Game 6

[toddthebod]

I assume that the plan is for Verlander to pitch until his arm falls off.

Maybe you go to Harris or perhaps Morton? 

[NeilT]

I assume that the plan is for Verlander to pitch until his arm falls off.

Maybe you go to Harris or perhaps Morton?

McCullers. 

[Bench]

Harris, Peacock and Musgrove. 

[homer]

AJ has to leave Morton/McCullers for Game 7. I think everyone else including Dallas would be available.

[NeilT]

AJ has to leave Morton/McCullers for Game 7. I think everyone else including Dallas would be available.

If they're close (you know, within 4 or 5 runs), they shouldn't play for game 7. 

[LonghornCDR]

Verlander until his arm falls off.  There is no other correct answer.  Have him practice bunting everything you can throw at him for a couple of hours today and tomorrow.  Or pad him him up and teach him to Biggio some pitches. 

[Limey]

AJ has to leave Morton/McCullers for Game 7. I think everyone else including Dallas would be available.

The Astros won Games #2 and #3 behind Verlander + the pen and then McCullers + Peacock.  I see no reason for that not to be the plan for Games #6 and #7 hoping, of course, that "the pen" doesn't include Giles and that Game #7 doesn't happen.

Not that the past has been prologue for any part of this series, but the Dodgers need to win 2 out of 2 and so far they've won 2 out of 5.

[juliogotay]

The Astros won Games #2 and #3 behind Verlander + the pen and then McCullers + Peacock.  I see no reason for that not to be the plan for Games #6 and #7 hoping, of course, that "the pen" doesn't include Giles and that Game #7 doesn't happen.

Not that the past has been prologue for any part of this series, but the Dodgers need to win 2 out of 2 and so far they've won 2 out of 5.

But they have won 1 0f 2 at home which may be a more applicable comparison.

[Limey]

But they have won 1 of 2 at home which may be a more applicable comparison.

Correct.  And the Astros have won 1 of 2 on the road, and need only 1 of 2.

Here's an interesting take from the Washington Post recap of Game #5 [La Russa trigger alert]

In the 2004 World Series, Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa said that, in his long experience, he believed that there was often one game in a World Series that both teams could have “won in a dozen ways, but only one team wins.” LaRussa thought that the team that won that swing game usually won the Series. And LaRussa said those words after his team had just lost such a game, 11-9, to the Red Sox, who swept the Cardinals to with their first championship since 1918.

This Series has already had two such melodramatic “swing games” that could have gone either team’s way in a dozen crisis moments. Houston won both.

[NeilT]

Correct.  And the Astros have won 1 of 2 on the road, and need only 1 of 2.

Here's an interesting take from the Washington Post recap of Game #5 [La Russa trigger alert]

That's why I think if they're leading in game 6 they'll pull out all the stops--McCullers--to win it. 

[Waldo]

That's why I think if they're leading in game 6 they'll pull out all the stops--McCullers--to win it.

I would have no problem with that at all.

[NeilT]

I can't imagine that the Dodgers will have a quick hook for Hill if he pitches well.  I think the made their biggest mistake of the series so far pulling Hill early. 

[JJxvi]

The only problem with McCullers getting the ball in game 6 (which on the surface I really like if we have the lead)...is that Morton and McCullers were flipped in games 3 and 4 from how they started in the ALCS.  If you use McCullers in game 6, that means Morton is now the starter for game 7 on short rest whereas he started game 7 of the ALCS on full rest.

[NeilT]

The only problem with McCullers getting the ball in game 6 (which on the surface I really like if we have the lead)...is that Morton and McCullers were flipped in games 3 and 4 from how they started in the ALCS.  If you use McCullers in game 6, that means Morton is now the starter for game 7 on short rest whereas he started game 7 of the ALCS on full rest.

Yes.  And if McCullers fails in Game 6 you may have just blown the series.  If it gets to game 7, the Dodgers should be pitching Kershaw on short rest. 

[AtascAstro]

It has been said before that Lance has a long prep cycle for games.  If he's your guy out of the pen, then you have to make that decision today.  You can't lose the World Series tomorrow...unless you leave yourself no realistic opportunity to win it in 7.  Let the Dodgers be the ones to put their pitchers in bad situations.

