I agree. It's the same thing as naming the 5th starter. Why the secrecy and the 'no-compromise' mentality? Maybe, instead of thinking these rookies are not ready...well, maybe they ought to realize that the guys they have may not be ready. Everett has NEVER hit lead off. His OBP is actually extremely poor. He's a below avg bunter and we're starting every game with an out. Also, maybe Duckworth just flat out sucks? I mean, can that NOT be a viable option? Could it be posible that Astacio could just be better? Duckworth at no point in his career has ever done anything that would make you think he's better than Redding. options or not, Duckworth is a bad pitcher - period. Rebuild/ Reload right now!! What's the hold up?
Buck Turgidson, please accept my apologies for my outburst. It is indeed not how I was raised to react to stress. Astros struggles has gotten to me so bad and it made me unusually edgy. I am sorry and I will edit my post. Yeah I might have overreated in my attack of Garner - I really like him but I am left frustrated by what I perceive as slow-footedness or rather stubbornness. And to the others I offended, please accept my apology. I will still be critical of my beloved team but I will learn to accept critisims as well and not attack a fellow Clutchfan in retaliation. It is very unChristlike, 'ungentleman-like' and unClutchfanlike.
I couldn't agree more about Astacio.Move him into the 5 and let him grow.If he break's out early and starts delivering on that potential,great.Most likely his outings will be marked with inconsistency,but he could dazzle.Either way he gets experience and every fifth game doesn't require a field goal to win. A few things on Everett though...He can handle a bat.I think his bunting skills are being way underrated here,and if he has protection,Adam can handle the fastball too.Also,his baserunning skills fit the 2 very nicely.Pre wrist injury Everett,was producing,and getting better. Fegwu,Garner,has confounded me too.This year and last.His use of Ensberg over Lamb in the playoffs was a MAJOR mistake IMO.Other crucial blunders include pitching decisions late in the playoffs. Hey,I see his good points,but Phil just isn't a very good Chess player.Team chemistry is huge though..and Phil knows how to motivate people.The guy is one of the best in baseball when it comes to relating to his players.
