Rotation Games 4.5.6.7

[Navin R Johnson]

Need to win 2 of the next 4.

Sounds like lots of options for the next 4.

I'd go.  Grienke Thursday, Urquidy, Friday Verlander Saturday, Cole Sunday.

[DVauthrin]

If tonight’s game gets postponed until tomorrow, I’d flip Verlander and Urquidy in your order.  Verlander won’t be fazed by pitching in Yankee Stadium in October, and he’s on normal rest Friday.

[juliogotay]

If tonight’s game gets postponed until tomorrow, I’d flip Verlander and Urquidy in your order.  Verlander won’t be fazed by pitching in Yankee Stadium in October, and he’s on normal rest Friday.

This.

[NeilT]

If tonight’s game gets postponed until tomorrow, I’d flip Verlander and Urquidy in your order.  Verlander won’t be fazed by pitching in Yankee Stadium in October, and he’s on normal rest Friday.

In the playoffs not going with Verlander Friday is too much of a headgame.  You play to win the game in front of you. That means Verlander as soon as he's on full rest. Greinke tomorrow, Verlander Friday.

[homer]

Hinch announced Grienke tomorrow and JV Friday per MLB.

[Texifornia]

Boone hasn't officially said so, but it's probably going to be Tanaka vs Grienke On Thursday. Grienke pitched O.K. in Game 1 but can pitch much better. Tanaka can't pitch much better than he did in Game 1 and I don't think he can keep the Astros' offense down a second time.

[JimR]

Boone hasn't officially said so, but it's probably going to be Tanaka vs Grienke On Thursday. Grienke pitched O.K. in Game 1 but can pitch much better. Tanaka can't pitch much better than he did in Game 1 and I don't think he can keep the Astros' offense down a second time.

Hope so on both points.

[Texifornia]

Hope so on both points.

I'm hoping Tanaka Tonic is just the thing for what ails Yordan. He can catch up to the fastball and pull the breaking pitch into the upper deck.

I'm going to meditate on these three things: Yordan Alvarez, breaking pitch, and upper deck.

[Jacksonian]

I'm hoping Tanaka Tonic is just the thing for what ails Yordan. He can catch up to the fastball and pull the breaking pitch into the upper deck.

I'm going to meditate on these three things: Yordan Alvarez, breaking pitch, and upper deck.

Just make sure you're connecting all three of those things while he's in the batter's box.

[homer]

In the playoffs not going with Verlander Friday is too much of a headgame.  You play to win the game in front of you. That means Verlander as soon as he's on full rest. Greinke tomorrow, Verlander Friday.

Following that train of thought, it should be Cole Saturday (if necessary) and all hands on deck (including Verlander, Greinke, and probably even Cole) on Sunday (if necessary)

[MRaup]

Following that train of thought, it should be Cole Saturday (if necessary) and all hands on deck (including Verlander, Greinke, and probably even Cole) on Sunday (if necessary)

BAH GOD! THAT'S CHARLIE MORTON'S MUSIC!

[AtascAstro]

Following that train of thought, it should be Cole Saturday (if necessary) and all hands on deck (including Verlander, Greinke, and probably even Cole) on Sunday (if necessary)

I wouldn't pitch Cole on short rest unless we were facing elimination.

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[Texifornia]

Following that train of thought, it should be Cole Saturday (if necessary) and all hands on deck (including Verlander, Greinke, and probably even Cole) on Sunday (if necessary)

If the Astros can win one of the next two games, I would think Cole gets Sunday on normal rest, if necessary and Johnny Allstaff on Saturday.

[homer]

BAH GOD! THAT'S CHARLIE MORTON'S MUSIC!

I wouldn't pitch Cole on short rest unless we were facing elimination.

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If the Astros can win one of the next two games, I would think Cole gets Sunday on normal rest, if necessary and Johnny Allstaff on Saturday.

We already have precedent on this from the ALDS. Hinch will do everything in his power to win the game in front of him, and pitching Cole on short rest would be a better proposition than leaving it to the bullpen.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

We already have precedent on this from the ALDS. Hinch will do everything in his power to win the game in front of him, and pitching Cole on short rest would be a better proposition than leaving it to the bullpen.

