Giles

[JimR]

I am moving this discussion from the GZ to the TZ. I am somewhere between chuck (“he is a wasted roster spot”) and knoxbanedoodle (“my heart goes out to him; he was set up to fail”). If you want to read the best summation of this situation (IMO), read HH’s post toward the end of the GZ thread. Maybe he could be used better, maybe not, but his job is to get outs regardless of the score or situation. Giles’ attitude bothers me far more than his pitching. There are 27 outs to get, and Hinch has said all year he does not care about defined roles; he just wants outs. I applaud his approach, but Giles’ body language and demeanor say loudly he wants only to pitch in a save situation. So does his pitching, and if he has value to another team, I would give him the change of scenery he may need.

Hinch strikes me as a pretty tough guy when attitude issues surface. I believe he turned McCullers around. He was trying to treat Giles’ fragile psyche gently, and he covered for him nicely in last night’s postgame interview. This situation with Giles will be interesting to follow. Giles simply must stop pouting and get whichever outs he is asked to get. As I said in the GZ last night, the contrast with McHugh is dramatic.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm can't help but question Giles mental toughness and emotional maturity. While he certainly has good physical tools he may not have the makeup to succeed at this level.

[JimR]

I'm can't help but question Giles mental toughness and emotional maturity. While he certainly has good physical tools he may not have the makeup to succeed at this level.

I do not question his toughness. I do question his emotional stability.

ETA: the media is all over this today. Chuck is an astute lip reader. He said “Fuck you, man.”

[TerryPuhl21]

I do not question his toughness. I do question his emotional stability.

Precisely! I admire his toughness and his ability to stand there and address reporters and cameras when things go wrong. I hope he turns things around but I’m not sure he is mentally/emotionally mature enough to do so at this point. While he may not like the role he’s given, he has to be willing to go out and perform like his job depends on it, because it does, and be successful. If he can’t do that, then the question of whether or not he belongs on this roster is a legitimate one.


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[JimR]

Precisely! I admire his toughness and his ability to stand there and address reporters and cameras when things go wrong. I hope he turns things around but I’m not sure he is mentally/emotionally mature enough to do so at this point. While he may not like the role he’s given, he has to be willing to go out and perform like his job depends on it, because it does, and be successful. If he can’t do that, then the question of whether or not he belongs on this roster is a legitimate one.


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Absolutely.

[Jacksonian]

I'm not sure there's much else for anyone to say about him.  What you've seen is what you've gotten since his first season in Houston.  Last post-season seemed to highlight all of his flaws when exposed continuously to the best teams.  This season though as far as late inning relievers goes on post-season contenders he's been about as bad as it gets.

[JimR]

I'm not sure there's much else for anyone to say about him.  What you've seen is what you've gotten since his first season in Houston.  Last post-season seemed to highlight all of his flaws when exposed continuously to the best teams.  This season though as far as late inning relievers goes on post-season contenders he's been about as bad as it gets.

He had a good regular season last year, and the meltdown did not start until Game Four v. NYY. He had more than one  6-out saves. He got LAD out in the bottom of the 9th in Game Two. He is 12-12 in saves this year. My issue is with his attitude.

[BudGirl]

He can't see that McHugh and Rondon have passed him because they went out and pitched well when asked.  To me, Rondon is an even better example for Giles than McHugh.  Rondon was the closer for the Cubs when they won the WS and they went and got another one.  He's had to fight his way back.

Either way, he's a pitcher on a baseball team.  His one job is to get outs.  It does not matter when he's asked to perform his job.

[JimR]

He can't see that McHugh and Rondon have passed him because they went out and pitched well when asked.  To me, Rondon is an even better example for Giles than McHugh.  Rondon was the closer for the Cubs when they won the WS and they went and got another one.  He's had to fight his way back.

Either way, he's a pitcher on a baseball team.  His one job is to get outs.  It does not matter when he's asked to perform his job.

This.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I'm not defending his attitude, and it goes without saying that the comparison to McHugh is not a flattering one for our Ken. My assertion is just that he's been very consistent this year: consistently excellent in traditional save situations and consistently bad in non-save situations, yet he's been again and again used in the latter.

