Postseason roster questions

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Do Valdez and James make the cut over some combo of Peacock/McHugh/Rondon/Devenski?

Do you play Bregman at short for the ALDS and bench Correa?

I heard Hinch on the pregame today saying he was going to be playing Correa "hard" over the remaining games. If he can't cut it do they leave him off the postseason roster entirely?

Some interesting decisions to be made, it seems.

[Kit]

Yes, If Charlie can't go, I think James starts game 4 vs Tribe. Even if Morton can start,  James would be the safety net for that start and has to be on the roster.
no

[juliogotay]

Do Valdez and James make the cut over some combo of Peacock/McHugh/Rondon/Devenski?

Do you play Bregman at short for the ALDS and bench Correa?

I heard Hinch on the pregame today saying he was going to be playing Correa "hard" over the remaining games. If he can't cut it do they leave him off the postseason roster entirely?

Some interesting decisions to be made, it seems.

I would bet on James making the post-season. Valdez would surprise me.  Correa is going to be a tough situation but I ultimately can't see him not being on the roster.

[Bench]

I would be shocked if James isn't on the roster.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

First try:

McCann
Maldonado
(Gattis)

Yuli
White
Altuve
Correa
Bregman
Marwin

Reddick
Springer
Marisnick
Kemp

Verlander
Cole
CFM
Keuchel
McCullers
Valdez
McHugh
"Joe Smith"
Elvis
Peacock
James
Osuna

Leaves off Devenski, Rondon...who else? Surely I'm forgetting someone obvious.

It would be awesome to watch Straw's speed in the playoffs postseason, but surely with a healthy Marisnick he doesn't make the cut. Right?

[JimR]

Do Valdez and James make the cut over some combo of Peacock/McHugh/Rondon/Devenski?

Do you play Bregman at short for the ALDS and bench Correa?

I heard Hinch on the pregame today saying he was going to be playing Correa "hard" over the remaining games. If he can't cut it do they leave him off the postseason roster entirely?

Some interesting decisions to be made, it seems.

Yes, James, maybe. No Valdez. Not enough strikes.

[WVastro]

Leaves off Devenski, Rondon...who else? Surely I'm forgetting someone obvious.

Sipp.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Sipp.

Right. Sipp in lieu of Valdez.

[JimR]

I’ll be shocked if Rondon is off.

[Fredia]

at the after game celebration blum and  company were discussing how players like james had not even been in the discussion until they made the cases for themselves

[Jacksonian]

Yes, If Charlie can't go, I think James starts game 4 vs Tribe. Even if Morton can start,  James would be the safety net for that start and has to be on the roster.
no

Their first two games are at home.  There’s no guarantee they survive for a game 4.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Their first two games are at home.  There’s no guarantee they survive for a game 4.

I'm more scared of facing Kluber and Bauer in Houston than anything Boston or New York or Oakland could throw at us.

[Kit]

Their first two games are at home.  There’s no guarantee they survive for a game 4.

I'm not sure which team "they" are, but you have to plan as if there will be a game 4.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I’ll be shocked if Rondon is off.

Agree. Rondon should be on the roster, especially if they're convinced their delivery tweaks are the answer to his recent problems.   Framber walked 21 batters in 34.2 IP.  He also gave up 21 hits and hit 4 batters (I think most of those were in 1 outing).  He did a great job of keeping those chickens from coming home to roost,  but those control issues are worrisome.

[Tom Servo]

Agree. Rondon should be on the roster, especially if they're convinced their delivery tweaks are the answer to his recent problems.   Framber walked 21 batters in 34.2 IP.  He also gave up 21 hits and hit 4 batters (I think most of those were in 1 outing).  He did a great job of keeping those chickens from coming home to roost,  but those control issues are worrisome.

I feel the same way.  Rondon's experience is a big plus.  Framber's control could just blow up in the pressure of post-season play.  And it's ALWAYS pressure in the post-season.

[Tom Servo]

I feel the same way.  Rondon's experience is a big plus.  Framber's control could just blow up in the pressure of post-season play.  And it's ALWAYS pressure in the post-season.

