ALCS 2018 - Houston Astros

Wake49

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Sep 11, 2016
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You have a point. The MLB rules requiring the manager to announce his Game 6 starter before Game 1 and mandating that the guy who pitches Game 2 MUST pitch Game 6 really hamstrings the manager. OTOH--Cora has shown himself so incapable of adjusting on the fly that it might be better this way.
C’mon, is that even true? How can they force a team to do that? Based on that, I’d pitch Price out of the pen.
 

EllisTheRimMan

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So you’re saying to not worry about a thing? Every little things gonna be all right?
Agree. We beat
I'm gonna add that these are his playoff starts that any of us at this point would probably consider to be very solid:

2010 vs Tex: 6.0 ip, 8 h, 3 r, 3 er, 0 bb, 6 k (lost 5-1)
2011 vs Tex: 6.2 ip, 7 h, 3 r, 3 er, 1 bb, 3 k (lost 4-3)
2014 vs Bal: 8.0 ip, 5 h, 2 r, 2 er, 2 bb, 6 k (lost 2-1)
2015 vs KC: 6.2 ip, 5 h, 3 r, 3 er, 1 bb, 8 k (lost 4-3)

In these four games, he went: 27.1 ip, 25 h, 11 r, 11 er, 4 bb, 23 k, 3.62 era, 1.06 whip, 7.6 k/9.

And he also had a game in 2015 (game 1 vs KC) where he pitched six shutout innings, and was brought out in the 7th (which was fine) with a 3-0 lead but then allowed two straight hits to start the inning. At that point, he should have been removed. But they left him in for FOUR more batters, and it ended up being a five-run inning. The runs all count because they did score, but he pitched a much better game there than the stats would indicate.

So it's not like he's incapable of having a good postseason start. In those four games above, his team scored a total of 8 runs. If he put up ANY of those lines in game 2, we'd all be thrilled with that performance.
Great work digging up those games. I’ll take something like 5.2 with 2-3 runs from Price and then we go to the Pen. Maybe Eovaldi and/or Porcello for an inning or even just a batter or 2.

Price should get game 2. I’ll believe the psycho-babble if he melts down again this time. Doesn’t mean it’s the truth... just that I’ll stop arguing that Price won’t crap his pants as a starter again during the playoffs this year, at least.
 

Stanley Steamer

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I can't tell if you're joking or not, but there is no requirement for a manager to announce who is starting until he hands the umpire his lineup card.
Just like there is no requirement for SoSH users to inform an individual poster of his/her misconceptions, should there be a net benefit to general irony.
 

lapa

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Apr 20, 2018
544
Let’s just hope Sale & Price are both on the money then this series is going to be a cracker, I am not going to Betts against the Sox.
 

joe dokes

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https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2018/10/11/xander-bogaerts-has-given-lineup-new-jolt/RFYbFMTmjCmZtFqjWFEIeJ/story.html

Roster status quo
Manager Alex Cora said the Red Sox are unlikely to make any roster changes for the ALCS, though if they did it likely would be to add a pitcher.
Boston’s main injury concern is first baseman Mitch Moreland, who left Game 2 against the Yankees with a sore hamstring and hasn’t played since. Thursday, Moreland took batting practice on the field, and Cora is optimistic he will make it onto the ALCS roster.
“Mitch is feeling better,” Cora said. “We still have time to see where we’re at with him. Hopefully he keeps getting better and he’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”
Elsewhere, Cora said infielder Eduardo Nunez is fine after slipping on the infield grass at Yankee Stadium seconds after Boston clinched.
“He’s OK,” Cora said. “I think he slipped on that play. I think he was jumping up and down, celebrating. I saw him today and I’m like, ‘Are you good to go?’ He said, ‘I’m good, Papi.’ He’s fine.”
 

InsideTheParker

persists in error
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Jul 15, 2005
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MLBN's show with Brian Kenny (I can never remember the name), just featured a long, illustrated report of the history of Sale pitching to Bregman, how he's adjusted, and how Bregman could adjust to the adjustment. When it came time to discuss Verlander, all they talked about was that he's a hall-of-famer who had greatly increased the intelligence of the other pitchers on the Astros. It's was quite odd, the difference in coverage. I guess the Sox should forfeit now?
 

LynnRice75

a real Homer for the Sox
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Jul 15, 2005
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YOUK is throwing out first pitch tomorrow
I always thought Youk was a better MVP candidate than Pedroia in '08. I just looked up the stats again to see if I remembered correctly. I still think there is an argument to be made. Defensively, Pedey may have an edge, though Youk was stellar playing both corners. Offensively....