I would imagine that a forward-thinking team like the Astros is interested in getting away from the Larussa-mold and utilizing their best reliever at what they deem to be the most crucial spot in a game, regardless of whether or not that would result in a "save." As I've experienced it, the problems with Giles this year started when they tried to do just that, but for whatever reason (mental toughness, immaturity, vanity, crap luck, you name it) he exemplifies the closer-in-the-non-save-situation struggle bus.

Add to this his particular history with the team (brought over at great expense to be the sort of savior that would've suppressed the 2015 Royals; stubbornly undominant; the trials of last year's postseason [although, as someone here pointed out then, we beat Kimbrel, Chapman and Jansen during the same stretch]) and it seems like the deck's been stacked against him a bit.

All told (postseason included) he's blown 10 saves in 73 chances since coming to the Astros (86% conversion). For comparison's sake, during the same stretch Aroldis Chapman has blown 14 saves in 139 chances (90%), and Kimbrel 8 in 101 (92%). He's a Lincoln we paid Audi dollar for.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how they decide to handle the situation going forward.
 

[JimR]

I'm not defending his attitude, and it goes without saying that the comparison to McHugh is not a flattering one for our Ken. My assertion is just that he's been very consistent this year: consistently excellent in traditional save situations and consistently bad in non-save situations, yet he's been again and again used in the latter.

I would imagine that a forward-thinking team like the Astros is interested in getting away from the Larussa-mold and utilizing their best reliever at what they deem to be the most crucial spot in a game, regardless of whether or not that would result in a "save." As I've experienced it, the problems with Giles this year started when they tried to do just that, but for whatever reason (mental toughness, immaturity, vanity, crap luck, you name it) he exemplifies the closer-in-the-non-save-situation struggle bus.

Add to this his particular history with the team (brought over at great expense to be the sort of savior that would've suppressed the 2015 Royals; stubbornly undominant; the trials of last year's postseason [although, as someone here pointed out then, we beat Kimbrel, Chapman and Jansen during the same stretch]) and it seems like the deck's been stacked against him a bit.

All told (postseason included) he's blown 10 saves in 73 chances since coming to the Astros (86% conversion). For comparison's sake, during the same stretch Aroldis Chapman has blown 14 saves in 139 chances (90%), and Kimbrel 8 in 101 (92%). He's a Lincoln we paid Audi dollar for.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how they decide to handle the situation going forward.

This post is the Devin I know.

[BUWebguy]

FWIW:
In Giles' three worst games this year -- 5/1 vs NYY, 5/27 vs CLE, and last night vs OAK -- he's combined to allow 10 runs in 1/3 of an inning. None of those three games was a save situation (tied 0-0, up 8-3, up 4-0).

In his other 31 appearances, here are his numbers: 2.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 30 K, 30.1 IP, 3 BB, 26 H.

I don't know what any of that means -- maybe nothing. But I thought it was interesting how sharply those three games (plus last year's playoffs) affect our thinking about him.

[TerryPuhl21]

He can't see that McHugh and Rondon have passed him because they went out and pitched well when asked.  To me, Rondon is an even better example for Giles than McHugh.  Rondon was the closer for the Cubs when they won the WS and they went and got another one.  He's had to fight his way back.

Either way, he's a pitcher on a baseball team.  His one job is to get outs.  It does not matter when he's asked to perform his job.

Rondon is a good example and for that matter, so is Sipp. Tony was relegated to nothing but unimportant situations for basically the whole season last year. No complaints or tantrums about it that I remember. He just kept working in the role he was given and he’s started seeing more important situations this year based on his work performance.


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[MusicMan]

When all is said and done, Hector Rondon may end up one of the most important FA signings by any team last offseason. And all because the Cubs non-tendered him.


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[Jacksonian]

FWIW:
In Giles' three worst games this year -- 5/1 vs NYY, 5/27 vs CLE, and last night vs OAK -- he's combined to allow 10 runs in 1/3 of an inning. None of those three games was a save situation (tied 0-0, up 8-3, up 4-0).

