observations

[JimR]

Correa made the most basic Little League mistake possible: he did not look the ball into his glove before he looked to the play he was about to make. I feel terrible for him because he was such a hero on offense.

after his great year, I feel bad for Harris. he has been asked to pitch too much, and he is getting skewered by fans. he threw good pitches, and they hit them. I thought the chopper over the mound would be fielded , but it sneaked through. the next one was a bloop to CF. shit happens sometimes. the other side is good too and wants to win as bad as we do.

Neshek's swoon cost us the game yesterday. before September, we go into the 9th up 6-2.

speaking of Neshek, why have him on the roster if you are not going to use him when you need him? Qualls would have been more useful if Neshek is not going to be used. Harris and Sipp are having to pitch every game.

Where has Fiers been? What are we saving him for? why not use him in the 7th or 8th to start an inning?

the Royals' approach and ABs in the 8th were other worldly. I am tipping my cap to them.

I think Luhnow's plan for the offseason will have high on his list a Chapman-like closer to move Gregerson to the 8th inning. the Royals were selling out on his slider, and he does not have the FB to put them away.

McCullers has to go deeper into games. running out of pitches in the 6th to make the 7th only a maybe overtaxes the pen.

the Valbuena AB in the 7th with two in scoring position was huge. so was Marwin's inability to swing well as LH.

playoffs are incredibly intense, and a team has to make the plays to win. we blew a chance to get out of the inning with a lead. end of story.

what a great series this has been. I hope McHugh has a heroic effort left in him.

[jbm]

I also admire the Royals approach.  It works wonders under pressure.

Not sure about the non-use of Fiers.  A weapon unused.  I assume/hope is slated to go multiple innings if McHugh can't go deep into Wednesday night's affair.

This team has surprised all year.  No reason to stop in game five.

[HudsonHawk]

This team has surprised all year.  No reason to stop in game five.

I'm planning on being at the place this weekend to drink whiskey and watch my Astros.  You're all welcome to join me.

[Arky Vaughan]

Correa made the most basic Little League mistake possible: he did not look the ball into his glove before he looked to the play he was about to make. I feel terrible for him because he was such a hero on offense.

after his great year, I feel bad for Harris. he has been asked to pitch too much, and he is getting skewered by fans. he threw good pitches, and they hit them. I thought the chopper over the mound would be fielded , but it sneaked through. the next one was a bloop to CF. shit happens sometimes. the other side is good too and wants to win as bad as we do.

Neshek's swoon cost us the game yesterday. before September, we go into the 9th up 6-2.

speaking of Neshek, why have him on the roster if you are not going to use him when you need him? Qualls would have been more useful if Neshek is not going to be used. Harris and Sipp are having to pitch every game.

Where has Fiers been? What are we saving him for? why not use him in the 7th or 8th to start an inning?

the Royals' approach and ABs in the 8th were other worldly. I am tipping my cap to them.

I think Luhnow's plan for the offseason will have high on his list a Chapman-like closer to move Gregerson to the 8th inning. the Royals were selling out on his slider, and he does not have the FB to put them away.

McCullers has to go deeper into games. running out of pitches in the 6th to make the 7th only a maybe overtaxes the pen.

the Valbuena AB in the 7th with two in scoring position was huge. so was Marwin's inability to swing well as LH.

playoffs are incredibly intense, and a team has to make the plays to win. we blew a chance to get out of the inning with a lead. end of story.

what a great series this has been. I hope McHugh has a heroic effort left in him.

This is a very good analysis, Jim. I thought the same about Neshek, Qualls and Fiers. And many people do seem to forget that the Royals are the defending American League champions and had the best record in the league. They were not going to go down quietly. The bullpen has been a weakness since August, and the Royals exploited that weakness, as good teams do.

[Jacksonian]

And many people do seem to forget that the Royals are the defending American League champions and had the best record in the league. They were not going to go down quietly.

This.  This team has been nothing short of a miracle all season.  Not one soul predicted this team could go this far.  They eliminated the Yankees in New York, and they have taken the the best team in the league to game 5 of the ALDS.

[JimR]

This.  This team has been nothing short of a miracle all season.  Not one soul predicted this team could go this far.  They eliminated the Yankees in New York, and they have taken the the best team in the league to game 5 of the ALDS.

won two, and let two other wins get away. the Royals have had their share of luck too.

[David in Jackson]

I think Jim is right on with these observations. 

