Astros Rotation down the stretch

[ValpoCory]

Do you want the Red Sox to get to face Keuchel and/or Verlander in the regular season finale series, prepping them for the ALDS?  A.J. Hinch's lack of a sense of urgency has been addressed on this board and elsewhere.   He doesn't take advantage of off days the same way as other teams do.

There are 16 games left.  We all know Morton/Keuchel/Verlander are going this weekend.

Then there is a day off Monday followed by 13 straight game days.    On 4-days rest (what other managers call normal rest), Keuchel could pitch Thursday and Verlander Friday, and be ready to go on Tuesday and Wednesday in Arlington.  This will not only give you a potential 7th start from your two aces if needed on the season's final day, but it will also allow you to have a good chance to keep your Aces up your sleeve, not pitching either Keuchel and Verlander in Boston.

What will Hinch do? 

1) Take advantage of the off day to get Keuchel and Verlander to pitch in Arlington
2) Go with a 5 man rotation and pitching with an extra days rest
3) Go with a 6-man rotation as ESPN currently lists it, with Keuchel and Verlander not pitching again for a week.

[Andyzipp]

Hinch might start giving Liriano, Sipp, and Guduan spot starts just to fuck with us.

[ValpoCory]

ESPN has moved up Keuchel to Thursday against the White Sox and then Tuesday in Arlington, ready to go Sunday in Boston if necessary, and then be ready on 4-days rest in Game 2 of the ALDS.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/hou/houston-astros

[rpntex]

I want to see a Verlander-Keuchel-McCullars-??? in the ALDS (in that order). Though not as dramatic a contrast, it would be somewhat reminiscent of JR Richard-Joe Niekro-Nolan Ryan rotation of the early 80's. Pure heat-offspeed-pure heat. Tough adjustment for hitters from one game to the next.

[Uncle Charlie]

I want to see a Verlander-Keuchel-McCullars-??? in the ALDS (in that order). Though not as dramatic a contrast, it would be somewhat reminiscent of JR Richard-Joe Niekro-Nolan Ryan rotation of the early 80's. Pure heat-offspeed-pure heat. Tough adjustment for hitters from one game to the next.

You're not paying attention if McCullers is in your version rotation, much less in the first 3.

[JimR]

You're not paying attention if McCullers is in your version rotation, much less in the first 3.

Absolutely this. Maybe in a board game.

[BlownRanger]

In terms of the post-season, the decision on a Game 3 starter is one of the most crucial Hinch (and I suppose Luhnow) will have to make.  Peacock seems to have separated himself a bit from the competition, and I'm all for running him out there, but if you do, you have to pay attention to his documented pattern:  opponents are shelling him once he gets to the third time through the order.  The necessity for middle relief would be almost guaranteed, but that's probably true for McHugh or Morton, too.

I find the off-day schedule interesting (dare I say "intriguing") in the ALDS.  If a team wanted to go with just three starters, only the Game 1 starter would be pitching on three days' rest in Game 4.  The Game 2 starter would still be on full rest in Game 5.  I'm pretty sure Keuchel has never started on 3 days' rest.  I don't know about Verlander's regular season history, but he has one post-season start on short rest.  In 2011 he went 8 innings, giving up four runs in a Tigers win.  6 hits, 11 Ks, 3 walks.  Here's an interesting link: http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/UqqQE

Does anyone like the idea of Verlander/Keuchel/Peacock/Verlander/Keuchel for the ALDS?

[JimR]

Do not count McHugh or Morton out. I like pairing Peacock with Morton.

[hostros7]

Do not count McHugh or Morton out. I like pairing Peacock with Morton.

This. I think Peacock will be used a lot in the postseason but not as a starter. Hinchnow will value the optionality.


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[ValpoCory]

Does anyone like the idea of Verlander/Keuchel/Peacock/Verlander/Keuchel for the ALDS?

I like it, although human nature says Verlander on short rest will only happen if the Astros are down 2 games to 1. 

