wish altuve would take a pitch just to breathe a little. What a tale of one missed call by the umps for seattle completely shifting the momentum of the game. I expect the baseball gods to recollect later on, as long as it's not in the playoffs
I'm still annoyed with pulling Martes so early. I get he was off, but we just can't have pitchers barely getting through 2 innings. Devenski, and our entire bullpen is going to be gassed by the All-Star break.
Consistent work for him has been a problem this year.... largely because the Astros end up doing exactly what they did today (blow the game open in the 7th or 8th inning).
You admitted you didn't watch it. It was painful. He wasn't just "off"... he had absolutely no idea where the ball was going. Martes wasn't going to learn anything from continuing to take a beating.... sometimes pitchers just don't have it. And in the end, pulling him early helped preserve the Astros a chance to get a win. Feliz/Devenski should be able to go multiple innings with ease, provided they have a guaranteed off-day the next day (which they do).
Stros biggest weakness this year has been finding bullpen guys who are sharp/effective with big leads... its a very good problem to have.
I recorded the game so I went back and watched it. It wasn't pretty but that's the kinda leash you put on a guy in October not June.
Amazing job from the whole pen today! (Luke... thanks for the scares) 52-25 Great road trip (f-ing road warriors), time to start some winning/hitting at home and no better team to face than the bad news A's. Lets get 53 on Tuesday! woooooooo
There are no rules dictated by month as to when to pull a pitcher who doesn't have a clue where its going. The Astros are still trying to win games and get things locked up as soon as possible. Once their playoff position is completely secure, I'm sure they'll experiment the hell out of their rotation pieces. Today was actually one of those days the manager deserves a tad bit of credit. Pulled a struggling/off pitcher before the damage became insurmountable. Pushed all the right buttons on the bullpen and the subs. I'm sure if any of those moves had backfired (including leaving Martes in to take a beating), everybody here would be ready to jump on the "Hinch!" bandwagon.
Okay you win. Or I'm tired of this conversation. I think he should have been left in, and you don't. End of story.
Astros put the Mariners back in their place these last two games. Didn't want them to get too much confidence especially after the beat down in game 1.
What do you really think he has to gain by being left in to take a beating? There's absolutely no learning that commences at this point. I understand the "rest the bullpen" rationale... but they haven't been as taxed lately, and they have an off-day tomorrow. In the end, they won largely because of these moves.