Assuming we're not on the verge of elimination, I disagree.

[Navin R Johnson]

Yanks announce, Tanaka G4, Paxton G5.

[Navin R Johnson]

So bullpen vs bullpen G6, and Cole Severino G7?

[AtascAstro]

We already have precedent on this from the ALDS. Hinch will do everything in his power to win the game in front of him, and pitching Cole on short rest would be a better proposition than leaving it to the bullpen.

The difference being the length of the series.  In the LDS, you pitch Verlander in game 4 because there are only 2 games left and Cole has game 5.  Here, if you are not facing elimination in game 6 then you aren't risking going down without getting 2 games from your top 2.  The fact that Verlander struggled with command on short rest only furthers the argument against it.

[Waldo]

The difference being the length of the series.  In the LDS, you pitch Verlander in game 4 because there are only 2 games left and Cole has game 5.  Here, if you are not facing elimination in game 6 then you aren't risking going down without getting 2 games from your top 2.  The fact that Verlander struggled with command on short rest only furthers the argument against it.

I don't even know that throwing Cole on short rest is an automatic decision even if the Astros leave NY down 3-2.  Best I can tell, Cole has never pitched on short rest so you have no real expectation of what he's going to give you.  And today's rainout will put a lot of stress on the Yankees bullpen if Tanaka and Paxton don't go deep into their games.  Depending on the finer details of games 4-5 I might be content letting game 6 be bullpen vs. bullpen anyway.

Of course, we all hope there is no game 6.

[toddthebod]

I have a hard time believing that the Astros are going to sweep the Yankees in New York.  I am cautiously confident that we will win one of the two games.  Which means going back to Houston up 3-2.  Not sure how the Yankees go with a bullpen day in game 6 if they are facing elimination.  So Yankees start Severino game 6.  I'd go Urquidy because I don't want to start Cole on short rest.

[MusicMan]

I have a hard time believing that the Astros are going to sweep the Yankees in New York.  I am cautiously confident that we will win one of the two games.  Which means going back to Houston up 3-2.  Not sure how the Yankees go with a bullpen day in game 6 if they are facing elimination.  So Yankees start Severino game 6.  I'd go Urquidy because I don't want to start Cole on short rest.

I would have had a hard time believing Boston would sweep us in Houston last year.


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[JimR]

How about winning Game Four before making all these plans.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I'm just happy to be here and hope to help the team in game 4 in any way I can.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I'm just happy to be here and hope to help the team in game 4 in any way I can.

Me? I approach each game with fear and ignorance.

[Jacksonian]

Me? I approach each game with fear and ignorance.

You never told us you are an umpire.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

You never told us you are an umpire.

I think Crash's actual quotation better captures those guys.   

[dickntx]

Long time lurker...over a dozen years but hey, I'll give my first take and try not to be called a neck. 

Hinch is consistent in his approach...and players love that about him, they know what to expect. He always gives guys scheduled days off whether they were hot or not or whether they liked it or not.  He uses analytics for shifts and sticks with it despite some player's objections (cough, Dallas, cough) and he doesn't put up with disrespect (see ya Giles).

He also never intentionally walked a batter. From a macro level that's what this pitching decision is...essentially we're not going to intentionally walk a game with our bullpen. We're going to go right after you and if you beat us, you tip your cap and move on to the next game.

[juliogotay]

Long time lurker...over a dozen years but hey, I'll give my first take and try not to be called a neck. 

Hinch is consistent in his approach...and players love that about him, they know what to expect. He always gives guys scheduled days off whether they were hot or not or whether they liked it or not.  He uses analytics for shifts and sticks with it despite some player's objections (cough, Dallas, cough) and he doesn't put up with disrespect (see ya Giles).

He also never intentionally walked a batter. From a macro level that's what this pitching decision is...essentially we're not going to intentionally walk a game with our bullpen. We're going to go right after you and if you beat us, you tip your cap and move on to the next game.

Welcome aboard. Don't wait another 12 years to post again.