On the other hand, he has a 4.50 ERA in 15 career post-season games.  18 H, 4 HR in 14 IP

[Tom Servo]

That got me thinking about the other relievers for postseason...

Will Harris has a 6.43 in 10 games
Roberto Osuna has a 1.04 ERA in 14 games.  16 K and 1 BB in 17.1 innings. 7 hits
Devo has a 9.00 ERA in 10 games
Sipp in 6 games hasn't given up an earned run.
Pressly has no post-season experience.
Smith only has 2.1 IP, but no hits and 1 BB (intentional) and 3 K
Peacock has a 5.11 ERA in 7 G (1 GS), 12.1 IP, 4 BB 16 K

[Bench]

I’ll be shocked if Rondon is off.

Me too.  Rondon is in, but who in Knox's list is out (swapping Sipp for Framber of course).  Peacock? McCullers?

[toddthebod]

I keep thinking about Straw.  Straw is a weapon like no one else on the 40 man roster.  But I really want Marisnick on the playoff roster because he is the best defensive outfielder on the team (in the league?).

So I've come to this weird point where I'm thinking that I would leave Kemp off the playoff roster even though Tony totally deserves to be on the playoff roster based on his performance this year. 

Marwin starts in LF.  Marisnick is the late game defensive replacement.  And Straw is the pinch runner.

This thinking, however, changes if the Astros make the World Series because you need more pinch hitters in NL parks and I trust Kemp as a pinch hitter more than I trust either Marisnick or Straw.   

[juliogotay]

I keep thinking about Straw.  Straw is a weapon like no one else on the 40 man roster.  But I really want Marisnick on the playoff roster because he is the best defensive outfielder on the team (in the league?).

So I've come to this weird point where I'm thinking that I would leave Kemp off the playoff roster even though Tony totally deserves to be on the playoff roster based on his performance this year. 

Marwin starts in LF.  Marisnick is the late game defensive replacement.  And Straw is the pinch runner.

This thinking, however, changes if the Astros make the World Series because you need more pinch hitters in NL parks and I trust Kemp as a pinch hitter more than I trust either Marisnick or Straw.   

It is obvious Luhnow is enamored with Straw's speed and has used the term "weapon" to describe it. I just don't see how he fits though unless they are cutting back on the number of pitchers.

[MikeyBoy]

AJ only carried 11 pitchers for the 2017 ALDS, so I assume he will do the same this year. That makes the already tough bullpen decisions a little tougher. Here is my guess.

Starters:
JV
Cole
Morton
DK2

Bullpen:
Osuna
Pressley
Rondon
Sipp
Smith
Peacock
McCullers or McHugh?



 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Starters:
JV
Cole
Morton
DK2

Bullpen:
Osuna
Pressley
Sipp
Peacock or McCullers or McHugh or Smith or Rondon?

Some tough choices. Based on the way Hinch managed last Postseason I think Smith and Rondon might be left off in lieu of the Mc boys and Peacock.

[JimR]

Me too.  Rondon is in, but who in Knox's list is out (swapping Sipp for Framber of course).  Peacock? McCullers?

Peacock for sure, I think, and McCullers still is an unanswered question.

[MusicMan]

I don’t see Peacock making the cut. Lefties have murdered him, so you can’t afford to carry him with only one lefty in the pen.


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[JimR]

Starters:
JV
Cole
Morton
DK2

Bullpen:
Osuna
Pressley
Sipp
Peacock or McCullers or McHugh or Smith or Rondon?

Some tough choices. Based on the way Hinch managed last Postseason I think Smith and Rondon might be left off in lieu of the Mc boys and Peacock.

Doubtful. I think both definitely are in. McHugh too.

[DVauthrin]

Doubtful. I think both definitely are in. McHugh too.

Agreed.  They both have a lot of postseason experience, too. 

[MusicMan]

It would be completely insane to leave Smith off.


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[juliogotay]

It would be completely insane to leave Smith off.


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+1.

[doyce7]

This is not the roster they will likely pick but this would be my roster if I was making the call.


