If you believe in analytics, as the Astros do, there's not really any such thing as a cold or hot hand with small sample sizes. Going 3-4 one day doesn't make you any more likely to do better the next day than if you went 0-4. The Astros, as they have the past half-decade, believe in looking at the bigger picture rather than trying to maximize their chances of winning any individual regular season game. I think it's worked pretty well for them. It's the baseball version of the NBA's load management. It's especially valuable if you're really confident you're in a division you think you'll win fairly easily.
I get what you're saying but I totally disagree. And I'm not complaining about the Stros giving guys days off.
Do you think every established position player should play every game (if healthy)? When should Peña get a day off?
I can’t stand dusty either, but not bc he is resting Peña. It’s not that difficult to move Tucker to the 2 hole where he belongs forever.
My thought is that you should rest players who are playing well on days off and only rest them for gamedays when you play 7 or more consecutive days.
He played 37 games last season, 67 if you include the winter league. Seems pretty reasonable to give him regular rest now in the build up to a full 162 game season (plus playoffs).
By established I mean their the starters. For example, Pena is the established starter at SS, but neither McCormick nor Siri is an established starter in CF.
A manager is paid to manage. If someone else is doing that job why pay Dusty? These decisions are his responsibility, As they should be.
Managers and GMs work together all the time to make roster decisions, strategy, pitching limits, etc. It's not unique to Houston.
Would agree except we already had two off days last week, give him the rest days when we are in long streaks of games. Not on a 5 game week Dusty makes no sense with his moves
Resting the catcher after a night game is a long standing MLB practice. If memory serves correctly, Springer and Correa (more Springer than Correa) got rest for day games after night games a lot during recent years under Hinch and then Dusty. It is almost like the Astros believe that players that give it their all at tough defensive positions have a tough time in day games after night games.
As much as we want to see the kid it makes sense to sprinkle in an off day every once in a while. 162 games is a long season, if they think he’ll benefit from the mental and physical rest I’d rather them stick to the schedule. The alternative is you sit him after a bad game and he has the entire day to mope on it, not to mention his home debut is tomorrow. If he plays 150 games that’s a huge win considering his previous injuries and lack of adjustment to the big league schedule.
In Dusty's mind coming here was a favor to the Astros. He was retired. He was established. He had a great reputation. He is set in his ways and he is not going to put up with being told what he can or can not do. In his position I certainly would not. Nobody else would be likely too either.
So... you are saying that GMs and managers don't work hand in hand determining the roster and team strategy?
