Wed- rain out Gm 4- bullpen Gm 5- greinke Gm 6- verlander(if necessary) Gm 7- cole (if necessary) This is our best bet
Its the exact same situation they were in in 2017... and yes, I think our pitchers fair better in home games (regardless of the situation) vs. road games. You don't necessarily win the series any faster when its 2-2 and pitching Verlander in game 5 and the bullpen in game 6 vs. the other way around.... and you certainly could lose the series faster if you don't win game 5 regardless of who's pitching. Yes, its the worst-case scenario view-point and optimizing the pitching matchup in any possible elimination game. Thanks to today's win, the Astros can only be eliminated in a game 6 or 7. There's a much higher chance of that happening if there's a bullpen game 6. I would love for them to just win the last 2 in NY and put all of this to bed. Pull the same pseudo-sweep the Red Sox did last year. Their best chance for that would be a rain-out tomorrow, win with Grienke and then win with Verlander.
- No Germán - No Stanton - No Betances - Severino limited - Astros nearly full-health We should win in 5, maybe 6.
For sure. But Greinke has been slated for Thursday since game 1. He has the same pedigree as Verlander and Cole. You keep him in his routine and pitch him when he expects to pitch. You don’t go to him tomorrow and say, we’re going to move you back if it rains. Especially when there’s no advantage in doing so.
OK, but they still only have to beat one of them right now. There are potentially 4 games left and Cole and Verlander will only start 2 of those. The Yankees can win 3 of those 4 while only beating one of Cole and Verlander. If the Astros win another game not started by one of them, then they would need to beat both Cole and Verlander.
You have to avoid game 7 if possible. So I think if game 4 is delayed we go grienke, Verlander and Cole for 4--5-6 and hope to win 2. Keep grienke on a short leash
Think of it this way--we only have to win one game out of three with Urquidy/Peacock, Greinke and Verlander (at home) going in order to get Cole in game 7 (at home). This is an ideal situation.
The advantage would be having Greinke for a Game 6 instead of Urquidy. I mean Hinch had no faith in Urquidy for a non-elimination Game 4 of the ALDS. I would think there is even less faith for a potential elimination Game 6 of the ALCS. If Hinch has no issues pitching Verlander on 3 days rest, then I dont think he would have an issue pushing Greinke back to 5 days rest. I just think you cant ask for a better scenario than your 3 aces pitching 5 6 and 7.
Agree completely. Punt game 4 essentially with them throwing Tanaka and hope you get a Brandon Backe type gem from the kid, but if not no big deal, because you are tied 2-2, have 2/3 at home and now have the pitching advantage in all 3 remaining games. So, if you go Uriquidy in game 4 after the rain out you have advantage in 3/4 games (and you only need to win 2). If you go Greinke, JV, Bullpen and Cole you only have the pitching advantage in 2 out of 4. It’s a pretty easy call in my mind and I agree with you 100%. I imagine this is an extreme minority opinion on here.
I can see this too. Greinke/Verlander or Verlander/Greinke. I just feel pretty confident that the Astros are going to want to get the Urquidy/bullpen game out of the way ASAP while the stakes are the lowest and while the bullpen is rested (even more rested after a rainout).
