The only thing I'm worried about with the Astros are how the minor league players are doing. This team will be a 90+ game loser again so nothing to concern yourself over.
I think I do too. Against the Pirates. Brian Giles hit a grand slam to win it. Edit: My recall is obviously good, I even knew which year to look at. http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT200107281.shtml
well, he did end the year at 1-3, with a 4.97 ERA... so he must have been so bad in his other opportunities, that it affected my memory (and yes, I am now recalling the 1 BS against Boston where he gave up 3 ER in a 7-5 loss). There's still a sample size issue either way... for now, I'm fine with him getting a chance as he has the requisite swing/miss stuff that closers should harbor.
Everybody is a creature of habits/routines... to the point that teams that have habits/routines may play better due to them, but over the long-run it also makes them more scoutable and beatable. I agree that not everybody can be just plugged in as a closer, despite being an elite relief pitcher... and vice versa (some not so elite relief pitchers/starters ended up excelling as a closer)... so defined roles are sometimes a must.
I agree, but that's also why they leave closers to the 9th. I think it's tougher as a closer if you may have to come in the 6th or some other random inning when the bases are loaded and your're up by 1 run, for example.