C
1. McCann
2. Maldonado

IF
3. Yuli
4. Altuve
5. Correa
6. Bregman
7. White

OF
8. Marwin
9. Springer
10. Reddick
11. Kemp
12. Marisnick
13. Straw

Starters
14. Verlander
15. Cole
16. Keuchel
17. Morton

Relievers
18. Osuna
19. Pressly
20. Rondon
21. McCullers
22. Sipp
23. McHugh
24. Smith
25. James

Left off
Gattis
Stassi
Peacock
Devo
Harris

They have said in the past they would carry 3 catchers so stassi or gattis might make it on but I wouldn't. Picking the bullpen is the hard part I could easily see any of devo/peacock/Harris being on the roster.

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[TeeJoe]

For what it's worth, that's the line-up I'd go with.

I'm ready to see what Hinch decides on though!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

It would be completely insane to leave Smith off.

You know me. He's been pretty good all year. My insane brain locked in on the Angels game last week, Astros leading 1-0 in the 8th Rondon and Smith combined to a tune of allowing 5 runs to score. while only retiring one. Little did it matter after the Astros scored 9 in the bottom half of the inning.

[juliogotay]

This is not the roster they will likely pick but this would be my roster if I was making the call.


C
1. McCann
2. Maldonado

IF
3. Yuli
4. Altuve
5. Correa
6. Bregman
7. White

OF
8. Marwin
9. Springer
10. Reddick
11. Kemp
12. Marisnick
13. Straw

Starters
14. Verlander
15. Cole
16. Keuchel
17. Morton

Relievers
18. Osuna
19. Pressly
20. Rondon
21. McCullers
22. Sipp
23. McHugh
24. Smith
25. James

Left off
Gattis
Stassi
Peacock
Devo
Harris

They have said in the past they would carry 3 catchers so stassi or gattis might make it on but I wouldn't. Picking the bullpen is the hard part I could easily see any of devo/peacock/Harris being on the roster.

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I think Straw is highly unlikely BUT Luhnow keeps talking about him and what a weapon he is.

[doyce7]

I think Straw is highly unlikely BUT Luhnow keeps talking about him and what a weapon he is.

The thing is if you go with 12 pitchers which I think they will. Then the only players to replace him with would be stassi or gattis. Stassi is only useful in the just in case of injury way and the presence of white makes gattis have very little value at all. At this point you aren't going to start gattis at DH over white and he doesnt play the field. Straw on the other hand can be used in big spots as a runner which has tons of value. I do agree it's unlikely hes on the roster though, because they will probably carry 3 catchers

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[JimR]

You know me. He's been pretty good all year. My insane brain locked in on the Angels game last week, Astros leading 1-0 in the 8th Rondon and Smith combined to a tune of allowing 5 runs to score. while only retiring one. Little did it matter after the Astros scored 9 in the bottom half of the inning.

They will not make decisions based on one game.

[HudsonHawk]

The thing is if you go with 12 pitchers which I think they will. Then the only players to replace him with would be stassi or gattis. Stassi is only useful in the just in case of injury way and the presence of white makes gattis have very little value at all. At this point you aren't going to start gattis at DH over white and he doesnt play the field. Straw on the other hand can be used in big spots as a runner which has tons of value. I do agree it's unlikely hes on the roster though, because they will probably carry 3 catchers

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I disagree that Gattis has very little value.  He's certainly a better pinch hitting option than Stassi, Straw, Maldonado or Marisnick...and frankly, Correa too.  And there's no way I'd include McCullers for the ALDS.  I'd carry 11 pitchers and swap Gattis for McCullers.

[JimR]

I disagree that Gattis has very little value.  He's certainly a better pinch hitting option than Stassi, Straw, Maldonado or Marisnick...and frankly, Correa too.  And there's no way I'd include McCullers for the ALDS.  I'd carry 11 pitchers and swap Gattis for McCullers.

I think Gattis will be on the roster.