[mrpink]

I'm pretty sure Keuchel has never started on 3 days' rest.

I think Keuchel was on 3 days' rest when he beat the Yanks in the WC game.

[doyce7]

I think Keuchel was on 3 days' rest when he beat the Yanks in the WC game.

Yes, he was

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[rpntex]

I want to see a Verlander-Keuchel-McCullars-??? in the ALDS (in that order). Though not as dramatic a contrast, it would be somewhat reminiscent of JR Richard-Joe Niekro-Nolan Ryan rotation of the early 80's. Pure heat-offspeed-pure heat. Tough adjustment for hitters from one game to the next.

Are we talking about what I would do, or what I think the Astros will do?  Something inside tells me that McCullars will be ion the rotation come postseason, and if so, I like the sequence of power-deception -power.  As far as my own personal opinion, I think Morton (or even Peacock) would serve the same purpose.

[ValpoCory]

MLB.com is now listing Keuchel as the probably Thursday starter against the White Sox.       I haven't seen this announced from any of the usual suspects though, although I may have missed it.

[Bench]

MLB.com is now listing Keuchel as the probably Thursday starter against the White Sox.       I haven't seen this announced from any of the usual suspects though, although I may have missed it.

That's normal rest when you count yesterday's off-day.  Morton getting skipped.

[Navin R Johnson]

Which do you like better for #3.

Last 7 starts   (McHughs injury start not included)

Pitcher A:  39.0 IP, 36 hits, 13 BB, 50 Ks, 19 R, 16 ER.  3.69 ERA  Average IP per start 5.57
Pitcher B:  39.1 IP, 35 hits, 11 BB, 46 Ks, 13 R, 11 ER.  2.52 ERA  Average IP per start 5.61
Pitcher C:  39.2 IP, 37 hits, 12 BB, 38 Ks, 14 R, 12 ER.  2.73 ERA  Average IP per start 5.66

Game Logs, IP/ER
Pitcher A:   5.2/3, 6.1/1, 6.0/4, 5.0/3, 5.0/2, 5.0/2, 6.0/1
Pitcher B:   6.1/1, 4.2/4, 5.1/1, 6.0/1, 5.1/1, 5.2/2, 6.0/1
Pitcher C:  6.0/1, 6.0/1, 5.1/7, 5.2/2, 6.0/0, 6.0/1, 4.2/0

# of pitches
Pitcher A: 100, 107, 95, 88, 103, 110, 96
Pitcher B:  93, 89, 94, 96, 100, 84, 97
Pitcher C: 82, 100, 95, 106, 92, 100, 91

[Bench]

Which do you like better for #3.

Last 7 starts   (McHughs injury start not included)

Pitcher A:  39.0 IP, 36 hits, 13 BB, 50 Ks, 19 R, 16 ER.  3.69 ERA  Average IP per start 5.57
Pitcher B:  39.1 IP, 35 hits, 11 BB, 46 Ks, 13 R, 11 ER.  2.52 ERA  Average IP per start 5.61
Pitcher C:  39.2 IP, 37 hits, 12 BB, 38 Ks, 14 R, 12 ER.  2.73 ERA  Average IP per start 5.66

Game Logs, IP/ER
Pitcher A:   5.2/3, 6.1/1, 6.0/4, 5.0/3, 5.0/2, 5.0/2, 6.0/1
Pitcher B:   6.1/1, 4.2/4, 5.1/1, 6.0/1, 5.1/1, 5.2/2, 6.0/1
Pitcher C:  6.0/1, 6.0/1, 5.1/7, 5.2/2, 6.0/0, 6.0/1, 4.2/0

# of pitches
Pitcher A: 100, 107, 95, 88, 103, 110, 96
Pitcher B:  93, 89, 94, 96, 100, 84, 97
Pitcher C: 82, 100, 95, 106, 92, 100, 91

I'll take B for Brad Peacock. 