[JimR]

Long time lurker...over a dozen years but hey, I'll give my first take and try not to be called a neck. 

Hinch is consistent in his approach...and players love that about him, they know what to expect. He always gives guys scheduled days off whether they were hot or not or whether they liked it or not.  He uses analytics for shifts and sticks with it despite some player's objections (cough, Dallas, cough) and he doesn't put up with disrespect (see ya Giles).

He also never intentionally walked a batter. From a macro level that's what this pitching decision is...essentially we're not going to intentionally walk a game with our bullpen. We're going to go right after you and if you beat us, you tip your cap and move on to the next game.

Good post. Time for #2.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The neck made some excellent points.

[Ty in Tampa]

Welcome...





















...dickntx


I kid. Seriously, welcome!

[dickntx]

Good post. Time for #2.

Props from Jim...I might not post again to maintain my John Paciorekian average (although I'm already breaking it as I type).

Just a little background on me, my folks started going to games at Colt 45 Stadium and I was hooked by age 6 and once it's in your blood stream, it never leaves.  My mom lived down the street from Dick Williams when he played for the AA Fort Worth Cats and knew him pretty well (I met him once and he signed my glove, IMO he should get more recognition as one of the top big league skippers of all time).  Of course it was somewhat bittersweet that we beat the Dodgers in 2017 for her.

I almost posted here after we won in 2017 but it was too emotional for me (my dad was battling stage 4 prostate cancer) but he was lucid throughout and getting to discuss every game with him during those playoffs will be a memory I'll cherish forever.  He passed 2 weeks later but was able to finally see the Stros win it all.

Anyway, love this site and the insights provided, especially during the game.

[Aussie Astro]

The neck made some excellent points.

Well shit, I left that one open for Chuck.

[Sambito]

Quick question...

Why would either team tip their hand and announce Game 5 Starters? 

It does not make sense to reveal anything until the day of the game, no?

[Ty in Tampa]

Props from Jim...I might not post again to maintain my John Paciorekian average (although I'm already breaking it as I type).

Just a little background on me, my folks started going to games at Colt 45 Stadium and I was hooked by age 6 and once it's in your blood stream, it never leaves.  My mom lived down the street from Dick Williams when he played for the AA Fort Worth Cats and knew him pretty well (I met him once and he signed my glove, IMO he should get more recognition as one of the top big league skippers of all time).  Of course it was somewhat bittersweet that we beat the Dodgers in 2017 for her.

I almost posted here after we won in 2017 but it was too emotional for me (my dad was battling stage 4 prostate cancer) but he was lucid throughout and getting to discuss every game with him during those playoffs will be a memory I'll cherish forever.  He passed 2 weeks later but was able to finally see the Stros win it all.

Anyway, love this site and the insights provided, especially during the game.

Very sorry to hear about your father's passing but what a lovely story. As a youth, I always went to games with my grandfather who lived in Houston. He passed when I was in college, shortly after the '80 NLCS. My father played and loves baseball but was much too busy when I was young to set time away for a ballgame. I went to my first game with my father in July 2017 on his 81st birthday. It was magical and I firmly believe we had a hand in the push to the championship. We spoke on the phone for 30-40 minutes after the last out. He sounded like a kid again.

[Mr. Happy]

Long time lurker...over a dozen years but hey, I'll give my first take and try not to be called a neck. 

Hinch is consistent in his approach...and players love that about him, they know what to expect. He always gives guys scheduled days off whether they were hot or not or whether they liked it or not.  He uses analytics for shifts and sticks with it despite some player's objections (cough, Dallas, cough) and he doesn't put up with disrespect (see ya Giles).

He also never intentionally walked a batter. From a macro level that's what this pitching decision is...essentially we're not going to intentionally walk a game with our bullpen. We're going to go right after you and if you beat us, you tip your cap and move on to the next game.

Damn, son. You came out throwing gas. Greqt post. Let's hear more from you!!!