Trust your strength - offense.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I assume that the plan is for Verlander to pitch until his arm falls off.

He has a left arm too.

[Limey]

I can't imagine that the Dodgers will have a quick hook for Hill if he pitches well.  I think the made their biggest mistake of the series so far pulling Hill early.

Roberts will be strung out on his hard-wired desire to pull Hill early vs. seeing his heretofore untouchable bullpen be very touchable.

[Mr. Happy]

I assume that the plan is for Verlander to pitch until his arm falls off.

Maybe you go to Harris or perhaps Morton?

Yes.

[AtascAstro]

I really like Musgrove as a strike thrower.  Especially if the cooler temps mean that the park plays to normal ball carry.

[JimR]

If McCullers is the Game 7 starter, I imagine he will not be available for Game 6. Everyone else will be.

[LonghornCDR]

I really like Musgrove as a strike thrower.  Especially if the cooler temps mean that the park plays to normal ball carry.

Very good point.  Dodger stadium is going to play MUCH bigger this time around.

[Texifornia]

Game Six will be another slobbaknocka with 25 plus runs scored and a last AB win in extra innings.

Or it could be a complete game no-hitter.

Nobody has any clue what to expect.

[NeilT]

Game Six will be another slobbaknocka with 25 plus runs scored and a last AB win in extra innings.

Or it could be a complete game no-hitter.

Nobody has any clue what to expect.

It's not going to be delayed for snow.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

 Baseball should not be played in November.

Just saying.

[Texifornia]

It's not going to be delayed for snow.

Probably not, but it is way cooler that it was for the first two games.

Baseball should not be played in November.

Just saying.

I could not possibly agree more. Let's hope the Astros can prevent November baseball in 2017.

[Aussie Astro]

That's why I think if they're leading in game 6 they'll pull out all the stops--McCullers--to win it.

I think you are dead right here, the game situation will likely play a big part in determining what moves are made.  Hinch obviously has a plan but I dont think he would be too afraid to change it if he has chance to end at 6.

[JimR]

We should not assume anything merely because Verlander is pitching. He was headed for a loss in Game 2 until vaunting made its appearance. He has had regular rest plus so I am hoping for Vintage JV, but I remember how Dodger Fan thought Game Five was in the bag because of Kershaw. Whatever your superstitions are, adhere to them.
Be humble and respectful and , BBGs willing, we can win.

[BudGirl]

We should not assume anything merely because Verlander is pitching. He was headed for a loss in Game 2 until vaunting made its appearance. He has had regular rest plus so I am hoping for Vintage JV, but I remember how Dodger Fan thought Game Five was in the bag because of Kershaw. Whatever your superstitions are, adhere to them.
Be humble and respectful and , BBGs willing, we can win.

I have not a clue what to do today.  They've only won one game where I kind of watched at home.  I'm open to suggestions.

[Aussie Astro]

I have not a clue what to do today.  They've only won one game where I kind of watched at home.  I'm open to suggestions.

Find a watch party and get plastered.

[VirtualBob]

Find a watch party and get plastered.

Someone just texted me that tix are $600 on stubhub. Tempting.

[BudGirl]

Someone just texted me that tix are $600 on stubhub. Tempting.

You buy me a ticket and I'll meet you there.

[Limey]

I think you are dead right here, the game situation will likely play a big part in determining what moves are made.  Hinch obviously has a plan but I dont think he would be too afraid to change it if he has chance to end at 6.

Hinch has shown a propensity to go for the win "today" if it's at all within reach.  I like that about him.  I still think McCullers is going to be not available until everyone else has been used.

[jbm]

You can't script these things.  You do everything it takes to win this one; if you don't, repeat the process.

[Limey]

You can't script these things.  You do everything it takes to win this one; if you don't, repeat the process.

I (half) remember a quote from some famous General so, paraphrasing, and possibly adding profanity that wasn't in the original:

Every campaign goes according to plan right up until first contact with the enemy; then it all goes to shit.

