I never suggested getting Javier out earlier. Once Javier had that bad 5th inning and was unable to pitch the 6th, then Dusty needed to be at his best because there was no room for error and the bullpen was short. 4 innings left in a 1 run game and you only have 3 of you 4 leverage relievers available. Stanek in the 6th was the right move, and it worked out. Then there are 3 innings left and Maton, Neris, and Pressly available. Pitching Montero in the 7th and Maton in the 10th was the big mistake IMO
They had a one run lead in the 9th either way and go to extras if everything else happens as it did. Montero is still going to get opportunities. So is Maton. If Montero is pitching the 10th, the game is likely over then, no? (according to this logic). again, 17 games in 17 days... bullpens get used and guys are out. Maybe Dusty of the past does throw Abreu 3 straight days to try and get a win... but things aren't as desperate as fans are making it out to be.
Pressly should have closed that out, but nobody is perfect and he is no more to blame than anyone else. Cleveland came back over and over. The Astros needed to stop on their throats but didn't. They had confidence and momentum and that can't be understated or under estimated. There is plenty of blame to go around. I need to see how the Astros and individual players respond today.
They need to practice some fundamentals. That Pena play that should’ve either ended the game or at the very kept them from tying with 2 outs was atrocious. Also why was Tuve so far off the bag in a double play situation?
Montero road ERA pitching the 7th inning is sky, sky high. He never fails to gives up runs. Maton should take his place.
Being the road team leaves the situation much more grey about how to handle the ghost runner. Getting one run is the priority of course, but it's not the only goal. You want multiple runs because the home team is gonna have the ghost runner also. The home team going last can always play it safe for just the one run if they are down one or tied.
While he has been unlucky, Montero is also getting flat out shelled as well. At least the stuff stuff still seems to be there. He’s missing bats but some of the ground balls he generated last season on his change and sinker have become line drives and fly balls that have hurt him.
Sometimes the parade makes you hunger for another Sometimes it makes you feel like you finally made it and there is nothing left to accomplish.
Dusty still had that challenge in his back pocket on the out at first base in extra innings with Pena. Why not challenge that? It was real, real close.
Hope you’re right. Wish Dusty retired before this season, but it is what it is. I like the way Abreu is swinging the bat. It ain’t over yet guys. Just pray Alvarez doesn’t miss too much time. Brown will do something at the deadline. I’m torn on Brantley coming back. We already have the answer with Diaz, McCormick, and Myers for a 1-9 lineup. Just have to force Maldonado and Julks to the bench.
Bumpy past week of baseball after the competition stepped up in class from AL West bottom half. New injuries to key players, and sample sizes of season-long “slumps” become more difficult to classify as such with each passing game. Question now is the past week a temporary slump or a portent of things to come?
Maldy isn't going to the bench - completely- but I see a very slow change towards Diaz My hope is that this is like Dubon in CF last year - he plays most of the games heading into the playoffs then Diaz takes over from there. I see Maldy catching Framber but Diaz catching everyone else.
Also worth noting that Cleveland only successfully bunted the runner over to 3rd once in all those extra innings - and they didn't score that inning (the 10th).
