WS 2019

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Time (for me at least) to turn the page and get focused on the task at hand.

Any thoughts on roster adjustments with 2 or 3 games in the NL park?   If Pressly can't go who replaces him?

[Limey]

Here’s a question:  has any AL WS team ever been less impacted by the loss of their DH for road games?

[Bench]

Sounds like Pressly is fine.

One of the perks of winning in 6 is that Grienke will pitch game 3 in the NL park.  Might be an improvement from the DH spot in the lineup.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

 At one point the broadcast mentioned Alvarez having mechanical rather than mental trouble.

They mentioned AJs that advice to Springer in 2017 included something about understanding that getting a walk can get things moving in the right direction.   Even in ABs he's battled Alvarez has ended up getting fooled out of the zone.

[MRaup]

Here’s a question:  has any AL WS team ever been less impacted by the loss of their DH for road games?

Zing!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

McGattis will collaborate on the first pitch for Game 1.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Hinch definitively said Alvarez would DH and bay 7th (don't know who thought otherwise,  but the question was asked).

He was 6 for 19 vs TB.  I hope AJ is using all his horse whispering talent to coax some line drives out of the big guy.

[AtascAstro]

Devo switched for Abreu is the only roster change for WS.


The best news there is that Pressly remains.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Devo switched for Abreu is the only roster change for WS.

Good sign on the Pressly front.

[JimR]

Good sign on the Pressly front.

Yep. He and my friend who is his future FIL said he is ok.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Anybody have insight on the strength of Washington's pen?

[JimR]

Anybody have insight on the strength of Washington's pen?

Strong but not deep.

[AtascAstro]

Anybody have insight on the strength of Washington's pen?

Corbin joining the pen for tonight's game says a lot.

[Bench]

Anybody have insight on the strength of Washington's pen?

Hudson
Doolittle
.
.
.
Rainey
Rodney
.
.
.
.
Everyone else.

6 pitchers have comprised 90% of the Nationals' postseason innings: The four starters + Hudson and Doolittle.

[Bench]

Corbin joining the pen for tonight's game says a lot.

Yeah. They haven't hesitated using Scherzer and Strasbourg in relief roles this October either.

[JimR]

Yeah. They haven't hesitated using Scherzer and Strasbourg in relief roles this October either.

They do not have a deep staff, but the ones who pitch are good. I hope the bats reappear.

[Bench]

They do not have a deep staff, but the ones who pitch are good. I hope the bats reappear.

Definitely. Quieting the Astros bats and being able to lean on their top 6 pitchers is the Nats' clearest path to victory.

They only carried 11 pitchers in the NLCS.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

They do not have a deep staff, but the ones who pitch are good. I hope the bats reappear.

Kind of amazing the Astros are in the WS with so many LOBsters.

[Bench]

Harris is going to have his work cut out for him this series. Not only has he been the most reliable fireman, he's the reliever who matches up most favorably against Soto. I have a feeling that whether it's in the 7th, 8th or 9th, he's going to be the guy to have to beat Rendon and Soto multiple times this series, which is no easy task.

[geezerdonk]

I think that Devinski is a good choice. He was much improved at the end of the season. He has playoff experience (but with poor results). Might Hinch be thinking he would be a good match up against Soto? 

[MRaup]

I think that Devinski is a good choice. He was much improved at the end of the season. He has playoff experience (but with poor results). Might Hinch be thinking he would be a good match up against Soto?

Devo's arm was ground to dust by the time the Astros make it to the World Series in 2017.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Tap the brakes on Devo sucked in 2017.

Remember the Puig AB in Game 2? 

Remember the blown save in game 5 game in his second inning of work.

He wasn't dominant, but he wasn't a disaster. 

[Fredia]

lets hope hinch is all seeing and all knowing

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I wish the odds weren't so gigantically in our favor. The Nats have been the BTIB since some point in May, I believe. It does appear we have a real advantage defensively and in the bullpen, especially considering we've seen Doolittle a lot--which they can't say about any of our relief arms. Seems to me our advantages play out primarily at the back end of games and series'.

[Jacksonian]

I wish the odds weren't so gigantically in our favor. The Nats have been the BTIB since some point in May, I believe. It does appear we have a real advantage defensively and in the bullpen, especially considering we've seen Doolittle a lot--which they can't say about any of our relief arms. Seems to me our advantages play out primarily at the back end of games and series'.