[juliogotay]

Hinch has shown a propensity to go for the win "today" if it's at all within reach.  I like that about him.  I still think McCullers is going to be not available until everyone else has been used.

I have this "feeling" that game 6 IS winner-take-all. Get it done today.

[Aussie Astro]

I (half) remember a quote from some famous General so, paraphrasing, and possibly adding profanity that wasn't in the original:

Every campaign goes according to plan right up until first contact with the enemy; then it all goes to shit.

General James (Jumping Jim) Gavin? I read his story, biography or autobiography (too long ago remember) many years ago and what you wrote is pretty close to what I remember.  I think it was something like that the plan you worked on so long and so hard (even down to how many toilet rolls you need) is thrown out the window when the first shot is fired... or something like that.  But yeah, point is well made.

[Crusher_Joe]

This.  So much this.

We should not assume anything merely because Verlander is pitching. He was headed for a loss in Game 2 until vaunting made its appearance. He has had regular rest plus so I am hoping for Vintage JV, but I remember how Dodger Fan thought Game Five was in the bag because of Kershaw. Whatever your superstitions are, adhere to them.
Be humble and respectful and , BBGs willing, we can win.

[NeilT]

Es para mí un placer estar de nuevo en esta bellísima ciudad.

Anybody up for lunch today at James Coney Island?  And BG (or anybody else) you're welcome at our house this evening.  Full disclosure, to watch the games we huddle around the kitchen counter and watch on a 14" B&W.  We're pretty old school. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

General James (Jumping Jim) Gavin? I read his story, biography or autobiography (too long ago remember) many years ago and what you wrote is pretty close to what I remember.  I think it was something like that the plan you worked on so long and so hard (even down to how many toilet rolls you need) is thrown out the window when the first shot is fired... or something like that.  But yeah, point is well made.

"I tell this story to illustrate the truth of the statement I heard long ago in the Army: Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. There is a very great distinction because when you are planning for an emergency you must start with this one thing: the very definition of 'emergency' is that it is unexpected, therefore it is not going to happen the way you are planning."
-Dwight Eisenhower

I'm sure this theme had been touched on by many others.   It is,  after all,  a truth that has been present throughout human history.

[Bench]

"I tell this story to illustrate the truth of the statement I heard long ago in the Army: Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. There is a very great distinction because when you are planning for an emergency you must start with this one thing: the very definition of 'emergency' is that it is unexpected, therefore it is not going to happen the way you are planning."
-Dwight Eisenhower

I'm sure this theme had been touched on by many others.   It is,  after all,  a truth that has been present throughout human history.

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

-Mike Tyson

[Bench]

According to this article Hinch has not ruled out bringing McCullers in to close out the game if the Astros are in a position to win:

But when I asked Hinch if he knew how he would get those outs, he admitted he already was churning, planning, sweating what to do back in Dodger Stadium.

He has perhaps the game’s supreme horse, Justin Verlander, to ride in Game 6, and then he is thinking if there is a chance to end the 113th World Series right there, he would turn to Lance McCullers Jr. There is just this little problem: McCullers is the scheduled Game 7 starter, and if Houston were not to win in six and use McCullers, Hinch would have to turn to Charlie Morton on short rest. He admitted it probably set up the toughest decision of his career if the scenario falls into place.

[NeilT]

According to this article Hinch has not ruled out bringing McCullers in to close out the game if the Astros are in a position to win:

But when I asked Hinch if he knew how he would get those outs, he admitted he already was churning, planning, sweating what to do back in Dodger Stadium.

He has perhaps the game’s supreme horse, Justin Verlander, to ride in Game 6, and then he is thinking if there is a chance to end the 113th World Series right there, he would turn to Lance McCullers Jr. There is just this little problem: McCullers is the scheduled Game 7 starter, and if Houston were not to win in six and use McCullers, Hinch would have to turn to Charlie Morton on short rest. He admitted it probably set up the toughest decision of his career if the scenario falls into place.

The only thing that makes this a little easier is that I'm not sure LA has a lot of options for game 7 either.  I'd never assume anything about the games, but they're set up so that tonight could be relatively fast and quiet, and if tomorrow comes and Hinch has run through McCullers it could be another bit of craziness.  Or vice versa.  Or they may surprise us.  I'm just glad to be here in your beautiful city. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

-Mike Tyson

One of my favorite quotes ever.

