All right Astros, sweep these Red Sox out.
Can’t see a sweep happening either way. This should be a good series. Sale vs. Verlander tomorrow, it might depend on how deep Sale can go in the game.
That game could be over by 10:15.
Obviously, all games matter, but I think Boston needs Game 1 more than Houston does, mainly because Sale is probably the most important single player on the Sox other than Betts. Sale’s more valuable to the Sox than any one of the pitchers are to Houston. Verlander could have a shitty night and it wouldn’t be a nightmare. But if Sale gets knocked around, then Boston’s gonna have heartburn. I think Sale’s up for it. Just a question of whether Boston’s lineup can score runs.
I kind of agree that game 1 is more important to Boston, but mostly because I have very little confidence in David Price in game 2. And obviously going to Houston down 2-0 would be a nightmare.
Aside from Alex Cora, apparently, can you identify anyone who has confidence in David Price? My only thought is Cora really doesn’t have an alternative, and pitching in Fenway is better than pitching in Houston.
Yeah, OK, if you have to say, “I don’t think there’s any guy in the clubhouse who’s worried about David Price pitching,” I feel like that means everyone is concerned about David Price pitching. Porcello was better. Eovaldi was better. Might even consider Eduardo Rodriguez over Price. It sucks Steven Wright can’t be added to the ALCS roster, although I’m not sure he’s even healthy at this point.
Knuckleballers are such a crap shoot in the playoffs. As bad as Price has been, I’m not sure Wright would be my choice.
Eovaldi sure seemed to have New York’s number, anyway. As a member of the Red Sox, pitching against teams not named the Yankees, Eovaldi had an ERA of 4.74.
Price, on the other hand, had two quality starts against Houston this season, giving up 5 ER in 12 1/3 innings with 17 Ks. Price also had a 2.25 ERA in the second half. I think he gets a start, albeit one with a short leash.
Hometown paper LA Times says Brew Crew in 7. I think the Dodgers are going back to the World Serious this year. Can’t wait to see which Kershaw shows up tonight…
When’s the last time a relief pitcher hit a home run in postseason play?
I think the Brewers are a deceptively good team. The only reason I give the Dodgers a slight edge is because I think that Dave Roberts has become a better manager. Counsell seems to have done a fine job, but I get the sense that Roberts will make a decision or two that will prove to be the decisive move.
Looks like the Brewers got to Kershaw – 5 runs (4 earned) in just three innings.
Let’s go Brewers!!
Travis Wood did it for the Cubs just two years ago, and I admit I didn’t remember that either. It was in a news story.
Woodruff actually hit a homer in regular season play this year, and was apparently a really good hitter in school. His swing certainly did not look like a pitcher.
Woodruff and Wood were both hitters with significant pop, so I’d have to say the unlikeliest playoff homer remains Joe Blanton, who dinged one in the 2008 World Series. Blanton was a terrible hitter even for a pitcher and that was the only homer he ever hit. In 299 other at bats in the regular season and playoffs, he never even hit a double.
Man, I hate the Dodgers. Never give up, always keep coming at you, determined, well-managed, disciplined. Hate it.
The Brew Crew barely escaped this one. I’m glad they got it.
Let’s go Dodgers. Hate to disappoint kayT. 
I’m not sure I agree with Counsell’s bullpen strategy. I could see replacing Gonzalez after the 4th or 5th inning, but bringing in relievers after 2 innings? I didn’t watch the game but was Gio in any apparent trouble after the first run? I worry Counsell’s going to burn out his bullpen to the point where they’ll get smoked by the AL winner, assuming they have that opportunity. At this rate, they’re going to be stressed going into games 6 and 7 if the NLCS lasts that long.
I think (hope) Counsell is rethinking his strategy. I’m betting he wished he had Hader in the 8th. No, Gio Gonzalez wasn’t in any trouble at all. No struggles. Just the solo HR by Machado. Double checking the box score right now, that was the only hit he gave up in 2.0. He walked one and struck out one. It was a surprising move, to me, but I haven’t watched the Brewers much this season.