In his other 31 appearances, here are his numbers: 2.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 30 K, 30.1 IP, 3 BB, 26 H.

I don't know what any of that means -- maybe nothing. But I thought it was interesting how sharply those three games (plus last year's playoffs) affect our thinking about him.

What we think doesn't matter.  By way of his usage it seems clear that Hinch trusts Rondon more than Giles.

On another note one of my chief complaints about Giles is that he leaves too many pitches in hittable locations.  A quick look at other late inning relievers (the better ones) revealed something I hadn't seen discussed.  This season Giles' strike rate is about 71%.  All of the other pitchers I looked at (about 20 or so) were between 62% and 68%.  Is Giles simply throwing too many strikes?  More strikes means more looks at hittable pitches.

[JimR]

What we think doesn't matter.  By way of his usage it seems clear that Hinch trusts Rondon more than Giles.

On another note one of my chief complaints about Giles is that he leaves too many pitches in hittable locations.  A quick look at other late inning relievers (the better ones) revealed something I hadn't seen discussed.  This season Giles' strike rate is about 71%.  All of the other pitchers I looked at (about 20 or so) were between 62% and 68%.  Is Giles simply throwing too many strikes?  More strikes means more looks at hittable pitches.

I am sorry. My head just exploded. Tell a closer to throw fewer strikes? Not I. More than one of our walkoffs started with a closer’s leadoff walk.

[jbm]

What we think doesn't matter.  By way of his usage it seems clear that Hinch trusts Rondon more than Giles.

On another note one of my chief complaints about Giles is that he leaves too many pitches in hittable locations.  A quick look at other late inning relievers (the better ones) revealed something I hadn't seen discussed.  This season Giles' strike rate is about 71%.  All of the other pitchers I looked at (about 20 or so) were between 62% and 68%.  Is Giles simply throwing too many strikes?  More strikes means more looks at hittable pitches.

I don't think it's too many strikes, it seems that his FB is just easier to square for MLB hitters.

I certainly don't understand all the qualities they measure these days on fastballs, but for whatever reason, Giles' 98 isn't as effective as many other's 98.  Whether it's deception, spin rate or something else, he really has to command his fastball well to keep it from being squared, while others can get away more frequently with missing their spot with their 98.

[Reuben]

I do not question his toughness. I do question his emotional stability.

ETA: the media is all over this today. Chuck is an astute lip reader. He said “Fuck you, man.”

Didn’t see the game; are you saying Giles said “Fuck you” to his manager when he came to take him out?

[DVauthrin]

I certainly don't understand all the qualities they measure these days on fastballs, but for whatever reason, Giles' 98 isn't as effective as many other's 98.  Whether it's deception, spin rate or something else, he really has to command his fastball well to keep it from being squared, while others can get away more frequently with missing their spot with their 98.

If Giles’ slider isn’t effective, MLB hitters are good enough to sit on a flat 98 mph fastball and get the barrel to it. 

[BudGirl]

Didn’t see the game; are you saying Giles said “Fuck you” to his manager when he came to take him out?

Chuck shared this in the GZ last night. 
https://twitter.com/ScottEMarvin/status/1016883189560823808

[DVauthrin]

Didn’t see the game; are you saying Giles said “Fuck you” to his manager when he came to take him out?

He definitely said the phrase, but it’s not completely clear if he was directing it at AJ when he said it.  Though it seems likely.

https://mobile.twitter.com/bootsmcgeev/status/1016884130523635714

[JimR]

Didn’t see the game; are you saying Giles said “Fuck you” to his manager when he came to take him out?

He said “Fuck you, man” to somebody. Like Hudson, I do not think it is cause for dismissal, but Hinch must address it with him forcefully. If he has value, a trade would not surprise me.

[jbm]

If Giles’ slider isn’t effective, MLB hitters are good enough to sit on a flat 98 mph fastball and get the barrel to it.

I don't disagree: he's certainly at his best when the slider is in form, but I don't think that fully explains it.  My sense is that even if you took this factor out of the equation, his 98 isn't as effective as other's 98. 