[The Spleen]

This day is going to be endless.
Fuck... it's not even 11 yet...

[Limey]

The only thing that makes this a little easier is that I'm not sure LA has a lot of options for game 7 either.  I'd never assume anything about the games, but they're set up so that tonight could be relatively fast and quiet, and if tomorrow comes and Hinch has run through McCullers it could be another bit of craziness.  Or vice versa.  Or they may surprise us.  I'm just glad to be here in your beautiful city.

The common wisdom is that the Dodgers would use Kershaw on short rest if it went to Game #7.  History has shown that Kershaw on short rest is not a good option but (a) it's not like he went that deep into the game in Game #5, and (2) short-rest Kershaw is a better pedigree than short-rest Morton.

The good news for the Astros either way is that I don't think any of the hitters are tired of hitting.

[NeilT]

Es para mí un placer estar de nuevo en esta bellísima ciudad.

Anybody up for lunch today at James Coney Island?  And BG (or anybody else) you're welcome at our house this evening.  Full disclosure, to watch the games we huddle around the kitchen counter and watch on a 14" B&W.  We're pretty old school.

Just to be clear, we don't really watch on a 14" black & white.  We have a vintage 1964 Zenith console color tv, made in America.  It's a little hard to pick up channel 758, but 9 works ok. 

[WVastro]

I just ate my frito pie. How about you?

[Mr. Appropriate]

Both bullpens are exhausted. Can't fault Hinch with anyway he plays his hand excepting handing the ball to Giles, which no one (probably including Giles) wants to risk right now.  If the Astros have a late lead and Verlander can't take it to nine then I hope Hinch uses McCullers to close it out. If they get to McCullers with a late lead, so be it. Game seven will be an epic slugfest with two exhausted pitching staffs. I think Verlander/McCullers is the Astros strongest combo at this point. If that doesn't get the job done then fuck it, everyone in game seven can play like their is no tomorrow....

[juliogotay]

One of my favorite quotes ever.

Plato...Aristotle.....Confucius......Locke......Tyson.

[toddthebod]

No relievers tonight!  If the Astros are winning and Verlander is still dealing, I don't care if Verlander has to bat.  Keep him in the game.  Do not take him out.  This is the Astros best chance of winning. 

[NeilT]

No relievers tonight!  If the Astros are winning and Verlander is still dealing, I don't care if Verlander has to bat.  Keep him in the game.  Do not take him out.  This is the Astros best chance of winning.

Are you worried that Hinch will pull him after 4?

[Limey]

Are you worried that Hinch will pull him after 4?

Only if he's getting his shit stomped.  But then if he's getting his shit-stomped, we have bigger issues than who is going to finish the game.

[toddthebod]

Are you worried that Hinch will pull him after 4?

Nope.  But I don't want to pull him in the 7th or 8th either. 

[JimR]

Just finished frito pie.

[NeilT]

At James Coney Island, the lady who made my Frito pie wore an Astros tee shirt and cap.

[das]

OMG, this day is lasting forever.  Just crawling by....

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Just finished frito pie.

Ditto.

[Waldo]

OMG, this day is lasting forever.  Just crawling by....

I'm already so nervous I can barely eat.

[Mr. Appropriate]

At James Coney Island, the lady who made my Frito pie wore an Astros tee shirt and cap.

BBG's be praised...a sign! Which we accept with gratitude, but not too much...just the right amount of appreciation and  terror.

[Duke]

Just finished frito pie.

Homemade red in the fridge.  Picked up fritos at HEB.  Frito pie scheduled for 6:30.

[NeilT]

BBG's be praised...a sign! Which we accept with gratitude, but not too much...just the right amount of appreciation and  terror.

Either that or I was being mocked.  Juneberno.

[Bench]

Just finished frito pie.

Likewise.  El Real.  Chased it down with an enchilada. 

[BudGirl]

Es para mí un placer estar de nuevo en esta bellísima ciudad.

