Also from Cecil Cooper's own mouth: "Command -- we go back to the same thing we've been talking about," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "He's not injured, it's just command. He didn't hit his spots well tonight. He was up in the zone quite a bit. I don't think he threw many breaking balls that were good breaking balls. When you don't have command and you don't throw your breaking balls, it's a tough night for you."
Wigginton is no longer Wiffinton at this point. Another game or two of good ABs and he becomes Wiggy again.
Backe through 6 in 79 pitches. I still think we should take him out of the game at this point. He's had a tendency to lose steam after 5. Play it conservative here. He'll likely be back out though in the 7th. Hope he keeps it together.
I'm with you now BrooksBall. We should be pinch hitting for Backe here. I really don't feel good about him going out for the 8th
I would let Backe pitch to the first batter. Anything other than an out, and I would pull him. He was terrific tonight.
A bit happier with Backe pitching the 8th to start with that is. As a stand alone statement it's a bit Caption Obvious lol
I want to post this now, after the first out: I would definitely have pinch-hit for Backe last inning, particularly given that Brocail did not pitch last night.
Well if I'm Coop I'm thinking aobut pulling Backe now...and after that shot to center he better be taking a walk out to the mound.
It's astonishing how valuable a bat Greg Dobbs is off the bench. Would kill to have him on the Astros.
I think Cooper blew this even if we get out of the inning. As soon as Dobbs got the hit, that was the time to pull the plug. This game is on Cooper if we lose. I haven't made a statement like that all year.
