Devo threw more than any reliever last year and has been placed in high leverage situations. Why would you want Devo locked in the closer when he provides more value in the fireman role?
Technically you are absolutely right. I suppose my issue is that I would be more satisfied seeing a Lou panella-esque sprint out of the dugout, only to see him stop one inch from the ump's face screaming obscenities. Why? Because I don't watch baseball for lessons in ethics. I watch it for lessons in history and tradition. But, you are right, that's not hinch by any stretch of the imagination. I can settle just watching for the wins, though. But dammit I hope benches clear today!
I don't know about having Devo being locked into the closer role ... but someone has to close. WAR just might undervalue a closer's contribution. The FA market certainly does not. I think that Devo's long term role is starter. I would like to see Devo get a couple of spot starts this year. But if Devo shows that he can be the Astros most consistent closer, I'm all in.
I will admit that i was wrong for wanting to trade Springer. Dude is the catalyst for this team. And Giles cannot be trusted in the 9th. I think we dodged a bullet by not going for Quintana. Hes a mess. Best team in the league right now. Lets keep up the momentum.
What's not shocking is the amount of bad takes on here. I don't really feel the need to blast Giles, especially since he seems to be a notoriously slow starter.
Devo has pitched 9 innings in 3 games, in 12 total games. Closers don't typically post 9.0 IP in 12 games. We just gotta hope Giles becomes more monster-y. His teammates tried and failed last season, and they're older with worse stuff.
WAR definitely under rates top of the line closers, but Devo is entering the game on average in higher leverage situations than Giles. WAR has the same problem with firemen as it does with closers. Getting the best bullpen pitcher in the most critical innings is more important than having the best bullpen pitcher limited to the closer role. I would have no problem Devo taking the high leverage save opportunities, but chaining him to the closer role would likely cause him to pitch in less critical situations. Edit: I assume some teams have better versions of WAR that more accurately reflect value of closers. It is only a matter of time before some analyst gets tired of working the insane hours required by MLB teams and these corrections get into the public models.
Aww.... The much funner lineup would be Bregman at SS, Yuli at 3rd and MarGo at 1B but fine. Be that way Hinch.
Awesome..... they should look into hiring Bobby Cox' geriatric ass to limp out there and argue while Hinch hides in the dugout. Maybe Matt Galante can be dug up and do it.
Not cancelled. I'm good. Wanted to do some things this afternoon anyway. Weather should clear by 6pm.