[dickntx]

Very sorry to hear about your father's passing but what a lovely story. As a youth, I always went to games with my grandfather who lived in Houston. He passed when I was in college, shortly after the '80 NLCS. My father played and loves baseball but was much too busy when I was young to set time away for a ballgame. I went to my first game with my father in July 2017 on his 81st birthday. It was magical and I firmly believe we had a hand in the push to the championship. We spoke on the phone for 30-40 minutes after the last out. He sounded like a kid again.

Thanks Ty...on a side-note although their "stadium" catches a lot of flack (and rightfully so) I did enjoy a game there with my FIL while on vacation with my family.  It was 2013 so you know I'm a die hard.  Although we got blanked 5-0 with 5 lousy hits (one from Altuve of course and one other by some guy named JD Martinez, not sure whatever happened to him) we did enjoy the Ted Williams museum, it was really well done.  Also, because the locals only show up for Yanks or Sox I was able to get tix dirt cheap just a few rows behind the Stros dugout and literally parked across the street and was inside and almost to our seats in less than a few minutes.  I kept looking around for Allen Funt...is this for real???

Anyway, can't wait for the game tonight and watch how our approach to Tanaka changes from game 1.  Would love to see Yordan go the other way...with the windy conditions Tanaka might have to rely more on his fastball and he certainly won't want Alvarez to jerk it to their ridiculous porch in right.

[Ty in Tampa]

Thanks Ty...on a side-note although their "stadium" catches a lot of flack (and rightfully so) I did enjoy a game there with my FIL while on vacation with my family.  It was 2013 so you know I'm a die hard.  Although we got blanked 5-0 with 5 lousy hits (one from Altuve of course and one other by some guy named JD Martinez, not sure whatever happened to him) we did enjoy the Ted Williams museum, it was really well done.  Also, because the locals only show up for Yanks or Sox I was able to get tix dirt cheap just a few rows behind the Stros dugout and literally parked across the street and was inside and almost to our seats in less than a few minutes.  I kept looking around for Allen Funt...is this for real???

The Trop is far from ideal but it is Major League Baseball...for now. I get to see the Astros more now that they're in the AL but it also creates a conflict I haven't had to deal with until now...I like the Rays. I've lived here since '88 but I did my growing up in Galveston and college and young-adulting in San Antonio. The game my father and I attended was in Houston.

[AtascAstro]

Quick question...

Why would either team tip their hand and announce Game 5 Starters? 

It does not make sense to reveal anything until the day of the game, no?

Not sure for Boone - but for AJ, I think declaring that JV is pitching on Friday puts an enormous amount of pressure on the Yankees tonight.  Maybe it causes their hitters to press or Boone to over-manage.

[Mr. Happy]

Not sure for Boone - but for AJ, I think declaring that JV is pitching on Friday puts an enormous amount of pressure on the Yankees tonight.  Maybe it causes their hitters to press or Boone to over-manage.

Rest assured: Boone will over-manage.

[AtascAstro]

Rest assured: Boone will over-manage.

over-manage^2

[MusicMan]

Rest assured: Boone will over-manage.

The cut off sleeves let him manage even more.


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[AtascAstro]

The cut off sleeves let him manage even more.

Thank you!  This thought will make Fox cutting to Boone cupping his bubble gum every 30 seconds immensely more enjoyable.

[juliogotay]

Very sorry to hear about your father's passing but what a lovely story. As a youth, I always went to games with my grandfather who lived in Houston. He passed when I was in college, shortly after the '80 NLCS. My father played and loves baseball but was much too busy when I was young to set time away for a ballgame. I went to my first game with my father in July 2017 on his 81st birthday. It was magical and I firmly believe we had a hand in the push to the championship. We spoke on the phone for 30-40 minutes after the last out. He sounded like a kid again.

One of the reasons my wife and I moved from metro D-FW to Georgetown upon her retirement was to see our two grandsons, age 1 and 3, grow up and to help our daughter and son-in-law, both busy professionals, with them. Son-in-law is an avid basketball and football fan so it is my grandfatherly duty to introduce these lads to the great game. I look forward to taking them to UT and Express games. I hope it "takes". Hell, my wife has even gotten interested in the Astros the last couple of years. A lot of it is Hinch and the players. These guys are easy to like.