For example, it's not uncommon for JV to throw fastball after fastball after fastball, situations where I'd bet the batter is expecting it, but it's hard to square, much less foul off.  Giles fastball doesn't play that way at all.

[Reuben]

Hinch re. The Fuck You:
“I did hear about it. He was pretty mad in the dugout. I don't know, man. That stuff happens in the heat of battle. I'll have to look at it. He can let me know if it was directed at me. I didn't hear anything. You can certainly understand I'll address it. If it turns out it was at me, we'll talk about it.“

[Lefty]

I don't disagree: he's certainly at his best when the slider is in form, but I don't think that fully explains it.  My sense is that even if you took this factor out of the equation, his 98 isn't as effective as other's 98. 

For example, it's not uncommon for JV to throw fastball after fastball after fastball, situations where I'd bet the batter is expecting it, but it's hard to square, much less foul off.  Giles fastball doesn't play that way at all.

His percentage of balls put in play/strikes thrown is 2nd highest on the team to Keuchel.

[JimR]

Hinch re. The Fuck You:
“I did hear about it. He was pretty mad in the dugout. I don't know, man. That stuff happens in the heat of battle. I'll have to look at it. He can let me know if it was directed at me. I didn't hear anything. You can certainly understand I'll address it. If it turns out it was at me, we'll talk about it.“

Pretty much what HH said last night.

[DVauthrin]

I don't disagree: he's certainly at his best when the slider is in form, but I don't think that fully explains it.  My sense is that even if you took this factor out of the equation, his 98 isn't as effective as other's 98. 

For example, it's not uncommon for JV to throw fastball after fastball after fastball, situations where I'd bet the batter is expecting it, but it's hard to square, much less foul off.  Giles fastball doesn't play that way at all.

Verlander has much better fastball command than Giles, and he is good about mixing up location.  Giles often throws his fastball in the nitro zone for hitters and dares them to hit it.. 

[JimR]

Verlander has much better fastball command than Giles, and he is good about mixing up location.  Giles often throws his fastball in the nitro zone for hitters and dares them to hit it..

I have been a reliever—on a much smaller stage, of course—and will say a reliever does not have the same luxury of wasting pitches or throwing deliberately bad chase pitches a starter does. The reliever faces disaster from the outset and pretty much has to keep pumping in strike after strike while hoping they swing and miss or hit it at somebody.

[NeilT]

I've said this before, but I don't think that Giles has the talent to pitch consistently. Maybe that's just a different way of saying that when his slider is working he's fine, and when it's not he's not. Whether it works fine or not is outside his control. I think if he could, he would. He's done well closing, but he won't continue to do well.

As for his tantrums, they are a sideshow.

[Fredia]

distractions not needed when a team is on a playoff run

[NeilT]

distractions not needed when a team is on a playoff run

This isn't little league. There are always distractions. If Giles were performing he could pound his head every game and his teammates and management could handle it. Blowing games he comes into is the only problem that matters.

[JimR]

This isn't little league. There are always distractions. If Giles were performing he could pound his head every game and his teammates and management could handle it. Blowing games he comes into is the only problem that matters.

Preach, preacher!

[subnuclear]

Giles optioned to AAA according to Berman on twitter.

[subnuclear]

Perez back up.

[Jacksonian]

Giles optioned to AAA according to Berman on twitter.

That is quite shocking.

[TerryPuhl21]

Yep, it just hit the wire. To me, this means the brass sat down with him to discuss what happened last night. Either they sat him down and said listen, you have to get yourself under control emotionally so you can pitch better and you are going to AAA until you do so, OR, Giles didn’t react to well to the face to face talk so they sent him down. We’ll see what happens.


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[TerryPuhl21]

Perez back up.

Very anxious to see what he can do. Was VERY disappointed he didn’t get an opportunity a few days ago.


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[JimR]

That is quite shocking.

Not to me. ETA: I would have been shocked at DFA.

[TerryPuhl21]

That is quite shocking.