[ValpoCory]

Justin Verlander announced as the Friday starter, per McTaggart.    This puts both of the Astros aces in line to not have to pitch in Boston if it's not necessary.

[BlownRanger]

Justin Verlander announced as the Friday starter, per McTaggart.    This puts both of the Astros aces in line to not have to pitch in Boston if it's not necessary.

Astros County has a projection that has Verlander starting Game 1 of the ALDS on seven days rest.  I think that's too much rest.

http://www.astroscounty.com/

[Bench]

Astros County has a projection that has Verlander starting Game 1 of the ALDS on seven days rest.  I think that's too much rest.

http://www.astroscounty.com/

I certainly agree that Verlander should be the game 1 starter.

[doyce7]

Astros County has a projection that has Verlander starting Game 1 of the ALDS on seven days rest.  I think that's too much rest.

http://www.astroscounty.com/

That's the way it's looking to me as well. A's long as they stay on regular rest through the end of the season. Would make keuchel the starter for the season finale in Boston and game 2 starter on normal rest.

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[chuck]

Are the Astros conceding the overall standings lead to Cleveland?

[BlownRanger]

Are the Astros conceding the overall standings lead to Cleveland?

Luhnow and Hinch are both on record as stating they are "absolutely not" conceding the overall record. 

These projected rotations are simply conjecture.  The MLB.com schedule only goes as far as Keuchel this Thursday, and that's not official.

[rpntex]

Which do you like better for #3.

Last 7 starts   (McHughs injury start not included)

Pitcher A:  39.0 IP, 36 hits, 13 BB, 50 Ks, 19 R, 16 ER.  3.69 ERA  Average IP per start 5.57
Pitcher B:  39.1 IP, 35 hits, 11 BB, 46 Ks, 13 R, 11 ER.  2.52 ERA  Average IP per start 5.61
Pitcher C:  39.2 IP, 37 hits, 12 BB, 38 Ks, 14 R, 12 ER.  2.73 ERA  Average IP per start 5.66

Game Logs, IP/ER
Pitcher A:   5.2/3, 6.1/1, 6.0/4, 5.0/3, 5.0/2, 5.0/2, 6.0/1
Pitcher B:   6.1/1, 4.2/4, 5.1/1, 6.0/1, 5.1/1, 5.2/2, 6.0/1
Pitcher C:  6.0/1, 6.0/1, 5.1/7, 5.2/2, 6.0/0, 6.0/1, 4.2/0

# of pitches
Pitcher A: 100, 107, 95, 88, 103, 110, 96
Pitcher B:  93, 89, 94, 96, 100, 84, 97
Pitcher C: 82, 100, 95, 106, 92, 100, 91

I'd bet money that B is Peacock, for no other reason than pitch count.  When he "hits the wall" on his starts, it seems sudden (at least to me).  McHugh and Morton seem to flirt with the wall a bit, and give a little advance notice they they're near the end of their evening.

It's close, and on the surface it looks like B would be a very slight favorite, but my personal preference would be Morton, and I have a suspicion he ain't B.

[JimR]

Are the Astros conceding the overall standings lead to Cleveland?

What a disingenuous question. Trolling every day.

[ValpoCory]

What a disingenuous question. Trolling every day.

Exactly.  Hinch is finally throwing Keuchel and Verlander on every 5th day, and now chuck asks if we are letting up?  On the contrary, this is one of the first times all year Hinch has shown a sense of urgency.     

[Bench]

I'd bet money that B is Peacock, for no other reason than pitch count.  When he "hits the wall" on his starts, it seems sudden (at least to me).  McHugh and Morton seem to flirt with the wall a bit, and give a little advance notice they they're near the end of their evening.

It's close, and on the surface it looks like B would be a very slight favorite, but my personal preference would be Morton, and I have a suspicion he ain't B.

A = Morton.  C = McHugh. 

[Bench]

Are the Astros conceding the overall standings lead to Cleveland?

I like Charlie Morton but I don't think skipping his turn in the rotation is necessarily a white flag. 