(from Astros.com) Since May 23:

Astros: 73-37, .667, best record in baseball

Nationals: 74-38, .661, second-best record in baseball

[Astros Fan in Big D]

(from Astros.com) Since May 23:

Astros: 73-37, .667, best record in baseball

Nationals: 74-38, .661, second-best record in baseball

They righted the ship after a terrible start.   

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Went fishing this morning. Caught a fish.

[Fredia]

good...create a new dish...fish frito pie

[Aussie Astro]

Went fishing this morning. Caught a fish.

Details please, and is in an omen?

[Snuffy]

Devo switched for Abreu is the only roster change for WS.


The best news there is that Pressly remains.

...as well as Joe Smith

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Details please, and is in an omen?

A catfish. Just trying to cover the bases.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Too many batters have taken turns this postseason to slump, especially with runners on.

It'll be the epitaph on this season if it doesn't get corrected.

Bregman and Alvarez are prime culprits.  The singles and the walk from Alvarez were certainly encouraging,  but at nut cuttin' time when a single would plate the go ahead run,  he fouls off a meaty 1 strike FB  then Ks swinging at a chin high heater.

Bregman was a total mess too.  He acknowledged as much postgame. He's gotta fix it.   And yes,  I know it's just that easy.

[Waldo]

Bregman was a total mess too.  He acknowledged as much postgame. He's gotta fix it.   And yes,  I know it's just that easy.

The 2-1 take on a pitch postmarked for the Crawford Boxes was inexcusable.

[MRaup]

Too many batters have taken turns this postseason to slump, especially with runners on.

It'll be the epitaph on this season if it doesn't get corrected.

Bregman and Alvarez are prime culprits.  The singles and the walk from Alvarez were certainly encouraging,  but at nut cuttin' time when a single would plate the go ahead run,  he fouls off a meaty 1 strike FB  then Ks swinging at a chin high heater.

Bregman was a total mess too.  He acknowledged as much postgame. He's gotta fix it.   And yes,  I know it's just that easy.

Springer waking up would certainly help get things going, but Jesus Christ Bregman has been horrific.

[Jacksonian]

Springer waking up would certainly help get things going, but Jesus Christ Bregman has been horrific.

Springer did wake up.  Bregman was the worst culprit.  The ball must look like a BB to him right now.  ATEM balls were an issue too.  The Nationals seemed to hit everything where we weren't.

[MRaup]

Springer did wake up.  Bregman was the worst culprit.  The ball must look like a BB to him right now.  ATEM balls were an issue too.  The Nationals seemed to hit everything where we weren't.

A lot of that is because Cole was throwing thigh high fastballs and they were spitting on his slider.

[Limey]

A lot of that is because Cole was throwing thigh high fastballs and they were spitting on his slider.

I’m going to try really, really hard to hate this Nationals team but, even over 7 games, I’m not sure I’m going to succeed.  They’re the reincarnation of the 2017 Astros, and anyone who could bring themselves to hate that team was a dick. 

I still want them to lose in 5, but they’re a fun team to watch, presumably, for those who don’t want them to die like dogs.  (See?   I’m really trying). 

[MRaup]

Springer did wake up.  Bregman was the worst culprit.  The ball must look like a BB to him right now.  ATEM balls were an issue too.  The Nationals seemed to hit everything where we weren't.

100 percent agree. I meant that more along the lines of Springer waking up (as he is) helps, but we need Bregman to at least open one eye occasionally.

[Bench]

In more fun Game 1 news, Springer's homer marked the 5th consecutive World Series game in which he has hit a homerun, breaking the previous record of 4 shared by him, Reggie Jackson and Lou Gehrig.

[astrojo]

Also last night in the bottom of the 5th inning, Yuli struck out in a postseason game for the first time since last years’ ALCS game 2.

[Limey]

Cole gave up 5 runs for the first time since May 22nd.

I’ll get me coat...

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Correa and Alvarez swapped in the lineup again:

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1187098662360489991?s=19

[BudGirl]

Correa and Alvarez swapped in the lineup again:

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1187098662360489991?s=19

i was wondering last night if that was going to happen.

[HudsonHawk]

i was wondering last night if that was going to happen.

If it happened last night, the Astros win that game.

[Navin R Johnson]

Just got some last minute it handed too me, 438.    Lets even this series up!!

[Waldo]

Sanchez has been named the Game 3 starter opposite Greinke.

[HudsonHawk]

Sanchez has been named the Game 3 starter opposite Greinke.

That was a foregone conclusion, no?

