If the Astros were to go a modest 6-7 over this stretch, the A's would have to go 10-2 just to tie. I know nobody should be letting up on the gas, but a 5 game deficit with 12 left to play is not an easy task to overcome.... unless the Astros decide to go on a season long losing streak.
It isn't easy....... but I would feel a lot better if they let up on the gas a little in 4-5 games if they still have the same size lead. This is essentially the last realistic shot the A's have to catch the Astros..... if we go 4-1 in the next 5, we can likely start setting up for the post season sans a wildcard game.
Like you said earlier last week, the Astros-Dbacks / A's-Rays series would very well dictate the likelihood of this division race's ending. Both teams played quality opponents, and the Astros gained another game. I don't see the Astros pressing in any way right now. Bullpen is extremely well rested thanks to Hinch's stubbornness to not pitch guys 3 days in a row, and having guys like James/Peacock/McHugh who can take care of multiple innings. I also don't see anything drastic with any of the position players... other than Correa still struggling. Looking at last year's final series of the season against the Red Sox, Hinch pretty much played the first games like a tuneup for the playoffs. Granted, some of that was because they knew that the Red Sox would be their first round opponent, but I foresee him doing something similar with the last series of the season, even if they're clinched. While everybody loves rest... its not easy to go from playing almost everyday for 6 months, then you take a full week off, then the most you will play after that without an off day is 3 days in a row.... in a pressure cooker environment.
The Astros did well against the Diamondbacks, especially the timely hitting. That was a series where they could have lost all three had their bats not shown up. Very encouraging series overall. I know none of us want to jinx it, but the Astros at close to healthy are just clearly better than the A's. I really like the A's bullpen, and it may even be better than ours, but that is about it. Correa is struggling and Altuve is not himself. Springer isn't hitting for power but still finding a way to contribute. I am more optimistic for Altuve and Springer than I was. With Correa, you have to keep trotting him out there unless it is 100% a physical issue. Tyler White has saved the second half of the season on the offensive side..... over a full season would be at 300 avg 39 homers 120 rbi with a 985 OPS and 6 WAR. Those are near MVP numbers....... and he replaced Gattis. Last year I remember our guys being more rested, but I could be remembering wrong. I don't think that Hinch will shut it all down, but I could see someone like Verlander getting skipped a start or only going 75 pitches. Agreed, especially with our feast/famine offense. If our offense is in a funk, we could lose to the Indians and their dominant rotation fairly quickly. Likewise, if we knock around Kluber it could be over in a sweep for us.
I felt part of the inconsistency in the offense was in part due to all the off days in early August... which doesn't necessarily bode well for the playoffs, but again, unless guys need the rest due to overuse injury, I'll take their chances that they can play everyday.
My wife and I will be there too. Hoped that Kemp was starting but I guess he will have a pinch hit game winning hit instead.
Oh look, Gattis pulled the ball to the left side of the infield and hit into a GIDP. He never does that
That speedy 4-6-3 double play was a great thing, and much more great because it ended the obligatory inning with the Astros' promotions chick. I always hate her clunky sales pitch innings.
Gattis may be the hitting equivalent of medical waste since June, but he also cannot field a position competently. Wait, I did that wrong.
Y'all about some hateful negative mofos!! I bet it's just a joyful time watching a game with you sumb!+¢π£$
