Please limit talk in this thread to this series. Other topics should be discussed in the appropriate threads. Play-by-play is not allowed. If you need that, there are other places to find it. Political discussions belong in the D&D forum not in here. All games are broadcast on Space City Network unless otherwise noted. 8-26 Ronel Blanco (R) vs. Zack Wheeler (R) 5:40 FS1 8-27 Justin Verlander (R) vs. Aaron Nola (R) 5:40 TBS (out-of-market only) 8-28 Spencer Arrighetti (R) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (L) 3:05 MLBN (out-of-market only)
Astros are 15-7-2 in series since Jun 1st. 5 of their series wins were sweeps. The Astros have not been swept since April 23-25 against the Cubs.
Yordan may be back. Bregman may need to rest again. Altuve/Pena should continue to have built-in rest days, but Dubon getting concussed may impact that. Tucker's new leg set for deployment next month. As long as they have a ~5 game lead, I expect more of the rotating lineups to happen (and everybody to get PTSD from last season). Its clear that this front office does value load management when they're ahead in the standings.
With the power of Christ, we will make it and we will crush the Phillies. I have spoken to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and he prefers the Astros. It is known.
I seriously believe Blanco should get skipped today. - Ronel is fatigued throwing the most innings of his life - Astros have room to maneuver with a 4.5 game lead. - Astros facing a tough customer anyway with Wheeler Lose the battle win the war. Skipping Blanco will have him well-rested for KC -- a game that matters more than playing the NL Phillies. BP game or move everyone up a day -- they are all 4 days rested. Next year, Blanco might go out like Javier did this season after being abused last season. Lose the battle, win the war. Initiate the SKIPPY.
This is a tough series. The Phillies are 1.5 games behind the Dodgers for the #1 seed and they may feel their home field advantage is more important than any other team. They have motivation from 2022 If this isn't their #1, 2 and 3 starters, it's at worst their #1, 2, and 4. This could end up being the toughest series yet. I predict L-W-W but nothing would surprise me.
We need to silence those degenerates in the crowd. That will end any threat. They need their meat heads screaming.
Anything more than 1 win is a bonus in book for this reason. Also why blowing winnable games against the Orioles was so frustrating.
Game 1 is really, really tough. Blanco needs rest and Wheeler has been great this year. I think game one is a loss and the other two a toss-up depending on what lineups we run out. I really think it would be wise to be bring up Whitley and give him the 5 or 6th inning every other day to see what he has. We saw in 2022 what a lockdown pen could do in the post-season. We should also tell him that he cannot shake off the catcher at all. Pretty sure he will be up on Sept. 1.