[austro]

My guess is that they don't yet feel comfortable enough with McCullers to use a spot for this series. I think he'll probably pitch in the double-header on Saturday, and then they'll keep him working out during the division series. He might get a spot on the ALCS roster if they advance. That would be about two more weeks of rehab/reconditioning, since the division series doesn't start until Friday.

When do they have to set the roster?

[Dobro]

Straw is a spark plug who could be uniquely valuable in the post season.  His ability to make things happen shouldn't be underestimated.

[HudsonHawk]

My guess is that they don't yet feel comfortable enough with McCullers to use a spot for this series. I think he'll probably pitch in the double-header on Saturday, and then they'll keep him working out during the division series. He might get a spot on the ALCS roster if they advance. That would be about two more weeks of rehab/reconditioning, since the division series doesn't start until Friday.

When do they have to set the roster?

I don't think there is an established deadline, it's whenever the Commish sets it.  Usually by at least noon on the day of Game 1.  So they have at least through the end of the regular season and a couple days afterward.  They should have at least until next Thursday to decide. 

[juliogotay]

Straw is a spark plug who could be uniquely valuable in the post season.  His ability to make things happen shouldn't be underestimated.

He makes things happen when he is on base. Getting on base may be a huge issue. Especially in very limited at-bats. So, he's a pinch-runner.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I think Gattis will be on the roster.

Agreed.  Gattis is getting hot at the right time.

[Bench]

Here's McTaggart's McTake:  The Astros are likely to carry 11 pitchers in a five-game ALDS, meaning they'll carry seven relievers. There's plenty of competition among those spots, which could put players like Brad Peacock, Will Harris and Chris Devenski, who were on the playoff roster last year, in limbo. Hard-throwing rookie Josh James has put himself in the mix for a relief spot as well. The club also has to decide whether to carry Max Stassi as a third catcher or Myles Straw as a pinch-runner in sort of the same role that Derek Fisher served last year.

[subnuclear]

I suppose it's good to have enough options that a player who hit 25 home runs is on the bubble.

[Texifornia]

I don't think, BBGs willing, that a totally hypothetical, BBGs willing, ALCS lineup, BBGs willing, will look the same, BBGs willing, as the ALDS lineup, BBGs willing.

[Mr. Appropriate]

Amen. So who has the final say on the roster if they don't reach consensus?

[Texifornia]

Amen. So who has the final say on the roster if they don't reach consensus?

I believe Hinch does. I would expect, though, as modern executives, that Hinch and Luhnow will discuss it until they agree.

[Bench]

I believe Hinch does. I would expect, though, as modern executives, that Hinch and Lunow will discuss it until they agree.

Interesting.  I would have thought Luhnow had final say on the roster.  Nevertheless, I agree it's a purely academic discussion.

[Mr. Happy]

Interesting.  I would have thought Luhnow had final say on the roster.  Nevertheless, I agree it's a purely academic discussion.

Correct and agree.

[Nate Colbert]

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 19m ago
The Astros will send Reymin Guduan, Kyle Tucker and Dean Deetz home after this game. Cionel Perez and Framber Valdez are going to West Palm Beach to throw some bullpens and stay active. 31 players remain for the 25-man playoff roster.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

What was Truby even doing on the roster?

[chuck]

What was Truby even doing on the roster?

NL teams need plenty of pinch hitters.

[Navin R Johnson]

Last years pitchers for the ALDS

Pitchers (11): RHP Chris Devenski, RHP Ken Giles, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Will Harris, LHP Dallas Keuchel, LHP Francisco Liriano, RHP Lance McCullers Jr., RHP Charlie Morton, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Brad Peacock, RHP Justin Verlander

Astros likely to have 7 different guys from last years group.

[Texifornia]

My ALDS 11 for the pitching staff:

Osuna, Sipp, Rondon, Verlander, Cole, Keuchel, Morton, McCullers, McHugh, James, and Devo.

[moriartp]

My ALDS 11 for the pitching staff:

Osuna, Sipp, Rondon, Verlander, Cole, Keuchel, Morton, McCullers, McHugh, James, and Devo.

Pressly, my good man, Pressly.

[Texifornia]

Pressly, my good man, Pressly.

