The infield flexibility is absurd. That alone alotts us 13 arms. Yuli, Bregman, and Marwin are so nice to have. I think that's one of the reasons for the Maybin pick up. Further solidifies our infield if Marwin has to play there instead of LF.
Late in games i can see marisnick or maybin come in to play LF and Marwin go to 1B to replace Yuli for defense.
What? There is ZERO chance Verlander isn't a lock after what they gave up - I don't care how he performs in his September starts.
Never said anything about them. You're original quote was 2-4 guys are all in play and I'm simply saying Verlander is a lock to start game 1 or 2.
McCurvy is looking better than I remember him, and I liked him in previous seasons. He's only had one really bad outing versus the whitesox and a shaky inning the last game against the Rangers. Nice rotation like what it was before the injuries, if Lance can stay healthy.
I don't see Fiers on any playoff roster barring injury. In fact, unless we have some more injuries pop up or need emergency mop up, my guess is he will not be seen much from here on out. We definitely go with 12 pitchers. SP Keuchel Verlander McCullers McHugh RP Giles (closer) Devinski (setup) Harris (setup) Gregson (setup) Peacock (mid) Musgrove (mid) Morton (mid/long) Clippard (mid/long) No LOOGY C McCann Gattis IF Gurriel Altuve Correa Bregman Gonzalez OF Reddick Springer Maybin Beltran Marisnick I think the last spot comes down to White or Stassi/Centeno
I'd like to see Fiers in a reliever role at this point with this squad, maybe as a replacement for Clippard, who I'm still not sold on. I'd at least give him an audition at the long man spot.
Fiers' lack of control won't translate well to the bullpen. His penchant to give up HR's doesn't translate well anywhere. He's a guy who can eat innings in games that are already lost, and have little chance of being salvaged... I guess there's some value to that over a season, but absolutely none in the playoffs.
Basically, if LMJ is back, Fiers is expendable. But if LMJ struggles, Fiers could get a second life, again. Big "could" here since even if LMJ is garbage, so is Fiers. On this subject, guys who are signed but left off the playoff roster, do they just go home for the year once the playoffs begin?
Peacock as the #4 or go McHugh for 4 innings and switch to Peacock for the rest of the game. Verlander Game 1... calling it.
Not in the playoffs he wont. Would still be decisively behind McHugh and Peacock. Only thing bringing back Fiers is injury concerns. I wouldn't mind seeing McCullers in relief duty if needed. Guy can miss some bats.
Just thinking of GAME 1 ALDS line ups. i really liked the lineup today with Keuchel pitching. RF Springer 3B Bregman 2B Altuve SS Correa LF Reddick DH Yuli 1B Marwin C McCann CF Maybin or Marisnick Really feel like this is the best lineup on offense and defense.. Beltran has not been good this season with .234 avg and .683 ops , Yuli is an OK 1B but Marwin is better but we need to keep Yuli's bat.. Beltran with his 16million can come off the bench for pinch at bag. Win or go home
I agree with this. 12 position player spots locked down with the 13th being between White, Stassi, and Centeno. However, I think there are only 10 pitcher spots locked down; from your list I'm not completely sure Gregerson and Clippard will make the roster. There is a case to be made for Martes and Liriano over them. I do really like the idea of 4 starters (Keuchel, Verlander, McCullers, McHugh), 4 guys who can go multiple innings (Morton, Peacock, Musgrove, Devenski), and 4 guys with closing experience (Clippard, Gregerson, Harris, and Giles), even if it means not having a lefty reliever.
I think Liriano gets the edge over a 3rd catcher or White. Can't remember the last WS Champ that didnt have a lefty specialist in the pen. Bringing in Kuechel for a batter would be something to see!
Regardless of whether Liriano is on team or off team, Astros won't have a lefty specialist in the pen.
Gregerson's ERA if you subtract his implosion on April 8th is 2.87. I feel very confident that he is on the roster. Clippard shouldn't make it. People in here are putting too many arms in the bullpen as several have 9 listed. We carried 11 pitchers in 2015, as did the Royals. If we carry 12 pitchers, it will probably be a lefty. Giles, Gregerson, Harris, Devenski, Musgrove, Morton, & Peacock look like the top 7 bullpen arms.
Lack of control is often why guys end up in the pen. Mike Fiers in the bullpen is basically Tyler Clippard.
Usually it's more due to a lack of a tertiary pitch. Fiers' only possible bullpen role is as an emergency starter or a mop-up guy.
