yep still getting cold sweats from those late 90s early 2000s teams. We couldn’t win with Randy Johnson
Yeah, I’m oversimplifying things and of course there’s always unexpected contributions to any champion, but I don’t expect this lineup to carry us in October. Maybe that changes if Yordan actually comes back along with Meyers, but until I actually see those guys names in the lineup, I think our best shot is Hunter and Framber carrying us.
Our bats were cold last season and had Framber not gotten blown up or we actually held the lead in game 2, who knows what happens. You win in October with pitching. If Framber melts down, we aren’t going anywhere. This offense isn’t coming back from down 4+ runs early. If Framber pitches like 2022 and Hunter is dominant, you can win games scoring only 2-3 runs. Now if Hader is out for the season, that’s going to get a lot harder.
Our bats being cold could absolutely lose a good or great Framber/Brown start. Timely hitting will still be needed to advance.
I mean if they are so bad they start struggling to score 1 or two runs then yes we aren’t going to win anything. Regardless, I think Framber will be the biggest factor in our outcome. He’s had two postseason runs where he was virtually untouchable and three where he was straight ass. This team isn’t going to overcome him being straight ass.
I mean it wouldn’t shock me…I’d be more shocked if the offense was amazing in the playoffs. I feel like they’ll be just OK. Edited my post after the fact but I’ll stick by Framber being the key. In 2021, 2023 and 2034 he’s a combined 1-6 with an ERA over 7. In 2020 and 2022, he’s 6-1 with an ERA well below 2.
The lineup features 2 of the probably 10 best playoff hitters of all time in Correa and Altuve. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the offense is really really good in the postseason.
Framber's 2024 was just the one game, of course, and I don't think he pitched that poorly. Got the double play ball he needed to get out of the one inning he was scored on, but the batter beat it out and they got some up the middle 2 out singles after. Skubal just mowed our guys down and we didn't get a lot of chances to respond.
Astros and Dodgers are in the same spot. Little brother is now tied for the division. Padres and Mariners. Let's see who can still prove they are still the dominant team
Stros have scored 0-2 runs in 40 games, their record is 10-30 M's have scored 0-2 runs in 35 games, their record is 8-25 I'm not gonna check other teams, but I assume that's the norm unless your pitching is all-world
There are obvious a lot of variables at play but the offense should be at least good enough by the playoffs if we avoid anymore injuries. The wild fluctuation depends on whether Alvarez, Meyers or Paredes comeback. I am assuming one of the three comes back and is ready to go for the playoffs. The bench should be solid and able to utilize split advantagesd with Caratini, Urias, Dubon and Sanchez. A line up of: Pena Altuve Correa Yordan/Paredes (?) Walker Sanchez/Smith Diaz Urias Meyers/Trammel Dubon/Melton/Caratini On the pitching side the game 1 and 2 starters are locks. After that there are a bunch of guys coming off injury. Arrighetti, Javier, Garcia and Walter all have a chance to lock down the #3-4 spots in a post season rotation, with the others being relievers if they are good enough. A post season rotation of: Framber/Brown/Javier/Arrighetti The bullpen is in a lot of flux with no one knowing what will happen with Hader. However, they can possibly survive if he is out if Walter comes back and kicks Arrighetti to the pen or Garcia looks healthy and good. As it is, assuming Hader is back - it should be good. Hader Abreu Sousa Garcia/Arrighetti King Okert Dubin
