Here I thought the D-Backs were going to be our toughest challenge through the rest of the year while the Rays were going to be the A's toughest challenge. So, we came out great from that. But I forgot that the Mariners at home was actually the worst thing that would happen to us.
I think it's important to finish strong on this home stand to get a good vibe going into the playoffs at home. Hinch didn't set up the team for the best success tonight with the lineup, not having Pressly pitch the 8th, etc. Astros are still in a good position but just irritating.
This is true BUT Rondon's job is to keep runs from crossing the plate. He had 2 reprieves from Jake and still serves up a grand slam....I'm not cutting any slack. JMO.
God. I go to the bathroom. I come back, and ... well. Pressly needs to permanently be the 8th inning guy. I would have given him at least the first guy, since it would have been the third hitter he faced. (he usually faces three). It needs to be Smith (7), Pressly (8), Osuna (9). Postseason (12 pitchers): JV, Cole, DK, Charlie Lance, Osuna, Pressly, Smith, Sipp, James, McHugh, Peacock. #13: Harris (he's been recovering)
Hopefully they change their mind and Cole starts tomorrow. Gotta win division first, then experiment with stuff like starting Josh James and bench Tyler White for Evan Gattis. How much more data do they need on Gattis ineptitude to make a determination as to his value on the playoff roster? Lock stuff up first, then rest.
Cole has usualy done well against Leake. The two have a long history against each other going back to their days in the NL Central, our old division. Funny how Leake was traded last deadline, then Cole followed him into the AL West a few months later.
I totally get what Hinch was thinking as a 5 game lead in loss column with 13 left gives you some cushion. However, he had to factor in that Seattle has drilled us in MMP and owned us, so the series to experiment with nutty stuff like starting Gattis after his .400 OPS the last 3 months was against LAA, BAL and TOR, not against Seattle. He needs to go all in the next 2 games. After that, we should be able to experiment and rest guys, etc the last 3 series of the year.
Hinch had no killer instinct tonight and got embarrassed with his approach to this game. Hope he gets serious the rest of the home stand by fielding the best team he can and wrap this thing up.
Hinch stop riding on Rondon. Rondon lost the Arizona game and now tonight. A's have an easy schedule. Don't put Gattis in the line-up.
The baller that is Diaz made that look EASY. Stros still in the driver's seat, but the AL WEST @ MMP situation is kinda scary.