[JimR]

Quick question...

Why would either team tip their hand and announce Game 5 Starters? 

It does not make sense to reveal anything until the day of the game, no?

Why not? By this time, there are no secrets about their abilities. Also, MLB may require it.

[Texifornia]

I just want to say: Tanaka schminaka.

This time I think Astro batters don't all try to hit five run homers to the Station. This time, I think they get to Tanaka in a big way early. BBGs willing.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Thanks Ty...on a side-note although their "stadium" catches a lot of flack (and rightfully so) I did enjoy a game there with my FIL while on vacation with my family.  It was 2013 so you know I'm a die hard.  Although we got blanked 5-0 with 5 lousy hits (one from Altuve of course and one other by some guy named JD Martinez, not sure whatever happened to him) we did enjoy the Ted Williams museum, it was really well done.  Also, because the locals only show up for Yanks or Sox I was able to get tix dirt cheap just a few rows behind the Stros dugout and literally parked across the street and was inside and almost to our seats in less than a few minutes.  I kept looking around for Allen Funt...is this for real???

Good story but I think Allen Funt was dead.

[JimR]

Thanks Ty...on a side-note although their "stadium" catches a lot of flack (and rightfully so) I did enjoy a game there with my FIL while on vacation with my family.  It was 2013 so you know I'm a die hard.  Although we got blanked 5-0 with 5 lousy hits (one from Altuve of course and one other by some guy named JD Martinez, not sure whatever happened to him) we did enjoy the Ted Williams museum, it was really well done.  Also, because the locals only show up for Yanks or Sox I was able to get tix dirt cheap just a few rows behind the Stros dugout and literally parked across the street and was inside and almost to our seats in less than a few minutes.  I kept looking around for Allen Funt...is this for real???

Anyway, can't wait for the game tonight and watch how our approach to Tanaka changes from game 1.  Would love to see Yordan go the other way...with the windy conditions Tanaka might have to rely more on his fastball and he certainly won't want Alvarez to jerk it to their ridiculous porch in right.

Keep the ball down, Greinke!

[VirtualBob]

Props from Jim...I might not post again to maintain my John Paciorekian average (although I'm already breaking it as I type).

Anyway, love this site and the insights provided, especially during the game.

2 for 2 with that one.

[Jacksonian]

2 for 2 with that one.

He may have taken the notion of read more post less a little too seriously, but if this is the outcome then others should adhere.

[Mr. Happy]

He may have taken the notion of read more post less a little too seriously, but if this is the outcome then others should adhere.

+1

[TerryPuhl21]

Richard Justice just said on MLB Radio that if the series has to go back to Houston, he is hearing that Cole will go on short rest in game 6 and that the bullpen game would be game 7.

Not sure how I feel about that. Let’s win tonight guys!


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[HudsonHawk]

Richard Justice just said on MLB Radio that if the series has to go back to Houston, he is hearing that Cole will go on short rest in game 6 and that the bullpen game would be game 7.

Not sure how I feel about that. Let’s win tonight guys!


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That would make absolutely zero sense.  I can't believe Hinch would play it that way. 

[geezerdonk]

Justice hallucinating.

[JimR]

Justice hallucinating.

I hope so. Pitching Cole Saturday makes no sense.

[VirtualBob]

That would make absolutely zero sense.  I can't believe Hinch would play it that way.

I stopped reading at “Richard Justice”. 

[dickntx]

I sure hope Richard misheard, it certainly wouldn't be the first time.  I know Cole has an incredible arm but he's never pitched on short rest in his entire career, why start now?  If he's right someone needs to sneak into the Juice Box ala Crash Davis and get the boys a rain out.

Better idea...Justin renders it all moot and one of the most obnoxious fan bases in America gets to watch the Astros celebrate on their field.

[TerryPuhl21]

That would make absolutely zero sense.  I can't believe Hinch would play it that way.

While I agree with you, I’m just repeating what I heard.

He alluded to Cole “demanding the ball.”


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[Mr. Appropriate]

While I agree with you, I’m just repeating what I heard.