Anybody up for lunch today at James Coney Island?  And BG (or anybody else) you're welcome at our house this evening.  Full disclosure, to watch the games we huddle around the kitchen counter and watch on a 14" B&W.  We're pretty old school. 

I'll be there!

[Jacksonian]

I'll be doing my best not to watch the game.

[Fredia]

frito pie and zwolle tamales.   I will pay later , but worth it

[astrox]

I (half) remember a quote from some famous General so, paraphrasing, and possibly adding profanity that wasn't in the original:

Every campaign goes according to plan right up until first contact with the enemy; then it all goes to shit.

Mike Tyson said that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[toddthebod]

There are no other Astros fans where I live.  I've been watching the ALCS and WS games with a bunch of Mets fans who hate the Yankees and Dodgers.  The enemy of my enemy is my friend (as they say). 

[Fredia]

i feel for you.

[NeilT]

I kept looking for the 9th batter in the lineup card.

[AtascAstro]

If you think you've taken your BBG supplication to the extreme....know that there is always another level.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

If you think you've taken your BBG supplication to the extreme....know that there is always another level.

What? No Marwin or Bregman?

[BudGirl]

What? No Marwin?

You can custom order them.
https://www.illuminidol.com/

[Limey]

MMP "sold" out for a watch party tonight.  Tickets were free and are all gone.

(As an aside, I think they missed a trick here: charge $10 each and put that towards Harvey relief).

[homer]

MMP "sold" out for a watch party tonight.  Tickets were free and are all gone.

(As an aside, I think they missed a trick here: charge $10 each and put that towards Harvey relief).

I can't fathom the appeal of this.

[jbm]

I can't fathom the appeal of this.

Well, your watching won't be interrupted by little kids knocking on the door. 

[Bench]

I can't fathom the appeal of this.

You are such a misanthrope. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I can't fathom the appeal of this.

I think a lot of people miss out on the thrill of watching a game in the stadium, with charged up crowd.  This is a way for them to feel connected.

I'd be too much of a mess to be in public for something line that.

[Texifornia]

I have a sense that Reddick and / or Liriano will have rolls to play in today's game.

[toddthebod]

God help us if Liriano has anything to do with tonight's game.  That being said, a Carlos Beltran pinch hit HR would be an amazing thing to behold. 

[Limey]

You are such a misanthrope.

It's Hallowe'en; don't you mean lycanthrope?

[jbm]

I have a sense that Reddick and / or Liriano will have rolls to play in today's game.

Ditto.  I keep expecting Reddick to have the memorable hit, but he's always ending his AB by throwing his bat in the ground. 

[BudGirl]

God help us if Liriano has anything to do with tonight's game.  That being said, a Carlos Beltran pinch hit HR would be an amazing thing to behold. 

Liriano or Giles?  Both can be great or not.  I trust Hinch to know which guys are ready. 

I also think Reddick comes up big in this game.   At least I hope he does.  I want all the Astros to be happy at the end of the game tonight.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Ditto.  I keep expecting Reddick to have the memorable hit, but he's always ending his AB by throwing his bat in the ground.

Let's be fair:
Sunday night he bounced it on first base.

I hope he doesn't do that tonight.

[Texifornia]

Liriano or Giles?  Both can be great or not.  I trust Hinch to know which guys are ready. 

I also think Reddick comes up big in this game.   At least I hope he does.  I want all the Astros to be happy at the end of the game tonight.

I get the sense that he's going to erupt on offense. It would be great for it to happen in L.A.

[Ty in Tampa]

Someone was parked in my space so I had him towed. With my AAA account...

[chuck]

I can't fathom the appeal of this.

They can tell everyone that they saw a WS game at MMP.

[JimR]

I can't fathom the appeal of this.

If I lived in Houston, I would be there. Far better than TV at home.

[BudGirl]

If I lived in Houston, I would be there. Far better than TV at home.

I agree.  Apparently Game 7 is no longer available.

[austro]

I agree.  Apparently Game 7 is no longer available.

My wife is down there for the quilt show at the convention center, which draws thousands of people from all over. When she arrived at noon, she said the parking was already really tight. Add a full house at MMPUS, and folks are going to be parking down in Clear Lake.