[Navin R Johnson]

You guys got the order, figured that wasn't too tough.   I have been firmly in Peacock is the #3, but it is a lot closer than I thought after looking at the numbers.

[MusicMan]

Courtesy of AstrosCounty - Verlander and Sale in 6 head-to-head matchups:

Verlander has faced Sale six times in their careers:
JV: 42IP, 1.93 ERA/0.93 WHIP, 4.89 K:BB
Sale: 42.2IP, 2.95 ERA/1.17 WHIP, 4.00 K:BB


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[JimR]

As good as he has been as a starter, I think Peacock helps more in the pen.

[BlownRanger]

As good as he has been as a starter, I think Peacock helps more in the pen.

I tend to agree.  The thing about all of the options after Verlander and Keuchel is that you KNOW you're not going to get more than five (maybe six) innings, and the bullpen will be busy.  In a short series, you'll probably get as many innings out of Bullpen Peacock as you'd get out of Starter Peacock.

[Reuben]

Courtesy of AstrosCounty - Verlander and Sale in 6 head-to-head matchups:

Verlander has faced Sale six times in their careers:
JV: 42IP, 1.93 ERA/0.93 WHIP, 4.89 K:BB
Sale: 42.2IP, 2.95 ERA/1.17 WHIP, 4.00 K:BB


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Sale was facing the Tigers, with Miggy, V-Mart, JD, Upton, Kinsler, etc. Verlander was facing the White Sox, with Abreu, Eaton... and, ah, those other White Sox of recent years. Both are on different teams now.

I'm not happy about potentially facing Chris Sale in the ALDS.

[JimR]

Sale was facing the Tigers, with Miggy, V-Mart, JD, Upton, Kinsler, etc. Verlander was facing the White Sox, with Abreu, Eaton... and, ah, those other White Sox of recent years. Both are on different teams now.

I'm not happy about potentially facing Chris Sale in the ALDS.

If a team wins the WS, it beats the best along the way.

[BudGirl]

If a team wins the WS, it beats the best along the way.

Totally agree and I think the Astros have as good as chance as any team.

[Navin R Johnson]

Since it looks like the Indians will never lose again, lets look at the ALDS #2 schedule, against the BoSox

Game1 Thursday vs Sale
Game 2 Friday vs Pomeranz
Off Saturday
Game 3 Sunday vs Porcello
Game 4 Monday vs Eduardo Rodriguez
Off Tuesday
Game 5 Wednesday vs Sale

Are either Keuchel or Verlander better options to pitch on 3 days rest?  According to Baseball Reference, Verlander has never pitched on less than 4 days rest.   Keuchel has only done it once with decent results (5 IP, 2 ER).

Sounds like the Astros are lining it up to be, Verlander then Keuchel

So the question is, do you go
GM1 Verlander,
GM2 Keuchel,
GM3 #3 starter
GM4 Verlander (on 3 days rest) or #4 starter
GM5 Verlander (5days rest) or Keuchel (normal rest).

I think who the #3 is determined by what happens in the 1st 2.   If the bullpen is taxed or you got to the point where you had to use Peacock in relief in either of those 2 games, then McHugh starts game 3, and Morton/McCullers GM4.   If Keuchel and Verlander go 7+ and they have only used Harris an inning, and Devo/Giles 1 or 2 each, then I would throw Peacock in game 3.   

[Andyzipp]

So with Keuchel going tonight against the White Sox...the rotation for the rest of the regular season looks to be:

9/21 Keuchel vs Chicago
9/22 Verlander vs LAA
9/23 Morton vs LAA
9/24 McHugh vs LAA
9/25 Peacock vs Texas
9/26 Keuchel vs Texas
9/27 Verlander vs Texas
9/28 Morton vs Boston
9/29 McHugh vs Boston
9/30 Peacock vs Boston
10/1 ??? (hopefully not Keuchel)

Does that look right?  Any chance McCullers feels up to pitching soon?