On a side note, one of my co-worker's best friend is Sanchez's wife.  She's going to the game tonight, but was told she couldn't sit in the players family section unless she wore red.  So she did.

[Navin R Johnson]

Welp.  Looks like the Astros are out off the news cycle.  An Ump just tweeted out if Trump gets impeached he is buying an AR15 and there will be a civil war

[Navin R Johnson]

Major league umpire Rob Drake tweeted “I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”, according to a copy of the tweet obtained by ESPN. MLB says it is aware of it. News:

[MRaup]

Major league umpire Rob Drake tweeted “I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”, according to a copy of the tweet obtained by ESPN. MLB says it is aware of it. News:

Jesus. Fucking. Christ.

[Limey]

Major league umpire Rob Drake tweeted “I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”, according to a copy of the tweet obtained by ESPN. MLB says it is aware of it. News:

I wonder how much Luhnow paid him.

[Waldo]

That was a foregone conclusion, no?

Maybe after last night, but I had seen a lot of prior discussion that it would be Corbin in G3, Sanchez in G4.

[BudGirl]

So i just learned that the nats stadium is a no wave zone. Gotta give’em credit for that.

[austro]

I’m going to try really, really hard to hate this Nationals team but, even over 7 games, I’m not sure I’m going to succeed.  They’re the reincarnation of the 2017 Astros, and anyone who could bring themselves to hate that team was a dick. 

I still want them to lose in 5, but they’re a fun team to watch, presumably, for those who don’t want them to die like dogs.  (See?   I’m really trying). 

I suspect that we'll hate Soto for one reason or another before it's all over.

[Tom Servo]

I suspect that we'll hate Soto for one reason or another before it's all over.

Call me crazy, but I kinda like him. I know the fox guys going on and on about him being 20 and all that gets old. But I like his enthusiasm.

Of course I reserve the right to change my opinion, depending on how the rest of the series goes.

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

[austro]

Call me crazy, but I kinda like him. I know the fox guys going on and on about him being 20 and all that gets old. But I like his enthusiasm.

Of course I reserve the right to change my opinion, depending on how the rest of the series goes.

i think Fox called MLB who called the Washington front office who called Soto and told him to drop the crotch grab. That makes his "Soto Shuffle" bullshit slightly less annoying, but it's still an arrogant piece of nonsense. I wish Bob Gibson were still pitching. Soon enough  Soto would have a real reason to grab his crotch.

[das]

 A couple of observations: The Astros have certainly run into a buzzsaw regarding the Nats. The Nats are playing very well and every single thing is falling right into place for them. It will be interesting to see how the Astros regroup and respond. Expecting the Nats to come back to earth is probably not a reasonable expectation. One other thing; the radio and water cooler conversations here in DC are insufferable if you are an Astros fan.  Any attempt to put the last couple of games behind you and focus on the next game is exceedingly hard. If I can make it over the next couple of days without punching someone in the nose, I will consider that a moral, spiritual and emotional victory.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Good luck Das.

Send some slump busting weather to the visitors dugout.

[HudsonHawk]

A couple of observations: The Astros have certainly run into a buzzsaw regarding the Nats. The Nats are playing very well and every single thing is falling right into place for them. It will be interesting to see how the Astros regroup and respond. Expecting the Nats to come back to earth is probably not a reasonable expectation. One other thing; the radio and water cooler conversations here in DC are insufferable if you are an Astros fan.  Any attempt to put the last couple of games behind you and focus on the next game is exceedingly hard. If I can make it over the next couple of days without punching someone in the nose, I will consider that a moral, spiritual and emotional victory.

You should be here in Houston then.  The only topic of conversation on the radio is tonight's NFL game and who to start in your fantasy league. 

[HudsonHawk]

Major league umpire Rob Drake tweeted “I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT this way, YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CIVAL WAR!!! #MAGA2020”, according to a copy of the tweet obtained by ESPN. MLB says it is aware of it. News:

Saw somewhere:  "There should be a new rule...no one is allowed to participate in a civil war until they can spell it correctly."

[Snuffy]

i think Fox called MLB who called the Washington front office who called Soto and told him to drop the crotch grab. That makes his "Soto Shuffle" bullshit slightly less annoying, but it's still an arrogant piece of nonsense. I wish Bob Gibson were still pitching. Soon enough  Soto would have a real reason to grab his crotch.

ROFL

[SoonerJim]

Put Alvarez in LF, Brantley in RF; Reddick’s pretty much an automatic out at this point

[Limey]

Still don’t hate the Nationals.  Their game is suffocating the Astros to the point where everyone is on edge and making mistakes as a result. 