Holy shit! You’re right. Sorry Devo.


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[WVastro]

Also... Joe Smith was brought on to be a “Yankee Righty Killer”. Do I remember that correctly? With Donaldson and Ramirez I could see him on the roster before JJ. As “intriguing” as JJ is I’d personally want Smith in to face those two. I’m sure I’m wrong....

The flip side is once you leave a rookie off one roster I wouldn’t bring them back. Too many variables with such limited experience.

[JimR]

I cannot believe Smith will be left off.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I cannot believe Smith will be left off.

Now that the season is over, who would you go with Coach?

[Texifornia]

I cannot believe Smith will be left off.

Smith for James? Maybe, but it can be useful to have 100+ gas available when you just need to strike a MFer out.
Smith for McHugh? Maybe, but Colin can give multiple innings when needed.
Smith for McCullers? Maybe, but what if Lance and his curve are really back?

I don't know, I'm glad I don't have to make the call. Is it possible they will carry 12 pitchers in the ALDS?

[LonghornCDR]

Smith for James? Maybe, but it can be useful to have 100+ gas available when you just need to strike a MFer out.
Smith for McHugh? Maybe, but Colin can give multiple innings when needed.
Smith for McCullers? Maybe, but what if Lance and his curve are really back?

I don't know, I'm glad I don't have to make the call. Is it possible they will carry 12 pitchers in the ALDS?

.
After the Boston series and his consistent performance after that, James has to make it. 
McCullers looks to be in great shape and can give multiple innings.
Smith needs to be there to get high leverage outs against big right handed bats (i.e Donaldson, Judge, Stanton, Martinez).
But then again, I just can’t see leaving McHugh on the shelf again. 

We’ve experienced first hand how important that professional pinch runner can be in the postseason, which goes hand in hand with taking three catchers. 

My head hurts thinking about this.  Glad the pros are making this decision.   But I’d really like to see what James can do in the offseason. 

[jbm]

which goes hand in hand with taking three catchers. 

Haven't followed these discussions closely and realize there are some very difficult decisions, but carrying Stassi is not one of them, is it?  I assume he is not on the PS roster.

[BudGirl]

No offense to James, but I'd go with Smith over him. Here's my 25.

1 Gurriel
2 Altuve
3 Correa
4 Bregman
5 McCann
6 Gonzalez
7 Springer
8 Reddick

9 Verlander
10 Cole
11 Keuchel
12 Morton

13 Maldonado
14 Marinick
15 Kemp
16 Gattis
17 White

18 Osuna
19  McHugh
20  Pressley
21  Smith
22 Rondon
23 Sipp
24 Devenski
25 McCullers

[BudGirl]

I just realized I missed Harris, but they all need to stay fresh to see who may be needed in the case of ALCS (Baseball Gods willing).

[LonghornCDR]

I don’t think Devo has a realistic shot at the postseason roster.  He needs an offseason to find his command.again.

I don’t see the point of carrying both White and Gattis on the roster.  I love them both, but they are redundant in the postseason.  White has outplayed Gattis and can at least play 1B.  I think Gattis’ spot goes to Stassi.    Kemp and Marisnick are your pinch runners for catchers late in games. 

[Navin R Johnson]

No offense to James, but I'd go with Smith over him. Here's my 25.

1 Gurriel
2 Altuve
3 Correa
4 Bregman
5 McCann
6 Gonzalez
7 Springer
8 Reddick

9 Verlander
10 Cole
11 Keuchel
12 Morton

13 Maldonado
14 Marinick
15 Kemp
16 Gattis
17 White

18 Osuna
19  McHugh
20  Pressley
21  Smith
22 Rondon
23 Sipp
24 Devenski
25 McCullers

Replace Straw for Devo and that’s my guess at the 25 for the ALDS. 

[BudGirl]

Replace Straw for Devo and that’s my guess at the 25 for the ALDS. 

Not me, I'll replace Devo for Harris though.  I was going with 12 pitchers.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Replace Straw for Devo and that’s my guess at the 25 for the ALDS.