[BlownRanger]

Are either Keuchel or Verlander better options to pitch on 3 days rest?  According to Baseball Reference, Verlander has never pitched on less than 4 days rest.   Keuchel has only done it once with decent results (5 IP, 2 ER).

They've each done it once in the post-season.  In 2011, Verlander went eight innings, gave up four runs, struck  out 11, and was the winning pitcher.  Keuchel threw six shutout innings in the 2015 wildcard in a winning effort.

[Navin R Johnson]

Does that look right?  Any chance McCullers feels up to pitching soon?

According to Hinch a couple hours ago the plan is for McCullers to warm up on Sunday.  If he is fine he starts then, if not maybe Monday. He absolutely needs to pitch in one of those games, plus one of the Red Sox games AND pitch well to make the post season roster.

[Navin R Johnson]

They've each done it once in the post-season.  In 2011, Verlander went eight innings, gave up four runs, struck  out 11, and was the winning pitcher.  Keuchel threw six shutout innings in the 2015 wildcard in a winning effort.

Thanks, I just clicked on splits, which obviously is just regular season info.  Didn't think to click on the post season game logs.

Verlander's 2011/2012 posts season was spectacular. 7 starts, 6  of them he went at least 7 (5of 6 8+IP) and allowed 0 or 1 runs.   His one bad outing came on 7 days rest (4IP 5 ER).

Random Verlander question.    1st game of the 2011 ALDS vs the Yankees, he started game 1.   He went 1IP, 0 hits, walked 2 and allowed a run,   Why was he pulled after 1? He pitched 3 more games that post season, so it doesn't seem like injury.   Didn't see anything about an ejection either.

[Bench]

Random Verlander question.    1st game of the 2011 ALDS vs the Yankees, he started game 1.   He went 1IP, 0 hits, walked 2 and allowed a run,   Why was he pulled after 1? He pitched 3 more games that post season, so it doesn't seem like injury.   Didn't see anything about an ejection either.

Rain delay in the middle of the second inning and the game didn't resume until the next day.

[Navin R Johnson]

Thanks.   For a playoff game, that included the Yankees, it only lasted 3 hours and 26 minutes,  that couldn't have been too long a delay....

[Bench]

Thanks.   For a playoff game, that included the Yankees, it only lasted 3 hours and 26 minutes,  that couldn't have been too long a delay....

Maybe the delay isn't counted towards to overall game length once the game is declared suspended?

[BUWebguy]

According to Hinch a couple hours ago the plan is for McCullers to warm up on Sunday.  If he is fine he starts then, if not maybe Monday. He absolutely needs to pitch in one of those games, plus one of the Red Sox games AND pitch well to make the post season roster.

For clarification: Is that last sentence your take, or what Hinch said/indicated?

[Navin R Johnson]

First 2 sentences Hinch.   Last sentence is my opinion.

[Bench]

McCullers will pitch on Sunday, then McHugh on Monday, Keuchel Tuesday and Verlander on Wednesday.

Hinch:  "We'll go inning by inning" with Lance on Sunday.

[das]

McCullers will pitch on Sunday, then McHugh on Monday, Keuchel Tuesday and Verlander on Wednesday.

Hinch:  "We'll go inning by inning" with Lance on Sunday.

I much prefer he test out his paper-thin psyche, er, I mean, his fatigued arm inning-by-inning Sunday against the Angels instead of Monday against the Rangers. At least there's that.

[ValpoCory]

So with Keuchel going tonight against the White Sox...the rotation for the rest of the regular season looks to be:

9/21 Keuchel vs Chicago
9/22 Verlander vs LAA
9/23 Morton vs LAA
9/24 McHugh vs LAA
9/25 Peacock vs Texas
9/26 Keuchel vs Texas
9/27 Verlander vs Texas
9/28 Morton vs Boston
9/29 McHugh vs Boston
9/30 Peacock vs Boston
10/1 (hopefully not Keuchel)

Does that look right?  Any chance McCullers feels up to pitching soon?