Ok, so Soto has some irritating gloss to his game, but is that any different to Bregman’s posing and staring?  They’re beating the Astros at the Astros’ game and thoroughly enjoying doing it.  So, as the adage goes, don’t get mad,  get even. 

Win Friday and then it’s back around to Cole/Scherzer and Verlander/Strasbourg on Saturday and Sunday.  Take 2 out of 3 up there (we did in NY), bring it home, play hard and see what happens. 

[SoonerJim]

Still don’t hate the Nationals.  Their game is suffocating the Astros to the point where everyone is on edge and making mistakes as a result. 

Ok, so Soto has some irritating gloss to his game, but is that any different to Bregman’s posing and staring?  They’re beating the Astros at the Astros’ game and thoroughly enjoying doing it.  So, as the adage goes, don’t get mad,  get even. 

Win Friday and then it’s back around to Cole/Scherzer and Verlander/Strasbourg on Saturday and Sunday.  Take 2 out of 3 up there (we did in NY), bring it home, play hard and see what happens.

Soto’s got swag; he backs it up with his play

[Ty in Tampa]

I can totally see this Astros team taking 2 of 3 in DC. Here's hoping we do.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!?

[BudGirl]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!?

yes

[Aussie Astro]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!?

Toga! Toga!

[Waldo]

Ok, so Soto has some irritating gloss to his game, but is that any different to Bregman’s posing and staring?

It's not.  Guys like Bregman and Soto are good for the game IMO.

Truthfully, I'm more annoyed that the Astros have started doing that light show for home runs that the Rangers and Yankees do.  Cool when your team has/gets the lead, I guess, but fucking ridiculous when you're down by 10 in the 9th.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Don't like Soto?

Get him out.

The only thing I don't like about the Nationals is that they are paying great.

[BudGirl]

Don't like Soto?

Get him out.

The only thing I don't like about the Nationals is that they are paying great.

Ditto.  The only think I don't like about the Astros is that they are not playing great.

[Bench]

Truthfully, I'm more annoyed that the Astros have started doing that light show for home runs that the Rangers and Yankees do.  Cool when your team has/gets the lead, I guess, but fucking ridiculous when you're down by 10 in the 9th.

Yeah. It's not a very cool effect during the best of times but I half expected them not to flip that switch when Machete went deep.

[BizidyDizidy]

Das - any view on whether Sunday's game is at risk from rain? Was thinking about heading down for it.

[das]

Das - any view on whether Sunday's game is at risk from rain? Was thinking about heading down for it.

It's going to rain for sure but the main question is when it shuts off.  Right now, the trailing cold front looks to push thru between 4pm and 8pm Sunday so, after a daylong rain, it should be shutting off right around game time.  The evening model runs today should be able to narrow that shutoff time down to a two hour window. 

So, if driving down from N?YC, plan on a rainy drive.  You know what I95 through the corridor is like during the rain so plan accordingly.  That said, they should get the game in.  There may be a delay or two since sometimes there is a trailing shower or two behind the front in this setup but they should not be show stoppers.  Bring an umbrella and a towel to wipe down the seats of course...

[BizidyDizidy]

Thanks Das - I guess first order of business is whether we make it to Sunday in the first place.

[Mr. Happy]

Thanks Das - I guess first order of business is whether we make it to Sunday in the first place.

Well played, sir. The BBGs are always watching.

[VirtualBob]

Well played, sir. The BBGs are always watching.

As are their local agents in place, apparently.

[Bench]

Marisnick in center, Springer in right tonight.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Marisnick in center, Springer in right tonight.

3 lefties and Diaz/Machete on the bench for AJ.

[HudsonHawk]

Marisnick in center, Springer in right tonight.

No surprise, Corbin has been especially tough on lefties this year.  I'm sure we'll see Diaz pinch hitting tonight, probably early. 

[Texifornia]

I hope Jake brought his khakis.

[Bench]

I hope Jake brought his khakis.

Chandler Rome notes that Jake is a career 4-for-5 against Corbin.

[Bench]

No surprise, Corbin has been especially tough on lefties this year.  I'm sure we'll see Diaz pinch hitting tonight, probably early.

If Corbin is still in Grienke should pinch hit.

[geezerdonk]

I didn't think Marisnick could go 4-5 against me.