YOUK
29 HR, 115 RBI, .312 BA, .390 OBP, .569 SLG, .958 OPS,

PEDEY
17 HR, 83 RBI, .326 BA, .376 OBP, .494 SLG, .869 OPS
 

jose melendez

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After facing that ridiculous Yankee lineup, (7 starts with OPS over 800) Houston is a lot less scary (2 starters with OPS over 800). Their starting pitching is obviously a lot better than the MFYs (and us), but they can be beat.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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Verlander and Cole games 1 and 2. That's brutal. If the Indians had won one or two games that would have helped.
The only thing that might have helped is if Cleveland had pushed it to Game 5, in which case we'd probably be getting Cole and Keuchel. Still no picnic. The Astros don't really have a weak spot in the rotation, unless Charlie Morton is rusty having not pitched in 2+ weeks.
 

uncannymanny

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Jan 12, 2007
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After facing that ridiculous Yankee lineup, (7 starts with OPS over 800) Houston is a lot less scary (2 starters with OPS over 800). Their starting pitching is obviously a lot better than the MFYs (and us), but they can be beat.
HOU 3 4 31 34 .429

Far from unbeatable, and should be quite a series.

Starters against Boston this season:
Cole: 13ip 5er 3hr 3bb 15k
Verlander: 6ip 2er 0hr 2bb 6k
Keuchel: 6ip 5er 1hr 2bb 2k
Morton: 10.1ip 8er 3hr 3bb 10k
McCullers: 6ip 2er 0hr 2bb 4k
 
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FinanceAdvice

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Apr 1, 2008
167
Albany, NY
I wouldn't mind if the Sox rotation went Sale/Eovaldi/Porcello followed by Price or Rodriguez, whoever has better numbers against Houston
I share your feelings. Even though Price isn't facing the Yankees, I believe his overall post season record ERA is North of 8.? An with a 2-3-2 format, I think its critical that the Red Sox take the first two. I'd go with Sale, Eovaldi, Procello, then Price.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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I share your feelings. Even though Price isn't facing the Yankees, I believe his overall post season record ERA is North of 8.? An with a 2-3-2 format, I think its critical that the Red Sox take the first two. I'd go with Sale, Eovaldi, Procello, then Price.
Come on. His post-season ERA has been referenced in this thread multiple times already. In 10 starts, his post-season ERA is 6.03. Overall, including his relief appearances, it's 5.28. If you're going to cite stats, at least do it accurately.
 

Al Zarilla

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After facing that ridiculous Yankee lineup, (7 starts with OPS over 800) Houston is a lot less scary (2 starters with OPS over 800). Their starting pitching is obviously a lot better than the MFYs (and us), but they can be beat.
One of the sub 800 guys is Springer, who woke up to post a 1.500 OPS against Indians. Two of the others, Gurriel and Correa did damage to us last year. Marwin Gonzalez was out of his mind against Cleveland. If their offense is a dropoff from NYs, their pitching, well, you said it, evens it up.
 

chrisfont9

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One of the sub 800 guys is Springer, who woke up to post a 1.500 OPS against Indians. Two of the others, Gurriel and Correa did damage to us last year. Marwin Gonzalez was out of his mind against Cleveland. If their offense is a dropoff from NYs, their pitching, well, you said it, evens it up.
Correa's injury limits his case for statistical excellence in this series, but he'll probably get in a few good swings between the shooting back pains.
 

geoduck no quahog

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The top of the Red Sox order:
Betts
Benintendi
Martinez
Bogaerts

Is a little better than the Astor's
Springer
Altuve
Bregman
Gurriel

The bottom of the Astor's (guessing)
Gonzales
Correa
Reddick
Marisnick
Maldonado

Matches up to:
Pearce
Nunez
Kinsler
Bradley
Leon

Overall, who do you give the edge to, lineup versus lineup?

Bench vs bench?
 

bosockboy

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Jul 15, 2005
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Expecting a big series from Benintendi. All righties and he has hit them well, including a dinger off Verlander in the ALDS last year.
 

Ale Xander

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Any specifics?
Here they are

https://www.masco.org/alert/lma-traffic-advisory-city-boston-traffic-advisory-saturday-and-sunday-october-13-and-14-2018

Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14

ALCS Games at Fenway Park will impact traffic and parking.

Saturday’s game is scheduled to begin at 8:09 PM.

Sunday’s game is scheduled to begin at 7:09 PM.

One hour before game time until approximately 1/2 hour after game time the Boston Police Department will be closing the following streets to traffic:

  • Brookline Avenue, from Commonwealth Avenue to Beacon Street
  • Jersey Street, from Boylston Street to Brookline Avenue
  • Ipswich Street, from Boylston Street to Boylston Street
  • Van Ness Street, from Ipswich Street to Kilmarnock Street.


“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Saturday and Sunday” parking restrictions will be in effect as follows.