So with Peacock bumped until the series in Boston, it looks like this:
9/24 McCullers vs LAA
9/25 McHugh vs Texas
9/26 Keuchel vs Texas
9/27 Verlander vs Texas
9/28 Peacock vs Boston
9/29 Morton vs Boston
9/30 McCullers vs Boston
10/1 McHugh vs. Boston

[Navin R Johnson]

McCullers tomorrow/today.  Fingers crossed. 

[JimR]

McCullers tomorrow/today.  Fingers crossed.

I do not care about McCullers. Morton wants the ball. McHugh wants the ball. Grow up, Lance.

[VirtualBob]

I do not care about McCullers. Morton wants the ball. McHugh wants the ball. Grow up, Lance.

This.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Re: Lance, this comes to mind:

Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand

[ValpoCory]

I do not care about McCullers. Morton wants the ball. McHugh wants the ball. Grow up, Lance.

I think it's becoming clear that Houston's playoff rotation is Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, and Morton.   McHugh wants the ball and you carry him as a long man.  McCullers gets to root on the team as a non-roster-invitee in the dugout.

Carry 11 pitchers:
4 starters -- Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, Morton
1 longman -- McHugh
6 relievers -- Giles, Devenski, Musgrove, Harris, Liriano, Gregerson

Carry 14 batters:
8 every game starters -- Springer, Bregman, Altuve, Correa, Gurriel, Reddick, Marwin, McCann
6 others  -- Gattis, Maybin, Beltran, Fisher, White, Centeno

[Duke]

In the pregame last night (wasn't paying super close attention so I don't remember who) they said they thought  McCullers was on track to be the 4th starter.  Hope not.

[Navin R Johnson]

He is pitching Sunday vs the Red Sox, for his playoff spot.

[Lefty]

I think it's becoming clear that Houston's playoff rotation is Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, and Morton.   McHugh wants the ball and you carry him as a long man.  McCullers gets to root on the team as a non-roster-invitee in the dugout.

Carry 11 pitchers:
4 starters -- Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, Morton
1 longman -- McHugh
6 relievers -- Giles, Devenski, Musgrove, Harris, Liriano, Gregerson

Carry 14 batters:
8 every game starters -- Springer, Bregman, Altuve, Correa, Gurriel, Reddick, Marwin, McCann
6 others  -- Gattis, Maybin, Beltran, Fisher, White, Centeno

I like this.  Centeno or Stassi would be my only quandary, if my quandarys mattered.

[BUWebguy]

I think it's becoming clear that Houston's playoff rotation is Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, and Morton.   McHugh wants the ball and you carry him as a long man.  McCullers gets to root on the team as a non-roster-invitee in the dugout.

Carry 11 pitchers:
4 starters -- Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, Morton
1 longman -- McHugh
6 relievers -- Giles, Devenski, Musgrove, Harris, Liriano, Gregerson

Carry 14 batters:
8 every game starters -- Springer, Bregman, Altuve, Correa, Gurriel, Reddick, Marwin, McCann
6 others  -- Gattis, Maybin, Beltran, Fisher, White, Centeno

I could see McHugh and Peacock trading places here, given Peacock's more recent (and very successful) bullpen history.

[Bench]

I could see McHugh and Peacock trading places here, given Peacock's more recent (and very successful) bullpen history.

I have the same thought.  Peacock might be best used in the bullpen, but he's certainly earned a postseason start. 

[ValpoCory]

I could see McHugh and Peacock trading places here, given Peacock's more recent (and very successful) bullpen history.

I could see that too.  My main concern is that when a long man is used in the playoffs, it usually happens when you are trailing in the game.   I prefer to use Peacock before the Astros get behind.


Also, BUWebguy, do you frequent sicem365.com?  If so, what's your handle over there?    Sic 'em.

[JimR]

I could see that too.  My main concern is that when a long man is used in the playoffs, it usually happens when you are trailing in the game.   I prefer to use Peacock before the Astros get behind.