[Texifornia]

The series thus far: Tied at two games each
Washington: 19 runs on 36 hits with 4 errors
Houston: 19 runs on 43 hits with 2 errors

The Nats have been a little more efficient with their run production as the Astros have left so many RISP, even in game four.

I like the Astros chances in a three game series, but the remaining games will probably be gut wrenchers with the starting pitching we will see. If the Astros can get into the Nat's bully early, I might be able to reduce my antacid consumption. BBGs willing.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

So it's a best of 3 series.  We've got Cole and JV at the front end,  they've got Scherzer and Strasberg.

I'm guessing that these games will play out in a way that I wouldn't be able to guess.

What a ride.

[subnuclear]

Reading Astros County this morning, I liked this quote from Adam Eaton on Urquidy:

When you go in with a game plan of kind of working off his scouting report and he goes the complete opposite with it, by the time you kind of make the adjustment, it's too late. He threw me three sliders in my first at-bat, and he throws it 10% of the time, so I went back scratching my head. He didn't throw me any changeups and he's supposed to throw me 40% changeup. Then I go up my next at-bat and saw a curveball, which he throws 3% of the time, then a fastball and finally threw me a changeup to get me out. When you have guys you haven't seen before, you have to go off the knowledge you have.

[subnuclear]

Also linked by AC, Richard Justice reports there really wasn't a player's meeting after Game 2:

To be clear, they did not have a players-only team meeting after Game 2 -- unless you count a 30-second session in which Verlander and José Altuve walked through the clubhouse and said, “Keep your heads up.”

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Don't cross him,  don't boss him:

https://theathletic.com/1325445/2019/10/27/carig-alex-bregman-came-to-bat-with-a-chip-on-his-shoulder-helped-the-astros-tie-the-series/

[geezerdonk]

It looks like Bergman needed to practice his pose.

[Texifornia]

Just heard Hinch say that Alvarez will start in left field and Brantley in right. He wants all the offense he can get against Scherzer.

[JimR]

Just heard Hinch say that Alvarez will start in left field and Brantley in right. He wants all the offense he can get against Scherzer.

I would go with defense, but I am not questioning Hinch’s hunches.

[Limey]

Just heard Hinch say that Alvarez will start in left field and Brantley in right. He wants all the offense he can get against Scherzer.

And Alvarez is the solution to that?

[Waldo]

And Alvarez is the solution to that?

Alvarez was 3x8 in games 1-2.

[Texifornia]

Holy shit! Max Scherzer cannot pitch today! Ross to start.

Neck spasms.

[JimR]

Alvarez was 3x8 in games 1-2.

Right. He has looked much better.

[JimR]

Holy shit! Max Scherzer cannot pitch today! Ross to start.

Neck spasms.

I hope our guys do not relax no matter who is pitching. It will be Ross, Hudson, Doolittle, and all hands. Treat Ross like Scherzer, and get after him.

[Limey]

Holy shit! Max Scherzer cannot pitch today! Ross to start.

Neck spasms.

Wow!

[Texifornia]

I hope our guys do not relax no matter who is pitching. It will be Ross, Hudson, Doolittle, and all hands. Treat Ross like Schertzer, and get after him.

Absolutely. It makes winning this game even more important. There's a good chance Scherzer could start a Game 7.

[das]

Holy shit! Max Scherzer cannot pitch today! Ross to start.

Neck spasms.

This makes me nervous. This lineup does much better when they’ve seen somebody a bit and had time to study them.

[Limey]

Hinch has confirmed Alvarez playing the outfield tonight.  Do they still need to do this now that Scherzer’s out?

[jaklewein]

This makes me nervous. This lineup does much better when they’ve seen somebody a bit and had time to study them.

Far as I know they saw him Friday when he shut them down for 2 innings.

[Navin R Johnson]

Put me in the nervous camp as well

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Put me in the nervous camp as well

I'm nervous because it's the World Series, but mostly I credit that to a penchant for assuming that what appears to be good fortune will inevitably work out for the other team. No one would choose to face Max Scherzer over Joe Ross.

[Bench]

Scherzer being hurt is a bummer. It's fun to see the teams go toe to toe with their best guys, but introducing an element of chaos in this already wildly unpredictable series is certainly par for the course.

[JimR]

This makes me nervous. This lineup does much better when they’ve seen somebody a bit and had time to study them.

Ross has pitched, but I agree it screws up the video work done today.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Nervous?  Of course I'm nervous.

It's the World Series.

But our guys are adaptable professionals.   They'll be ready.

