Also good to get the young guys experience. I rather have them get experience against a team like the M's, rather than a team like the Dodgers. Or pitching well against the M's gives them confidence (yeah it's the M's but I'm sure they don't care) and if they have to pitch against the Dodgers, maybe they pitch with confidence instead of being nervous.
Not gonna lie, they had us in the first 3 innings. =) Sucks that James hasn't been able to take that leap as a starter, but there is no shame in the Show. If he can get good at getting 3 outs in the later innings, he can still make some good Ca$h. Altuve traded in the buzzer for a microchip behind the ear. It vibrates when it's a fastball. I've seen it. Nice win. I'm not liking some of our relievers. Where did everyone go?
I would not call today close. Yesterday, was only time that I thought Astros might bring him in. I expect Astros will pitch Pressly no matter what happens tomorrow.
Considering the current state of our rotation and the dwindling roster over the next 4 weeks, Pressly is going to have more work than he wants going forward. They haven't put him on the injured list so Dusty ain't gonna tell you even if something was going on.
Harris, Rondon, McHugh: gone; Smith: sitting out; Peacock and Pruitt (new guy): hurt Rookies have looked quite promising; I don't need to see Biagini or Devo pitch again.
13 innings, 2 runs (1 earned). 13 Ks, 3 BBs Bielak appears like he'll be the easiest on the heart, but may not be the best of the bunch. Paredes looks like a high leverage reliever.
All your hurt pitchers are belong to us! Time for the kids to shine. Baker also just said Chris Devenski is battling soreness and Austin Pruitt has been shut down from throwing. When asked if the quick ramp up to the season is why so many Astros pitchers are hurt, Dusty Baker said: "I think it has a lot to do with it."
Astros lineup has put up 6+ runs every game with Springer & Gurriel in spring training mode & no Alvarez. I think they can carry the team for a while until Urquidy, the Pen, JV return. Still those Astros have some nice 24 and under pitchers. Paredes, Taylor & Vasquez look really promising and Bielak saved this win.
The lineup is relentless... Pitchers feel the pressure when nearly every inning they have to face at least one ultra-dangerous hitter. And when Alvarez comes back, it will literally be every inning that they have to face somebody. And as soon as they think the pressure is off, Reddick, Maldonado and Tucker start to feast. While ace-quality pitching is ultimately very important during the post-season, lineups carry teams throughout long regular seasons. Even in innings where this team doesn’t score, they work the count... they foul off pitchers pitches... they don’t give in to balls right outside the zone.