Also, BUWebguy, do you frequent sicem365.com?  If so, what's your handle over there?    Sic 'em.

No. He will be used to shorten the game and to protect a lead.

[ValpoCory]

No. He will be used to shorten the game and to protect a lead.

Ok, cool.   Do you think Hinch will do that or put Peacock in the rotation?

[BUWebguy]

I could see that too.  My main concern is that when a long man is used in the playoffs, it usually happens when you are trailing in the game.   I prefer to use Peacock before the Astros get behind.

Also, BUWebguy, do you frequent sicem365.com?  If so, what's your handle over there?    Sic 'em.

I think the Astros will use guys like Peacock and Devenski in the playoffs as ammo for pulling a starter early. McCullers or Morton struggles a little in the 4th? Pull him, throw Peacock/Devo for three innings, and if your bats have kept you in it, now you use your back-end relievers in the 7th/8th/9th.

And Valpo -- I'm BUWebguy on SicEm365, too, but I don't really "frequent" the site -- especially since the BF merger.

[Bench]

McTaggart McTweets that McCullers will pitch on Saturday, leaving Sunday for McHugh or just giving it over to the pen. 

[ValpoCory]

McTaggart McTweets that McCullers will pitch on Saturday, leaving Sunday for McHugh or just giving it over to the pen.

Or throwing Keuchel to secure the 1 seed.

[JimR]

Ok, cool.   Do you think Hinch will do that or put Peacock in the rotation?

I think he helps more in the pen, but I have no clue what Hinch will do.

[Navin R Johnson]

For those that might not recheck the game thread today.

Verlander vs Randy Johnson as Astros

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKwwo9tUQAAEj88.jpg

[Lefty]

I think he helps more in the pen, but I have no clue what Hinch will do.

What do you think about Belisle as closer for the Twins?  I'm rooting hard for those guys until they play Houston.

[Waldo]

For those that might not recheck the game thread today.

Verlander vs Randy Johnson as Astros

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKwwo9tUQAAEj88.jpg

I have a full-on man crush for Verlander and I'm not ashamed to say it.

[austro]

I have a full-on man crush for Verlander and I'm not ashamed to say it.

You're just hoping Kate will wrestle you for him.

[Waldo]

You're just hoping Kate will wrestle you for him.

yourenotwrong.jpg

[Duke]

Damn she looks good in Astro gear.

[ValpoCory]

Charlie Morton is happy about the way the Astros Rotation went down the stretch.   His start today (25th on the season) will trigger a $625,000 performance bonus in his contract.      Don't twist an ankle during warmups, Ground Chuck.

The bonus will be the 3rd such performance bonus Morton will have earned, moving his 2017 salary up to $8.875M.  What a bargain the Astros got there, relatively speaking.

[JimR]

Morton is good and perhaps is better than he thinks he is.

[Andyzipp]

Morton is good and perhaps is better than he thinks he is.

His issue is staying healthy.  Which is how we got him on the cheap to begin with.

[Bench]

Morton is good and perhaps is better than he thinks he is.

That's exactly what Strom said about him a couple of weeks ago. 

[JimR]

His issue is staying healthy.  Which is how we got him on the cheap to begin with.

I think he has another issue. He has a hard time seeing himself as the 95-97 power pitcher he has become. At times he nibbles, like the 85-88 guy he used to be.

[JimR]

That's exactly what Strom said about him a couple of weeks ago.

I did not see it, but I think when Morton accepts and believes in the pitcher he is now, he will be an All Star.

[Andyzipp]

I did not see it, but I think when Morton accepts and believes in the pitcher he is now, he will be an All Star.

Sounds like he's got one more year to get there...

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/913839037458337792

[Knoxbanedoodle]

What a great thing to say.

[Navin R Johnson]

Sounds like he's got one more year to get there...

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/913839037458337792

Thanks for posting that, what great comments from Morton.