I couldn't help thinking about Game 5 of the 1980 NLCS when the Astros blew a 5-2 lead by giving up 5 runs in the top of the 8th: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198010120.shtml

The Royals don't strike out.  In the agonizing 8th I can't count how many pitches they fouled off.

I still think we can win Game 5.  Momentum means nothing.

[MusicMan]

speaking of Neshek, why have him on the roster if you are not going to use him when you need him? Qualls would have been more useful if Neshek is not going to be used. Harris and Sipp are having to pitch every game.

This is my biggest question.  It is the first instance I can remember of Luhnow and Hinch not being on the same page.

[homer]

won two, and let two other wins get away. the Royals have had their share of luck too.

Luck is what we'd be calling Correa's error if the tables were turned.

I think the "two that got away" show that the Royals are living on borrowed time in the playoffs and the Astros have the ability to slam the door. Or, as someone else put it, they are totally beatable.

[homer]

I still think we can win Game 5.  Momentum means nothing.

They strung together a handful of singles and walks and were gifted two runs with an error on a sure double play- AFTER the 'stros hung 3 on their untouchable pen. If they would have knocked the ball all over the yard in the 8th, then I think "momentum" would be a factor.

[Arky Vaughan]

Luck is what we'd be calling Correa's error if the tables were turned.

I think the "two that got away" show that the Royals are living on borrowed time in the playoffs and the Astros have the ability to slam the door. Or, as someone else put it, they are totally beatable.

I'd put it slightly differently. The three post-season games the Astros have won and "the two that got away" to the Royals show that, "yeah, this young Astros team that surprised everyone, two years removed from 111 losses, and two years ahead of SI's heralded prediction, can stand up against any team in baseball."

I don't expect them to fall flat in game 5. I expect that if they get beat, it's because they're playing a deciding game on the road against a team that won last year's pennant and had the best record in baseball. But they very well could win.

[Reuben]

There's two ways to respond to a demoralizing defeat snatched from the jaws of victory:

1. The '86 WS Red Sox way
2. The 2005 NLCS Astros way

Hinch and whoever the leaders are in that clubhouse have 48 hours from the end of yesterday's game to try to get this team over it and pumped for Game 5. We shall see how well they did.

[Limey]

It looked to me that there were plenty of "errors" to go around, not just the scorebook one by Correa.  But I'm not here to dwell on the negative (no, really).

Regardless of what happens tonight, this series has been fantastic experience for the players and coaches alike, and it will benefit them greatly in their next playoff series; be that next week or next year.

[Reuben]

It looked to me that there were plenty of "errors" to go around, not just the scorebook one by Correa.  But I'm not here to dwell on the negative (no, really).

Regardless of what happens tonight, this series has been fantastic experience for the players and coaches alike, and it will benefit them greatly in their next playoff series; be that next week or next year.

Pssst. Game 5 is tomorrow night.

[Limey]

Pssst. Game 5 is tomorrow night.

Great!  It clashed with Agents of SHIELD.

[OregonStrosFan]

Where has Fiers been? What are we saving him for? why not use him in the 7th or 8th to start an inning?

With McCullers pitch count climbing yesterday, bullpen struggles over the past month, and the 4-out outing by Gregorson the previous evening, I'd somewhat presumed that they would use him almost as a 'tandem' starter (somewhat along the lines of what HOU does in the minors) to start the 6th.  Curious to see when they'll turn to him going forward...

[David in Jackson]

With McCullers pitch count climbing yesterday, bullpen struggles over the past month, and the 4-out outing by Gregorson the previous evening, I'd somewhat presumed that they would use him almost as a 'tandem' starter (somewhat along the lines of what HOU does in the minors) to start the 6th.  Curious to see when they'll turn to him going forward...

Maybe this scenario in Game 5 if we are leading.  If McHugh leaves the game in the 7-8-9th inning, who would you like to see come in to pitch?  I can't name anyone.

[jbm]

Has there been talk about Keuchel being used for a short stint out of the pen?  I assume it is something they would consider.

[JimR]

Has there been talk about Keuchel being used for a short stint out of the pen?  I assume it is something they would consider.

I was thinking about that too. I wonder if he could give them two innings on two days rest.

[homer]

I was thinking about that too. I wonder if he could give them two innings on two days rest.

What day would be his scheduled bullpen session?

[HudsonHawk]

What day would be his scheduled bullpen session?