[homer]

Ross has pitched, but I agree it screws up the video work done today.

If I were the Nats, I wouldn't have said anything until it was time to warm up.

[SoonerJim]

If I were the Nats, I wouldn't have said anything until it was time to warm up.

Las Vegas would need this info

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

About 5 months ago I made a commitment to see Wilco in Austin tonight. Shit, I can’t back out. I’d really rather stay in and watch the game.

[JimR]

If I were the Nats, I wouldn't have said anything until it was time to warm up.

There very likely are rules against that.

[geezerdonk]

Holy shit! Max Scherzer cannot pitch today! Ross to start.

Neck spasms.

This is a BBG trap if I ever saw one.

[JimR]

Far as I know they saw him Friday when he shut them down for 2 innings.

Exactly. Should they have been happy when Urquidy started last night? They need to hit this guy and get ahead.

[Lefty]

About 5 months ago I made a commitment to see Wilco in Austin tonight. Shit, I can’t back out. I’d really rather stay in and watch the game.

Same thing happened to a buddy of mine in Houston last night.  He said the show was great, so I hope the results all around are the same tonight.

[Limey]

There very likely are rules against that.

I guess if they wanted to try and game it, they could’ve scratched him after the warm up, claiming that they wanted to wait to see if he could go.  Probably screws with Ross’ prep though. 

[Aussie Astro]

What is the weather situation, did the rain arrive?

[Waldo]

What is the weather situation, did the rain arrive?

Came and went more or less as expected.

[BizidyDizidy]

Could not be a more beautiful night for Baseball - my 7 y.o. and I are here, hoping it's as entertaining (or at least satisfying) as the last Astros' WS G5.

[HudsonHawk]

There very likely are rules against that.

This year there are new rules about submitting lineups and having to send them to the league prior to announcing to the public,  This was done in direct response the Supreme Court effectively legalizing sports gambling everywhere.

[JimR]

I would go with defense, but I am not questioning Hinch’s hunches.

and that is why. Homer!

[dickntx]

When the Fox boys threw up the stat about Yordan's homer drought a wry slow smile spread across my face.  Needless to say I was not disappointed.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

No chickens to count, but that was an impressive 3 game stretch from the Astros.

They managed to get something out of every spot in the order at one time or another.  Defensively they were mostly sharp with a few outstanding plays (Yuli!).   The pitching was really good without needing wicked stuff to do it.   They battled,  sometimes faltered, but didn't cave.

Now we've got 2 games to get 1.  JV, just be JV.
Bats,  be patient and move the line.   And pounce on mistakes.

[JimR]

No chickens to count, but that was an impressive 3 game stretch from the Astros.

They managed to get something out of every spot in the order at one time or another.  Defensively they were mostly sharp with a few outstanding plays (Yuli!).   The pitching was really good without needing wicked stuff to do it.   They battled,  sometimes faltered, but didn't cave.

Now we've got 2 games to get 1.  JV, just be JV.
Bats,  be patient and move the line.   And pounce on mistakes.

Well said. I hope JV has a dominating game left. I hope the bats show up and support him with early runs. I hope the team keeps playing with the intense passion we saw in DC. This will not be easy.

[Texifornia]

JV's game Tuesday is very important. If there's a game 7, Scherzer will likely pitch. I'd like to see some early run support (for a change) for JV and let him roll with confidence.

[Waldo]

Guessing the MMP roof will be closed again.  High near 80 tomorrow, and if they play Wednesday night there's a pretty good chance of thunderstorms.

[juliogotay]

Well said. I hope JV has a dominating game left. I hope the bats show up and support him with early runs. I hope the team keeps playing with the intense passion we saw in DC. This will not be easy.

why would the team play with more passion in DC than in Houston? I don't question your statement but it is puzzling to me what we have just seen. Flies in the face of history.  Maybe the Nats did the same? Just very odd for all of the five games to have gone to the visitor.

[Bench]

Just very odd for all of the five games to have gone to the visitor.

It's only the third time that's ever happened. 1906 (White Sox came back against the Cubs - though they alternated home/visitor each game) and 1996 (Yankees came back against the Braves). The home team won game 6 on both occasions to win the World Series.

[doyce7]

It's only the third time that's ever happened. 1906 (White Sox came back against the Cubs - though they alternated home/visitor each game) and 1996 (Yankees came back against the Braves). The home team won game 6 on both occasions to win the World Series.

Here's to hoping history repeats for a third time

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[Snuffy]

Potential HOF players in this WS....