That’s mine too.

[DVauthrin]

I think Josh James could be very effective being the first guy out of the bullpen in Keuchel’s start.  Imagine facing Dallas and his soft-tossing stuff, then having to deal with a pitcher that throws 101 mph.  Would make the Indians’ hitters very uncomfortable, especially considering they have never seen his stuff before.

[JimR]

If it is Smith or James, I take Smith because of experience.

James or McHugh? James or McCullers? Tossup. No Harris or Peacock or Devo, probably, which shows how freaking deep we are. James over any of them.

Straw over Stassi for me. They will not pinch run for Maldonado unless he is the winning run on second late. His defense is too valuable.  If Gattis is on the roster, he can be the emergency catcher if injury disaster strikes.

[BudGirl]

If it is Smith or James, I take Smith because of experience.

James or McHugh? James or McCullers? Tossup. No Harris or Peacock or Devo, probably, which shows how freaking deep we are. James over any of them.

Straw over Stassi for me. They will not pinch run for Maldonado unless he is the winning run on second late. His defense is too valuable.  If Gattis is on the roster, he can be the emergency catcher if injury disaster strikes.

I totally forgot about Peacock...

And I think McHugh is on the roster.

[Tom Servo]

Those two outings by Smith at the end of the month have me concerned.  I'd still lean on the side of experience, though (over James).

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Those two outings by Smith at the end of the month have me concerned.  I'd still lean on the side of experience, though (over James).

Yeah.  My confidence in Smith was higher before those 2 appearances.

[Navin R Johnson]

Per McTaggert on Twitter dot com

“The Astros 25-man playoff roster will be announced Friday morning.”

[Fredia]

well crap

[subnuclear]

McTaggart tweets the ALDS bullpen: Osuna McCullers Pressly Harris James Sipp McHugh Also, Astros keeping Myles Straw over third catcher

[geezerdonk]

Smith is a better option than either Harris or Sipp; so is Rondon notwithstanding his recent struggles.

[subnuclear]

Here's the whole ALDS roster:

Catchers: Maldonado, McCann.
IF: Gurriel, Altuve, Correa, Bregman, Gonzalez.
OF: Springer, Reddick, Marisnick, Kemp, Straw.
DH: White, Gattis
SP: Verlander, Cole, Keuchel, Morton.
RP: Osuna, Pressly, Sipp, James, McCullers, McHugh, Harris.

[MusicMan]

Harris over Smith and Rondon is an absolute head scratcher.


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[Bench]

Harris over Smith/Rondon is the only big surprise.  It's not like Harris was pitching lights out at the end, or has a stellar track record against Cleveland.  Encarnacion, for one, has a couple of home runs off him. 

[doyce7]

Wow. Why just why Harris over smith/Rondon? Hopefully this wont bite them

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[juliogotay]

Wow. Why just why Harris over smith/Rondon? Hopefully this wont bite them

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My guess is they are going with the "hot" hand. Harris has something like 8 consecutive scoreless appearances.

[Jacksonian]

My guess is they are going with the "hot" hand. Harris has something like 8 consecutive scoreless appearances.

Over the last 30 days.  Hot hand it is.

[subnuclear]

Chandler Rome has a bunch of quotes from Hinch on the roster construction.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I just hope Harris is ready to prove he was the right choice.

[Nate Colbert]

Yeah, what a goddamn shock...

When does the Will Harris bitching stop?

Since June 8: 34.1 IP, 22 H, 8 BB, 42 K, 0.87 WHIP.

Over his last 11 appearances, no runs allowed in 12 IP with just 3 hits and 2 walks allowed.

Make that over his last 13 appearances no runs allowed.

[Bench]

Chandler Rome has a bunch of quotes from Hinch on the roster construction.

Here's the key quote:  James, a starter throughout his minor league career, provides the length Hinch requested [due to Morton and McCullers' health concerns].  Harris' cutter and curveball repertoire matches up favorably with the Indians, Hinch said, something he failed to see in Rondon's arsenal.