Today.

[juliogotay]

Today.

I'm pretty sure I heard that he hasn't been taking BP sessions for a while now. Apparently that isn't uncommon late in the year.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm pretty sure I heard that he hasn't been taking BP sessions for a while now. Apparently that isn't uncommon late in the year.

Could be.  Typically Off Day Two is the one day you throw from a mound and work on specific pitching things.  Things may be different in October. 

[BlownRanger]

I was thinking about that too. I wonder if he could give them two innings on two days rest.

Whenever McHugh leaves the game, I fully expect Keuchel to at least be used to get through Hosmer/Morales/Moustakis one time.

[Navin R Johnson]

They discussed this on the Matt Thomas show today, like Hudson said, tomorrow is his day to throw.  Now would they use him? 

As for Fiers.  I understand that he is used to starting, if he has an issue of getting ready, have him start throwing at the same point he would if he was starting, to time it for him to be ready starting in the 6th.   If he isn't needed, yet, keep tossing and staying loose.  Is that reasonable?

[JimR]

They discussed this on the Matt Thomas show today, like Hudson said, tomorrow is his day to throw.  Now would they use him? 

As for Fiers.  I understand that he is used to starting, if he has an issue of getting ready, have him start throwing at the same point he would if he was starting, to time it for him to be ready starting in the 6th.   If he isn't needed, yet, keep tossing and staying loose.  Is that reasonable?

I would use him only to start an inning. Starters typically taking longer to get loose so that could be an issue.

[Reuben]

I'm pretty sure I heard that he hasn't been taking BP sessions for a while now. Apparently that isn't uncommon late in the year.

I heard this too. He said he hadn't been throwing bullpens since the AS break. That said, if he could throw 6 excellent innings vs. the Yanks on 3 days' rest, I imagine he'd be willing and able to go an inning or two on 2 days'. He's a warrior.

[juliogotay]

I heard this too. He said he hadn't been throwing bullpens since the AS break. That said, if he could throw 6 excellent innings vs. the Yanks on 3 days' rest, I imagine he'd be willing and able to go an inning or two on 2 days'. He's a warrior.

I don't question his heart. Just if he would be effective out of his routine. Of course Keuchel at 80% is a better option than most.

RE Fiers out of the pen: he seems to be a little shaky early in his starts and hasn't been in a game for a while now. Not sure he would be good out of the pen although I wouldn't hesitate to use him in long relief where you need 3 innings or more.

[rpntex]

Correa made the most basic Little League mistake possible: he did not look the ball into his glove before he looked to the play he was about to make. I feel terrible for him because he was such a hero on offense.

after his great year, I feel bad for Harris. he has been asked to pitch too much, and he is getting skewered by fans. he threw good pitches, and they hit them. I thought the chopper over the mound would be fielded , but it sneaked through. the next one was a bloop to CF. shit happens sometimes. the other side is good too and wants to win as bad as we do.

Neshek's swoon cost us the game yesterday. before September, we go into the 9th up 6-2.

speaking of Neshek, why have him on the roster if you are not going to use him when you need him? Qualls would have been more useful if Neshek is not going to be used. Harris and Sipp are having to pitch every game.

Where has Fiers been? What are we saving him for? why not use him in the 7th or 8th to start an inning?

the Royals' approach and ABs in the 8th were other worldly. I am tipping my cap to them.

I think Luhnow's plan for the offseason will have high on his list a Chapman-like closer to move Gregerson to the 8th inning. the Royals were selling out on his slider, and he does not have the FB to put them away.

McCullers has to go deeper into games. running out of pitches in the 6th to make the 7th only a maybe overtaxes the pen.

the Valbuena AB in the 7th with two in scoring position was huge. so was Marwin's inability to swing well as LH.

playoffs are incredibly intense, and a team has to make the plays to win. we blew a chance to get out of the inning with a lead. end of story.

what a great series this has been. I hope McHugh has a heroic effort left in him.

 Excellent post!

 I agree with just about everyone of your points. I do recall Fiers up in the bullpen on one occasion during the series, but only one.

 As for Monday's loss,  it was a microcosm of the Astros' history.   As I recall, the Kansas City rally  started with five consecutive hits – only two of which were what I would call "solid" contact.  The balls just found the open spaces.  And while the gaffe by Correa was somewhat of a bad hop, it still was, in essence, an easy play if he just looks the ball into his glove.

