against lefties but doesn't consistently hit him against righties either. Wallace also sat against Milwaukee when Gallardo was starting.
He should hit lefties as well, but if I'm looking for an off day, it will most likely come against a lefty.
Norris needs to be moved to the bullpen. He just cant survive as a two pitch starting pitcher. Unfortunately we don't have anyone to take his place in the starting rotation this year.
I've given Mills the benefit of doubt long enough. I'm done trying to justify anything he does. He ruined Wallace's confidence last year with this crap, I would run him so far from Houston that he couldn't find a taco or a BBQ sandwich if he was starving. Wallace should play everyday and bat in the same spot everyday.
I think he can survive in the starting rotation, in the NL. The team behind him is just so terrible. Moving to the AL, I think he does need to be in the pen. We don't really have the starters to replace him, but just like Myers move this year, it isn't like the pen doesn't need the help just as badly.
And his 3.77 ERA and and 1.33 WHIP a year ago mean nothing? Every time I've watched Bud this year (which is only 3 times), he has been very good. A few weak singles, and then some defensive let downs (we look like a little league out there half the time) have killed him. He'd then give up the big hit. I think the problem isn't his stuff, its that he is getting rattled. Bud Norris' home stats: 3-1 2.18ERA .599 OPS allowed 1.062 WHIP in 8 starts this season. He didn't have pronounced splits like that last year.