He alluded to Cole “demanding the ball.”


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Which will be given to Cole--to end, or start a series in Houston. Richard justice is himself, fake news.

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[Astros Fan in Big D]

Cole on short rest with a series lead?

Fuck that shit.

[dickntx]

This kind of goes back to my point about Hinch and his consistency and giving guys rest days regardless of how much they campaign to play.  I have a hard time believing Cole would dictate his start to Hinch and an even harder time believing AJ would acquiesce.

[Mr. Happy]

This kind of goes back to my point about Hinch and his consistency and giving guys rest days regardless of how much they campaign to play.  I have a hard time believing Cole would dictate his start to Hinch and an even harder time believing AJ would acquiesce.

Right on all scores.

[Ty in Tampa]

I'm totally sure Richard Justice has iron-clad info on this subject.

[Bench]

It's a bullpen game for both teams. Severino v Cole if there's a game 7.

[VirtualBob]

It's a bullpen game for both teams. Severino v Cole if there's a game 7.

The Yankees will use Severino today if they think he can stave off elimination. I agree on Cole though.

[BizidyDizidy]

Any word on who's "starting" / opening?

[juliogotay]

Any word on who's "starting" / opening?

I haven't heard anything definitive but my $$ would be on Urquidy.

[TerryPuhl21]

I haven't heard anything definitive but my $$ would be on Urquidy.

Regardless of who starts, the first inning is going to be so important. Desperately need to get thru it unscathed and we need to score first to keep crowd involved at a high level.

The sample size was small to be sure, but Peacock looked crisp last night. He may still have some important role to play in all of this.


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[astrojo]

Peacock to start game 6

[Navin R Johnson]

Did not see that coming

[Navin R Johnson]

Maybe Peacock inning 1, to face JD and Judge, then Urquidy after that

[astrojo]

Maybe Peacock inning 1, to face JD and Judge, then Urquidy after that

Seems to be the plan.  Green starting off for Yankees

[VirtualBob]

Really hoping they win tonight. Didn’t want to jinx them, but finally committed to Tuesday’s game this afternoon. Section 310.

[astrojo]

Really hoping they win tonight. Didn’t want to jinx them, but finally committed to Tuesday’s game this afternoon. Section 310.

If we make it past this series I was hoping to go to a game, but I didn’t get email selected to purchase seats. And all other ticket avenues are priced too high. Close to $1000/seat, ugh!

[SoonerJim]

Miley back if Pressley a no go?

[Limey]

Miley back if Pressley a no go?

Reportedly, it was some scar tissue breaking loose on Pressley; he expects to be fine for the WS.

Of course, the next player to report himself unfit for play will be the first, so we’ll see. 

[JimR]

Did not see that coming

I did. That was my bet.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I did. That was my bet.

Peacock really stepped up.   

He didn't go home after getting back from NY.  Slept in the nap room in the stadium.

First pitcher in something like 100 years to end one postseason game and start the next.

Yes it would have been great to get 2 IP/0 R, but no complaints on his performance.

(also had his father on his mind: dad had bypsss surgery earlier in the week)

[Waldo]

Peacock really stepped up.   

He didn't go home after getting back from NY.  Slept in the nap room in the stadium.

First pitcher in something like 100 years to end one postseason game and start the next.

Yes it would have been great to get 2 IP/0 R, but no complaints on his performance.

(also had his father on his mind: dsd had bypsss surgery earlier in the week)

It may have already been mentioned here, but last night's game was started (Peacock) and ended (Altuve) by the only two players left from the 111-loss 2013 team.

[JimR]

It may have already been mentioned here, but last night's game was started (Peacock) and ended (Altuve) by the only two players left from the 111-loss 2013 team.

Cool factoid.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Cool factoid.

Not as cool (for the player involved):
Jonathan Villar played on the 111 loss 2013 Astros and the 108 loss 2019 Orioles.

[Aussie Astro]

Not as cool (for the player involved):
Jonathan Villar played on the 111 loss 2013 Astros and the 108 loss 2019 Orioles.

Jonathon - thanks for bringing it up.