I'm excited for McHugh tomorrow. From what I've been hearing on the talk radio, he is energized and wants the ball.

[rpntex]

Has there been talk about Keuchel being used for a short stint out of the pen?  I assume it is something they would consider.

Hinch made the comment during Monday's post game that EVERYONE -  and he emphasized that word – would be available. I'll take that to mean yes, Keuchel as well.

[homer]

"We're pretty loose," rookie shortstop Carlos Correa said. "Everybody was joking around and all kinds of stuff. The media made it sound like the series is over, but the series is not over. We've been the best team out there; we've played the best baseball out of both teams. They had that inning [Sunday] and one inning when we were here and that's how they beat us because of a couple of innings, but we've been playing the best baseball."

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/154330282/after-dropping-game-4-astros-eye-redemption

[Waldo]

I think Luhnow's plan for the offseason will have high on his list a Chapman-like closer to move Gregerson to the 8th inning. the Royals were selling out on his slider, and he does not have the FB to put them away.

This plus a full season of the current rotation (minus Kazmir) will help raise the water level for the entire staff, IMO.  Unless someone gets hurt, I don't see the 4th/5th slots in the rotation being the same revolving door that they were early this year.

[Reuben]

This plus a full season of the current rotation (minus Kazmir) will help raise the water level for the entire staff, IMO.  Unless someone gets hurt, I don't see the 4th/5th slots in the rotation being the same revolving door that they were early this year.

You don't think they'll try hard to re-sign Kazmir?

Keuchel
McHugh
McCullers
Fiers
Feldman

and in AAA waiting their turn:
Velasquez
Feliz
Appel
Devenski

Either way, yes, there should be some quality competition for the #5 spot and whatever fill-in starts are needed.

[Bench]

This plus a full season of the current rotation (minus Kazmir) will help raise the water level for the entire staff, IMO.  Unless someone gets hurt, I don't see the 4th/5th slots in the rotation being the same revolving door that they were early this year.

When was the last time someone didn't get hurt?

[Waldo]

You don't think they'll try hard to re-sign Kazmir?

Keuchel
McHugh
McCullers
Fiers
Feldman

and in AAA waiting their turn:
Velasquez
Feliz
Appel
Devenski

Either way, yes, there should be some quality competition for the #5 spot and whatever fill-in starts are needed.

I don't think they go after Kazmir unless they have plans on dealing one or both of Fiers and Feldman.  The rotation is pretty crowded.

[Waldo]

When was the last time someone didn't get hurt?

What I mean is, unlike this season, injury may be the only reason that you see a Roberto Hernandez, Wojo, Straily, Oberholtzer, or Deduno type pitcher starting games in 2016.

[das]

You don't think they'll try hard to re-sign Kazmir?

Knowing the Astros pipeline (thanks Bus Ride!), I did not see anything in Kazmir that would make me think of him as a "gotta have".  With his early season success leading to decent end-of-year numbers, he's sure to get a decent 1 or 2 year deal, maybe along the lines of his current deal ($22m over 2 years).  I can't think of any good reason why they would pay that kind of $$ for him.

[Tom Servo]

Knowing the Astros pipeline (thanks Bus Ride!), I did not see anything in Kazmir that would make me think of him as a "gotta have".  With his early season success leading to decent end-of-year numbers, he's sure to get a decent 1 or 2 year deal, maybe along the lines of his current deal ($22m over 2 years).  I can't think of any good reason why they would pay that kind of $$ for him.

This is also two years in a row that Kazmir had a great 1st half, and a not so great 2nd half. 

2014: First half: 11-3 2.38  Second Half: 4-6 5.42
2015: First half: 5-5 2.49 Second Half: 2-6 3.86

Two years isn't exactly a trend, but I would like a pitcher (especially one you're paying big bucks to) to be solid down the stretch.

[juliogotay]

This is also two years in a row that Kazmir had a great 1st half, and a not so great 2nd half. 

2014: First half: 11-3 2.38  Second Half: 4-6 5.42
2015: First half: 5-5 2.49 Second Half: 2-6 3.86

Two years isn't exactly a trend, but I would like a pitcher (especially one you're paying big bucks to) to be solid down the stretch.

I can't believe he had a sub-ERA under 4 in the second half.

[austro]

I can't believe he had a sub-ERA under 4 in the second half.

He was getting pulled before he could really light things up.