  • Jersey Street, both sides, Boylston Street to Brookline Avenue
  • Van Ness Street, both sides, Ipswich Street to Kilmarnock Street
“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Saturday & Sunday 4PM to 11:59PM”

  • Boylston Street, both sides, Ipswich Street to Park Drive, except for HP Parking.
  • Brookline Avenue, both sides, Park Drive to Commonwealth Avenue
  • Burlington Avenue, both sides, Brookline Avenue to the Dead End, excluding HP
  • Fullerton Street, both sides, Brookline Avenue to Dead End
  • Ipswich Street, both sides, the entire length of the street
  • Lansdowne Street, both sides, Brookline Avenue to Ipswich Street
  • Overland Street, both sides, Brookline Avenue to David Ortiz Drive, excluding HP
“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event HP Parking Only Saturday & Sunday”

  • Boylston Street, Fenway Park side, Ipswich Street to Richard B. Ross Way.
 

chawson

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Aug 1, 2006
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Looks like Vic Carapazza behind the plate in Game 2. According to Swish Analytics, games he umps have slightly more K% and less BB% — though per NESN, those figures haven’t benefited Price over five career games.

“Price’s overall numbers are fine with Carapazza as home plate umpire, but it does seem like Carapazza has had a tight zone when Price has pitched. Carapazza has called balls and strikes for Price five times in the southpaw’s career. Price has issued 13 walks in just 25 2/3 innings, roughly 4 1/2 per nine innings — twice Price’s career walks per nine rate. Carapazza called Price’s April 17 start against the Los Angeles Angels when Price tied a season-high with four walks in just five innings.”

https://nesn.com/2018/10/joe-west-is-coming-to-town-heres-red-sox-astros-alcs-umpiring-crew/amp/
 

Savin Hillbilly

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Jul 10, 2007
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The wrong side of the bridge....
If it's any comfort, three things (SSS, yada yada):

1) While the Sox haven't exactly rocked Cole this year, they actually hit him better than any other AL opponent (.667 OPS).
2) Price made mincemeat of the Astros this year (.159/.213/.295 slash line in 2 starts).
3) Price dominated at home this year (2.98 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .641 OPS allowed).

All those things together make me feel pretty good about game 2--not cocky good, but like we have a solid chance. For Game 1, who knows? It all depends on what Sale's got left in the tank, but it's impossible to feel pessimistic about a Chris Sale start.

Eovaldi vs. Keuchel, and Porcello vs. Morton, if that's how it goes, it'll be just a matter of who's hot. All of those pitchers can be untouchable on a good day or easy targets on a bad one.
 

joe dokes

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Jul 18, 2005
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If it's any comfort, three things (SSS, yada yada):

1) While the Sox haven't exactly rocked Cole this year, they actually hit him better than any other AL opponent (.667 OPS).
2) Price made mincemeat of the Astros this year (.159/.213/.295 slash line in 2 starts).
3) Price dominated at home this year (2.98 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .641 OPS allowed).

All those things together make me feel pretty good about game 2--not cocky good, but like we have a solid chance. For Game 1, who knows? It all depends on what Sale's got left in the tank, but it's impossible to feel pessimistic about a Chris Sale start.

Eovaldi vs. Keuchel, and Porcello vs. Morton, if that's how it goes, it'll be just a matter of who's hot. All of those pitchers can be untouchable on a good day or easy targets on a bad one.
The Astors are a fucking good team. So are the Sox. Feeling "cocky good" would be silly. "Solid chance" is really all one can hope for. Both teams have one.
Maybe sale and Price get lit and Evo and Porcello throw shutouts. As long as there's another game there's hope/fear/concern.
 

Adrian's Dome

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If it's any comfort, three things (SSS, yada yada):

1) While the Sox haven't exactly rocked Cole this year, they actually hit him better than any other AL opponent (.667 OPS).
2) Price made mincemeat of the Astros this year (.159/.213/.295 slash line in 2 starts).
3) Price dominated at home this year (2.98 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .641 OPS allowed).

All those things together make me feel pretty good about game 2--not cocky good, but like we have a solid chance. For Game 1, who knows? It all depends on what Sale's got left in the tank, but it's impossible to feel pessimistic about a Chris Sale start.

Eovaldi vs. Keuchel, and Porcello vs. Morton, if that's how it goes, it'll be just a matter of who's hot. All of those pitchers can be untouchable on a good day or easy targets on a bad one.
Agree with all this, it's a logical take. This series should honestly be a coin flip.
 

mikeot

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Dec 22, 2006
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What’s Kate Uptown’s due date? Might Verlander miss a start on paternity leave?
 

Alkie

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Oct 6, 2017
11
I'm sure this has already been posted in other threads, but:

Chris Sale (CWS) vs 2012-2016 Houston Astros - 5-1, 1.31 ERA in 48.0 IP
Chris Sale (BOS) vs 2017-2018 Houston Astros - 0-3, 7.47 ERA in 15.2 IP


*-stats include regular and post-season