Includes some projections.

[JimR]

why would the team play with more passion in DC than in Houston? I don't question your statement but it is puzzling to me what we have just seen. Flies in the face of history.  Maybe the Nats did the same? Just very odd for all of the five games to have gone to the visitor.

How much baseball have you watched? The Astros stepped it up a notch because elimination was lurking. The Nats expected to win the Series in DC. There have been reams written with lots os Astros’ quotes about the team’s mindset and attitude in DC.

You find it “odd” enough to say the same thing in two threads. I think the answer is “it’s baseball.”

[jbm]

Yeah, elimination put a fire under them, all postseason, and it’s been impressive and the sign of a good team. Taking care of business tomorrow would be a sign of a maturing, great team.

[Limey]

why would the team play with more passion in DC than in Houston? I don't question your statement but it is puzzling to me what we have just seen. Flies in the face of history.  Maybe the Nats did the same? Just very odd for all of the five games to have gone to the visitor.

Don’t overlook the very different circumstances in which the two teams entered the series.  The Astros were coming down off the high of the ALCS and fatigue (mental as well as physical) was likely a factor.  The Nats, on the other hand, came in completely rested and with an abundance of confidence following their demolition of the Jakes. 

Hopefully, they’re a little deflated having been swept at home.  They can’t be happy about coming back to Houston.  How they react will be very interesting. 

[subnuclear]

The Nats have a lot of RISPs and Scherzer being out was just the worst luck for them. I expect the remaining games to be very tough.

[Jacksonian]

The Astros were coming down off the high of the ALCS and fatigue (mental as well as physical) was likely a factor. 

I wondered before the WS started if the team was tired.  Not only the ALCS slugfest but also the very draining ALDS too.  The Astros have generally faced most of the best pitching in baseball with the Rays staff, the Yankees bullpen, and the Nats aces.  I wonder if it took the team a couple of games into the WS to recover and get their energy back?

[juliogotay]

Don’t overlook the very different circumstances in which the two teams entered the series.  The Astros were coming down off the high of the ALCS and fatigue (mental as well as physical) was likely a factor.  The Nats, on the other hand, came in completely rested and with an abundance of confidence following their demolition of the Jakes. 

Hopefully, they’re a little deflated having been swept at home.  They can’t be happy about coming back to Houston.  How they react will be very interesting.

Don’t overlook the very different circumstances in which the two teams entered the series.
This makes some sense. I was exhausted after the Yankee series from just watching.

[JimR]

I also do not want to hear a fucking whine about starting Ross. Injuries are part of it, as we well know, and they had their chance at Urquidy in Game 4.

[Texifornia]

I also do not want to hear a fucking whine about starting Ross. Injuries are part of it, as we well know, and they had their chance at Urquidy in Game 4.

Had Houston won game 5 by a score of 7-6 they would have a point. But unless Scherzer was guaranteed to throw a CGSO, the Astros almost certainly get two runs and still win. As it stands, Scherzer could pitch a game 7 against Grienke.

I don't think anybody beats Cole or the Astros last night.

[Limey]

I saw this reported exchange between Springer and a reporter.  I hope it’s real:

REP:   So what did you do on the off day to create such a change in fortunes?

GS:  We okayed beach volleyball.

REP:   Really?

GS:  No

[JimR]

Had Houston won game 5 by a score of 7-6 they would have a point. But unless Scherzer was guaranteed to throw a CGSO, the Astros almost certainly get two runs and still win. As it stands, Scherzer could pitch a game 7 against Grienke.

I don't think anybody beats Cole or the Astros last night.

I read Scherzer’s interview about his problem. It is hard for me to imagine he’ll pitch again in this series.

[SoonerJim]

Well said. I hope JV has a dominating game left. I hope the bats show up and support him with early runs. I hope the team keeps playing with the intense passion we saw in DC. This will not be easy.

JV is 0-5 and 5+ era in postseason; would be good to have a reversal of form

[JimR]

JV is 0-5 and 5+ era in postseason; would be good to have a reversal of form

Yep, I read his WS record this morning. Not encouraging, but I know he knows them also.

[TerryPuhl21]

I read Scherzer’s interview about his problem. It is hard for me to imagine he’ll pitch again in this series.

I agree Jim. Now, I would not be shocked to see him on the mound again, but I would be surprised. He has better doctors than I I’m sure, but from someone who suffers from the same issue, and based on what he is saying and the treatments he says he has received, I think it is unlikely he can go and be effective. We’ll see.


