I didn't know if it was too early to start talking about magic numbers or not, but I'm glad DD started the thread. What's got me worried is how our rotation lines up in case there is a need for a one-game playoff at the end of the year in the event of a tie. From my projections, (and granted, I'm most intimate with the Astros rotation) with one day off, we have the possibility of skipping Wandy's spot that would normally fall on the 28th of August against the Cubs. That would allow us to throw our top four pitchers on full rest against the Cubs: Clemens, Pettitte, Oswalt, and Backe. However, that would leave us vulnerable in the event of a one-game playoff since Wandy would start that game. The Marlins and Phils both have two days off (each being off today) so I can't tell what their rotation will be like. My best guess for the Marlins rotation is: Burnett, Vargas, Willis, Beckett, Valdez. And the Phils have me totally confused, because I count them having six starting pitchers (don't have time to verify): Floyd(?), Myers, Lieber, Padilla, Brito, Lidle(?). I'm not sure why ESPN has Floyd scheduled to start Tuesday instead of Lidle, is Lidle injured? He last pitched on the 14th. But, if each of the teams skip a starter at the end of the year, the Marlins could have Beckett and the Phils could have Lieber available to start the one game playoff. If I'm the Stros, unless I have a chance to clinch early on against the Cubs, I don't skip Wandy and let him pitch on extra rest to start the four game series. That way, I'd have Backe available (on extra rest) to pitch in the extra game with the knowledge that he did pitch (and hit) the stros into the playoffs against Colorado last year and his last playoff apperance resulted in a one-hit win over the Cardinals. What would y'all do?
you accumulate as many wins as you can and forget a playoff. The Marlins and the Phillies both have to play Atlanta who could still fall into the wild-card race with bad showings. Try and sweep the Pirates. Be respectable against the Cubs. The Cards will roll over given that they'll want to set up for the playoffs. As odd as it seems, if we take care of business against the Pirates, we could actually be looking to set up our rotation for the playoffs by the final Cubs series.
The cardinals want the Astros to make the playoffs. That way they'll get whatever joke comes out of the west in the first round.
9/20/2005 Astros Win!! Phillies Lose!! Marlins Lose!! Magic Number to eliminate the Phillies = 10 Magic Number to eliminate the Marlins = 9
I would be the big loser if that trade went down. Im in Boston now, so the last thing I would need is for Red Sox Nation rooting for Carlos. That would suck.
I hope Manny plays for the 'stros next year along with Barry Bonds. We'll have the worst characters in baseball and we will win.
Boy does he look dumb for leaving. He might have gotten more cash in NY but he thought the Stros were gonna suck and now they are close to going to the playoffs back to back years for the first time since 98, 99.
Agreed. I bet he was assured with the signing of Pedro, they were destined to make the playoffs. He must of forgot he was signing a contact with the freakin Mets. They always look good on paper, but fold at gametime.
