Why? He left one of the best pitchers in the league in to pitch the ninth in a game he had a fairly easy time of the first eight innings? It was a decision that didn't work out. Had he taken Keuchel out and the Angels tie it up, the 'why did he take Keuchel' out crowd would be screaming.
for the second start in a row. but the last one was because he took him out to early. sooo who really knows? might as well flip a coin.
Harris, Gregerson have been closers. I expect Devo to be closer, if Giles does a repeat last year. Gregerson ain't closing for sure. Devo has closer-type numbers.
A lot of starters can surprise you with their velocity when moved into 1 inning relievers. Musgrove and McHugh could dial it up too if made closers.
Keuchel had less then 90 pitches going into the 9th. I was fine letting him out in the 9th. Keeping him in past 2 hitters, in retrospect, was a bad decision. But I wasn't mad about it at the time. Giles' hits were weak, but a closer needs to miss more bats. Oh well, got the W so all is well.
Good point. Doubtful as I don't think he was throwing at all before the second batter of the inning. A mound visit wouldn't of bought enough time. Probably should of had him at least tossing after leadoff single.
Why? Because he let his starting pitcher load the bases in the bottom of the 9th with no one out? Then pulled him with Trout coming to the plate as the tying run. Had Giles or another reliever come in and given up 4 runs I am sure someone would have complained... I wouldn't have but someone would have.... probably Tomstro. I personally would also worry about Dallas' work load based on his arm issues last year as well. I know Dallas wanted to come out in the 9th, but three straight hits is too long a leash IMO.
let's just be happy they won the game! Kept it interesting for sure, but glad the good guys pulled it out. Also it's also good they were tested having taken the lead only to have to battle back.
Best thing about all the drama was I completely forgot about the Rockets' game. I'm not even mad about it anymore.
It gave the Astros an opportunity to be in a high pressure spot and get out with a win. The Altuve hit, stolen base and Correa hit all are good confidence builders for a young team.
Giles was incredible last year after the first month or so. Devo might have even more value in his current role. See other thread re: Devo value
Great win. Like most, i worry about the closer spot going forward. Keuchel pitched well, sucks he tagged for 5 runs. Giles ERA is way too high for his role. I worry about that spot. Otherwise it was a great win,
that 9th inning was a fluke...the ball was doing some weird chit on Giles and Marwin...unlike previous years the astros maintained composure and still won tho..character building win
I don't care what devo is called, or necessarily what inning he has to come in. You put him in when the game needs him. Maybe instead of closer, we call him the "guy who doesn't let the s hit the fan" Tonight that would have been the 9th. 2 days from now it could be the 5th.
Yeah it does start to get hairy. There's the added complexity some have talked about here in the past--that some guys appear to perform better in a fixed role (for example, Giles performing best in save situations, today not withstanding). Giving Giles a role and then not giving him save opps in 1 run games could mess with him..potentially. That said, I think you still could have gone to Devo today. Giles starts innings in save situations. Devo comes in with men on to shut it down in high leverage situations (if they're both available)..etc. No idea if something like Giles warms up faster than Devo came into play today (though that's on Hinch for not having them up ahead of time of course)
I see your point on Giles. Maybe he is better in a tightly fixed role. I also get that, if you are Hinch you have faith in a guy beyond a few bad outings. I am getting restless though. I am thinking too far ahead. I'm thinking about the games that are really going to matter, and when those games come, bullpen usage needs to be nailed down. Giles just continues to disappoint, and I don't think a manager should ever hesitate to use (All-Star ) Devo.
Totally. I'd say "Giles continues to disappoint" is aggressive, given that this is his first blown save of the season. I get that his ERA isn't where it should be, and he needs to be better in all situations. But still, that's something that we saw last year as well..even when struggling, he typically excelled in save situations.
Based on usage rates between Giles and Devo... that's pretty much what Hinch has been doing. I don't see any hesitation in going to Chris... I'm worried what his arm is going to feel like come August. Giles needs work as well. I would have been more than impressed at any pitcher who would have been able to get out of the pickle that Keuchel created, with the heart of their lineup coming up. That was more than any typical save situation, and doubtful it would have ever been handled the same way in "more important games that matter" (as you later mention)... managers (for better or for worse) micromanage the hell out of the playoffs.
Giles does need work. This particular situation was not merely a good opportunity for a guy who needs work though. It was a "game on the line" situation. I am much,much more confident that Devo could have finished it. At some point hinch will realize Giles isn't a guy for these situations, I just hope its sooner rather than later. If he wants to try him in conventional save situations more, that's fine.