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[toddthebod]

I cant imagine that JV doesn't want to shove that record up someone's ass. 

[JimR]

I cant imagine that JV doesn't want to shove that record up someone's ass.

Hope so. We need him to dominate.

[homer]

Verlander pitched well enough to win both starts in 2017.

[JimR]

Verlander pitched well enough to win both starts in 2017.

He did. With better run support, he might have. Run support is what concerns me about tomorrow.

[MusicMan]

He did. With better run support, he might have. Run support is what concerns me about tomorrow.

I fear the Strasbourg that might show up tonight.


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[JimR]

I fear the Strasbourg that might show up tonight.


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Postseason. Gotta beat elite pitching. So do they.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I fear the Strasbourg that might show up tonight.


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Good chance he's gonna be nails, but it's the second time they're seeing him in a week and his pitch count is likely to get high fast.

[Aussie Astro]

The biggest problem concerning the next game is that I can't watch it.  Not sure if I should grab scores when I can or try to avoid the scores and watch the game when I get home... so anyway, enjoy the game you lucky bastards.

[dickntx]

We haven't had an epic game yet...we're due.  Hopefully it turns out like game 5 of 2017. 

[Waldo]

The biggest problem concerning the next game is that I can't watch it.  Not sure if I should grab scores when I can or try to avoid the scores and watch the game when I get home... so anyway, enjoy the game you lucky bastards.

If I recall, you weren't able to watch game 7 in 2017.

Consequently, just like game 7 in 2017, I will miss the first hour or so.

I consider these good omens.

[jaklewein]

He did. With better run support, he might have. Run support is what concerns me about tomorrow.

Me as well.  It will be interesting to see possible adjustments by our hitters, and vice versa for Strasburg.  It became apparent in game two that Strasburg was going to go to his slider for strikes in hitter's counts.  Do our hitters adjust and look for that in the same situations in game 6?  Does Strasburg adjust and throw fastballs in those counts as a counter?  Should be fun to watch.

[Navin R Johnson]

Saw this on Twitter, fwiw.....

Worth noting about Strasburg: he completely obliterated teams with losing records this year (2.22 ERA), including 0.96 with 49 K in 37.1 IP vs. Miami.
Against .500+: 4.01 ERA, 18 HR in 128 IP.

Verlander was the opposite: 2.92 ERA vs. losing teams, 2.06 ERA vs. .500+, 9/1 K/BB.

[Limey]

He did. With better run support, he might have. Run support is what concerns me about tomorrow.

He also wasn’t horrible in Game #2.  He got jumped on in the 1st but then shut them down the rest of the way.  The offense had the time to come back, they just never did. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Someone (Matt) recommend a good cigar for me to have if the Astros are fortunate enough to win one of the next two.

[subnuclear]

Nationals are saying Max Scherzer could pitch in a potential Game 7 as long as his neck will let him.

[Bench]

Nationals are saying Max Scherzer could pitch in a potential Game 7 as long as his neck will let him.

Specifically Martinez said “he’ll pitch until his neck doesn’t allow him to anymore.” I think it's safe to say he would be starting.

Suzuki would be back as well for a game 7, which means there's no backup catcher tonight for the nats.

[NeilT]

Someone (Matt) recommend a good cigar for me to have if the Astros are fortunate enough to win one of the next two.

This has nothing to do with the World Series, but I have a Padron set aside if anything worth celebrating comes up. I don't remember which one.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

This has nothing to do with the World Series, but I have a Padron set aside if anything worth celebrating comes up. I don't remember which one.

I ended up getting a Macanudo and a Punch. In case anything worth celebrating comes up or something.

[HudsonHawk]

I ended up getting a Macanudo and a Punch. In case anything worth celebrating comes up or something.

Both are solid, though Macanudo is known for being pretty mild.  I have a Partagas, hecho en Habana, just in case I ever find the occasion to celebrate anything where fellows from Cuba may be involved. 

[Aussie Astro]

If I recall, you weren't able to watch game 7 in 2017.

Consequently, just like game 7 in 2017, I will miss the first hour or so.

I consider these good omens.

I would be happy not to see a game 7 this year.

But, as the old song goes - I owe, I owe, so off to work I go...

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I would be happy not to see a game 7 this year.

But, as the old song goes - I owe, I owe, so off to work I go...

Godspeed,  Aussie Astro.

We'll see you on the other side.

[Navin R Johnson]

Mother trucker.