I could be wrong, but I don’t think you’ll see him back in Houston. His trade value may have taken a hit possibly so who knows what you can get, but I think this is the first step to moving him........but I think they had to get him out of that locker room.


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[JimR]

Very anxious to see what he can do. Was VERY disappointed he didn’t get an opportunity a few days ago.


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He warmed up but did not get in.

[Jacksonian]

Very anxious to see what he can do. Was VERY disappointed he didn’t get an opportunity a few days ago.


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I have low expectations.

[MusicMan]

I could be wrong, but I don’t think you’ll see him back in Houston. His trade value may have taken a hit possibly so who knows what you can get, but I think this is the first step to moving him........but I think they had to get him out of that locker room.


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Chron’s Chandler Rome says “more to come”


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[Ty in Tampa]

Chron’s Chandler Rome says “more to come”


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I can't see him back in Houston. On this team that seems to have some marvelous chemistry, he stands out as the exception. And in a critical role.

[JimR]

I have low expectations.

Man, you are pessimistic consistently. I have no expectations, but my hopes for this guy are high.

[JimR]

Chron’s Chandler Rome says “more to come”


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WTF does that mean, Swami? A trade?

[Jacksonian]

Man, you are pessimistic consistently. I have no expectations, but my hopes for this guy are high.

My expectations are low because he is young, has only been in the US for a year and a half, only this year has he really gotten his pitching feet under him.  His stuff his plenty major league caliber.  I believe he'll be starting games next year.

[JimR]

My expectations are low because he is young, has only been in the US for a year and a half, only this year has he really gotten his pitching feet under him.  His stuff his plenty major league caliber.  I believe he'll be starting games next year.

I read a Luhnow quote 2-3 weeks ago saying the brain trust still was debating whether to continue his development as a starter or to use him in the pen. Looks like they decided for this year at least. If you say his stuff is MLB caliber, my hopes are bolstered. If he does well, he lessens the pressure to get Hand or Britton.

[astrojo]

My son in law said he read Giles left the clubhouse before the game ended last night. Hoping he can provide a link. Explains why no post game interview of him facing media as he normally would do.

[Lefty]

My son in law said he read Giles left the clubhouse before the game ended last night. Hoping he can provide a link. Explains why no post game interview of him facing media as he normally would do.

Per the Astros PR dept, both he and Verlander left before the media was allowed in.

Giles needed to not be in the clubhouse for a while.  What "a while" is....

[subnuclear]

I can't see him back in Houston. On this team that seems to have some marvelous chemistry, he stands out as the exception. And in a critical role.

If he wants to play in the playoffs, then he needs to get it together. They aren't going to trade him to anywhere above .500.

[MusicMan]

WTF does that mean, Swami? A trade?

No clue if he thinks a trade is coming, or if he’s just awaiting further comment.

Personally, I think they’ll work out a trade.


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[JimR]

Per the Astros PR dept, both he and Verlander left before the media was allowed in.

I wondered about Verlander. He usually is so visible in the dugout after he comes out, but I did not see him during or after the rally. I hope he is not angry because the pen blew his win; that is self-absorbed selfishness, and as Hinch said, “A team win will have to do.”

[astrojo]

Per the Astros PR dept, both he and Verlander left before the media was allowed in.

Giles needed to not be in the clubhouse for a while.  What "a while" is....

Thanks and Yes, he just clarified that. That he left before media access to the clubhouse.  I thought he was saying he left the clubhouse before the game ended.

[JimR]

Verlander showed his legendary edginess during his starts when he reamed Stassi behind his glove about signs.

[astrojo]

I wondered about Verlander. He usually is so visible in the dugout after he comes out, but I did not see him during or after the rally. I hope he is not angry because the pen blew his win; that is self-absorbed selfishness, and as Hinch said, “A team win will have to do.”

Verlander tweeted after the game:

 “Called it. Said “@ABREG_1 is gonna tap it foul, its gonna spin back fair, catcher picks it up to tag Breg but hes gonna matrix it which then the ball is thrown at the ump, catchers gonna pick it up and rifle it to the back of Bregs head and the ball goes into RF.  Tucker scores”

[juliogotay]

I could be wrong, but I don’t think you’ll see him back in Houston. His trade value may have taken a hit possibly so who knows what you can get, but I think this is the first step to moving him........but I think they had to get him out of that locker room.