Smith is a righty specialist and would only be in to face Donaldson and Encarnacion.  As for Rondon, "some of the things that he does and some of the execution he does didn't really match up well with very many areas of the lineup with the Indians."

[JimR]

Harris over Smith and Rondon is an absolute head scratcher.


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Holy crap, I am shocked. James too.

[juliogotay]

Holy crap, I am shocked. James too.

Are you surprised James was included?

[JimR]

Are you surprised James was included?

Over Smith and Rondon, yes.

[Navin R Johnson]

Not what I was expecting at all.  Shocked at the BP choices.

[Navin R Johnson]

I’m guessing matchup numbers had a bit to do with it.

[JimR]

I’m guessing matchup numbers had a bit to do with it.

Everything

[Limey]

New season, new quibbling over the 25th man on the roster.

Damn I miss the TZ sometimes.

[JimR]

New season, new quibbling over the 25th man on the roster.

Damn I miss the TZ sometimes.

Bullpen choices are not the same.

[Bench]

New season, new quibbling over the 25th man on the roster.

Damn I miss the TZ sometimes.

Straw over Stassi would be quibbling over the 25th man, and I don't think anyone is shocked by that (and I wouldn't be shocked if were the other way). 

[jbm]

I would have been surprised if James didn't make it.  He's been pretty damn good in some important situations, and can go multiple innings.  The Rondon and Smith arguments should hinge over Straw, Gattis or White.  Six of one ... in my mind. 

Now it's time for the assembled squad to go get em.

[Navin R Johnson]

New season, new quibbling over the 25th man on the roster.

Damn I miss the TZ sometimes.

Harris, McCullers, James over Rondon, Smith, Peacock aren’t throw away 25th man decisions

[JimR]

Harris, McCullers, James over Rondon, Smith, Peacock aren’t throw away 25th man decisions

I did not think Peacock would make it. Shocked Harris and James over Smith and Rondon.

[austro]

I did not think Peacock would make it. Shocked Harris and James over Smith and Rondon.

I'm not surprised that James was included, but Harris surprises me. In spite of his recent numbers, he makes me very, very nervous when he takes the mound.

[Nate Colbert]

Rondon on his no-show yesterday...

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 1m ago
Hector Rondon on his absence yesterday: "I was doing something inside, like preparing my arm. I'm not on this roster, but I was preparing my arm for the next round. I've apologized to my teammates, A.J., too."

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Rondon on his no-show yesterday...

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 1m ago
Hector Rondon on his absence yesterday: "I was doing something inside, like preparing my arm. I'm not on this roster, but I was preparing my arm for the next round. I've apologized to my teammates, A.J., too."

Probably BS about prepping his arm at that particular time,   but good acknowledgement it was wrong and hopefully it was a sincere apology to the team.

[Fredia]

sounds like a team player tome

[LonghornCDR]

Everything

It’s all about the data and what the decision science guys came up with.  James checked the “gut feel” box in Boston and Harris still carries some goodwill for key outs made in the postseason last year (8th inning of WS game 2 comes to mind).  But it was primarily about which pitcher’s stuff matched up best against the holes in opposing players’ swings. 

[jbm]

So, any expected changes going into a new series?  Adding a pitcher?  Might we lose one of Gattis, White or Straw, or more likely Gattis or Straw?

[MusicMan]

Smith or Rondon for Harris.


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[toddthebod]

So, any expected changes going into a new series?  Adding a pitcher?  Might we lose one of Gattis, White or Straw, or more likely Gattis or Straw?

In a seven game series, team may need more pitchers.   White and Straw stay.  Gattis sits.  Rondon makes the roster. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

In a seven game series, team may need more pitchers.   White and Straw stay.  Gattis sits.  Rondon makes the roster.

I think this is what will happen too.

And Rondon may switch with Harris.

[doyce7]

Smith and rondon for gattis and Harris for me. It will probably be rondon if red Sox or Smith if yankees for gattis if I had to bet

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[JimR]

Hinch appears to love Harris. I was surprised James did not pitch the 9th with a 9-run lead. Smith and Rondon should be on the roster for their experience.

