I'm ok with this. Framber was our best pitcher in the 2022 postseason. But Verlander's been our best pitcher the last few weeks. The key is Dusty cannot sit on his ass too long if Verlander is getting rocked like he did in Game 1 vs Seattle.
not worried about it. The twins don't field a lineup like seattle and JV is rounding back into elite form
I don't know if it's a smoke screen or not from Dusty, but this team is much better with Brantley's bat in the lineup. I haven't really said anything negative about his lineups, but the best players need to be in the lineup every game.
I would have gone Framber in game 1. If you want to go on 3 days rest in Game 4, he's a better option than Verlander for that, and if you don't you still have both available for game 5.
JV earned the right to get the game 1 ball. Valdez had a strong start to the year but JV took that from him to end it. you play to win not worry about 3 days rest where neither will be pitching regardless
It sounds like Brantley may be limited which would either put Chas in LF and Dubon in CF, or Yordan in LF w/ Diaz DH 2 or 3 times this series. I like option #2.
I'd prefer Diaz at 1B and Abreu at DH. Long term, I don't see Diaz having an issue at DH. It may not be the most statistally sound argument believing in positional splits too much, but Abreu's defense is not worth it if Diaz keeps batting with an OPS around 0.600 at DH in the short term.
Abreu's defense at first to finish the year is a big reason why the stros are even in the postseason not to mention at the plate Diaz at 1b in this postseason run isn't happening nor should it good vibes for this to carry over to October postseason baseball. he signed here for this opportunity. well heres his chance
I'm really hoping that when Dusty made the deal with the devil... he asked for TWO championships in a row
I would rather go Framber in game 1. On a short leash. If bad Framber appears, throw Javier if we are leading or even, Urquidi if trailing by 1 or 2. If it’s good Framber, ridge him as long as it lasts. He has the highest chance of dominating. framber can go game 4, especially if game 1 is a shorter outing, With JV, I worry about the home run, especially against Minny. He doesn’t have as much of a swing and miss repertoire anymore. I suppose none of this matters as much as whether our offense gets going at home