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I think he'll get another chance in Houston if he acts like a pro and gets his game on track.

[JimR]

Verlander tweeted after the game:

 “Called it. Said “@ABREG_1 is gonna tap it foul, its gonna spin back fair, catcher picks it up to tag Breg but hes gonna matrix it which then the ball is thrown at the ump, catchers gonna pick it up and rifle it to the back of Bregs head and the ball goes into RF.  Tucker scores”

Good. Maybe Kate sent him to the store.

[Jacksonian]

I wondered about Verlander. He usually is so visible in the dugout after he comes out, but I did not see him during or after the rally. I hope he is not angry because the pen blew his win; that is self-absorbed selfishness, and as Hinch said, “A team win will have to do.”

I would never think this about Verlander.  He's been around too long and thrown his share of stinkers to get that selfish about one regular season game.

[JimR]

I would never think this about Verlander.  He's been around too long and thrown his share of stinkers to get that selfish about one regular season game.

My view as well.

[Lefty]

I wondered about Verlander. He usually is so visible in the dugout after he comes out, but I did not see him during or after the rally. I hope he is not angry because the pen blew his win; that is self-absorbed selfishness, and as Hinch said, “A team win will have to do.”

Agreed.  I'm sure he was disappointed and probably a bit frustrated too, but that's different than angry.   Saw that in his 7 ND at home he's allowed 9 ER, I too would be very disappointed in him if it became a problem in the clubhouse, but he really doesn't seem like that kind of guy. 

I wish that after a tough day at work I could rush home to Kate Upton too.

[MusicMan]

I wondered about Verlander. He usually is so visible in the dugout after he comes out, but I did not see him during or after the rally. I hope he is not angry because the pen blew his win; that is self-absorbed selfishness, and as Hinch said, “A team win will have to do.”

I think he was out tearing Giles a new one for his comment.


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[JimR]

Agreed.  I'm sure he was disappointed and probably a bit frustrated too, but that's different than angry.   Saw that in his 7 ND at home he's allowed 9 ER, I too would be very disappointed in him if it became a problem in the clubhouse, but he really doesn't seem like that kind of guy. 

I wish that after a tough day at work I could rush home to Kate Upton too.

He seems very much a team first guy to me.

[Ty in Tampa]

AJ explains it all.

[Lefty]

Hinch is awesome.  "We're going to talk baseball here."

[JimR]

AJ explains it all.

Class act

[Fynn]

AJ explains it all.

Hinch seems to pity the young man-thinks he needs to get straightened out physically and mentally.  VERY mature response.  If Giles were smart he would take this experience and try to turn himself around.

[JimR]

Hinch seems to pity the young man-thinks he needs to get straightened out physically and mentally.  VERY mature response.  If Giles were smart he would take this experience and try to turn himself around.

We are fortunate to have AJ Hinch.

[juliogotay]

Hinch seems to pity the young man-thinks he needs to get straightened out physically and mentally.  VERY mature response.  If Giles were smart he would take this experience and try to turn himself around.

Agree on both points.

[TerryPuhl21]

We are fortunate to have AJ Hinch.

Yes we are. I would run through wall for AJ. I can listen to him talk and share his knowledge all day. He has a way of communicating that I’m sure gets the message across to all of those players. He’s much more than a manager to them, he’s probably a father figure to.


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[Arky Vaughan]

Good. Maybe Kate sent him to the store.

I'd run errands for Kate.

[Ty in Tampa]

I'd run errands for Kate.

I would run through wall for Kate.

[Arky Vaughan]

Yes we are. I would run through wall for AJ. I can listen to him talk and share his knowledge all day. He has a way of communicating that I’m sure gets the message across to all of those players. He’s much more than a manager to them, he’s probably a father figure to.