[HudsonHawk]

They carried 12 pitchers in the 7-game series last year.  I wouldn't expect they'd keep six outfielders and two DHs.  So probably Straw or Gattis is off the roster in favor of Smith or Rondon.  Probably Rondon.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

They carried 12 pitchers in the 7-game series last year.  I wouldn't expect they'd keep six outfielders and two DHs.  So probably Straw or Gattis is off the roster in favor of Smith or Rondon.  Probably Rondon.

Agree but I think both Smith and Rondon will be on the roster. I think Harris will be left off. I thought Harris' 9th inning Monday was a reminder of how he can collapse. He certainly can't be trusted with inherited runners.

[HudsonHawk]

Agree but I think both Smith and Rondon will be on the roster. I think Harris will be left off. I thought Harris' 9th inning Monday was a reminder of how he can collapse. He certainly can't be trusted with inherited runners.

Plus the Red Sox have owned Harris, both in his career and especially this season. 

[JimR]

Plus the Red Sox have owned Harris, both in his career and especially this season.

If James cannot pitch up 11-2, he is a wasted roster spot. On the flip side, he pitched very well in relief at Fenway.

[HudsonHawk]

If James cannot pitch up 11-2, he is a wasted roster spot. On the flip side, he pitched very well in relief at Fenway.

I assume it was a matter of getting either James or Harris in, but they weren't going to get both.  Hinch seems hell bent on getting Harris innings.

[VirtualBob]

I assume it was a matter of getting either James or Harris in, but they weren't going to get both.  Hinch seems hell bent on getting Harris innings.

Hoping he will turn it around?  I may be wrong, but I think that may have been his audition for the next round.

[austro]

Hoping he will turn it around?  I may be wrong, but I think that may have been his audition for the next round.

That's what I was thinking. And I"m not sure he passed the audition.

[das]

I may be wrong, but I think that may have been his audition for the next round.

This.

I would have liked to see James there. What a thrill that would have been for him. And a great “thank you” for an excellent year.

[Lefty]

Gattis was the 3rd catcher last year in the ALCS, with Centeno and McCann.  But he was the DH.  Now with White at DH, how do you keep Gattis on the roster and keep a 3rd catcher while keeping Straw (Fisher) and Maybin (Jake) on the roster?

[BlownRanger]

Hoping he will turn it around?  I may be wrong, but I think that may have been his audition for the next round.

Harris finished the regular season with thirteen straight scoreless outings, so I'm not sure there was a lot to "turn around".  I don't think his presence is key to the Astros' prospects for further success, but there's a reason Hinch likes Harris.

[DVauthrin]

Hinch appears to love Harris. I was surprised James did not pitch the 9th with a 9-run lead. Smith and Rondon should be on the roster for their experience.

Agreed.  I thought 11-2 in the 9th inning was the perfect time to get James his first taste of postseason baseball, and was shocked Harris came in instead.

[jaklewein]

If James cannot pitch up 11-2, he is a wasted roster spot. On the flip side, he pitched very well in relief at Fenway.

I kind of thought the same but agree with others that maybe that was an audition for Harris heading into next round.

I believe James is still a valuable piece for AJ.  If we were to get down by say 3-4 runs early, James is the guy you can stick in there and try to eat some valuable innings (and hopefully stop the bleeding while doing so) keeping the bullpen fresh for the next game.

[geezerdonk]

Every time I see Harris pitching, I see Royals batting.

[JimR]

Every time I see Harris pitching, I see Royals batting.

or Dodgers

[doyce7]

Harris and straw off, smith and rondon on the roster for ALCS

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[austro]

Harris and straw off, smith and rondon on the roster for ALCS

It's probably not surprising that Gattis beat Straw in the arm-wrestling contest to see who stayed.

[Reuben]

I think Gattis’ status as the 3rd/emergency catcher helped him. If you pinch-run or pinch-hit for Maldonado (say, with Kemp) in the 6th inning, you don’t have to worry quite so much about McCann catching a backswing to the head and having to leave the game. Assuming you haven’t already burned Gattis as a PH, of course.