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The other thing is the other players see how he handles this, and it makes them want to run through walls for him, because they know that even if they screw up, he has their backs.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I would run errands to Wal-Mart for Kate.

Love the demotion. Give some time and space to it before cutting cords with someone who could yet prove to be a very valuable asset.

Wondering if it isn’t most likely re: JV that he was tending to KG in the immediate aftermath of the game; ie, let’s go talk about some shit over a beer before the press get here and you shove the shoe farther in there...

[Arky Vaughan]

I would run errands to Wal-Mart for Kate.

Love the demotion. Give some time and space to it before cutting cords with someone who could yet prove to be a very valuable asset.

Wondering if it isn’t most likely re: JV that he was tending to KG in the immediate aftermath of the game; ie, let’s go talk about some shit over a beer before the press get here and you shove the shoe farther in there...

I'm going to guess that's wishful thinking, but if it's true, it'd be one of the classier things I've heard an older teammate doing for a younger teammate.

[JimR]

I would run errands to Wal-Mart for Kate.

Love the demotion. Give some time and space to it before cutting cords with someone who could yet prove to be a very valuable asset.

Wondering if it isn’t most likely re: JV that he was tending to KG in the immediate aftermath of the game; ie, let’s go talk about some shit over a beer before the press get here and you shove the shoe farther in there...

Reasonable assumption.

[Lefty]

I'm going to guess that's wishful thinking, but if it's true, it'd be one of the classier things I've heard an older teammate doing for a younger teammate.

If that did in fact actually happen, well, I didn't think my respect level for Verlander could get much higher.

[JimR]

I'm going to guess that's wishful thinking, but if it's true, it'd be one of the classier things I've heard an older teammate doing for a younger teammate.

This is what I would expect the leader of the pitching staff to do.

[DVauthrin]

If he wants to play in the playoffs, then he needs to get it together. They aren't going to trade him to anywhere above .500.

Along those lines, I could see him being a part of a trade for Zach Britton with the Orioles.

[DVauthrin]

Hinch seems to pity the young man-thinks he needs to get straightened out physically and mentally.  VERY mature response.  If Giles were smart he would take this experience and try to turn himself around.

AJ Hinch is a very good people person.  That interview was handled very well. 

As for Giles, he needs to go down to Fresno and show the improvement the Astros are looking for.  If he does that, he’ll be back in the big leagues soon.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Side note: My almost-five year old and I went to yesterday's game, in large part because of the "Kids Run The Bases" deal afterwards.  Cionel Perez was high fiving each kid as they finished their run, and signing autographs in between.  Kid looked so incredibly happy to be in a big league park.  I hope he does really well.

[juliogotay]

Side note: My almost-five year old and I went to yesterday's game, in large part because of the "Kids Run The Bases" deal afterwards.  Cionel Perez was high fiving each kid as they finished their run, and signing autographs in between.  Kid looked so incredibly happy to be in a big league park.  I hope he does really well.

great story. love to hear stuff like this.

[Lefty]

great story. love to hear stuff like this.

Awesome.  He seems like a really easy guy to root for.

[MusicMan]

Awesome.  He seems like a really easy guy to root for.

Col. Perez outranks Gen. Admission.


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[Mr. Happy]

Col. Perez outranks Gen. Admission.


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Well played, sir.

[VirtualBob]

Hinch seems to pity the young man-thinks he needs to get straightened out physically and mentally.  VERY mature response.  If Giles were smart he would take this experience and try to turn himself around.

Any word on when Giles will report to Fresno?

[Nate Colbert]

Any word on when Giles will report to Fresno?

Active for today's game.

[VirtualBob]

Active for today's game.

Yep.  And two hits allowed in his 1 IP last night in a non-save situation.

[Reuben]

Giles threw a perfect inning for Fresno last night. 2 K, 12 pitches, 8 strikes.

[Noe]

I'd trade for Giles at the deadline if he was available. Just saying.

[Snuffy]

I'd trade for Giles at the deadline if he was available. Just saying.

I am thankful that immaturity is not necessarily a permanent condition - if we live long enuf. 
Giles still has an arm....