- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
DAT 6/17: CWS (Cease) at HOU (Urquidy) | 7:10 CT
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:12 am
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:12 am
After a 2-game sweep of the intrastate doormat Rangers, the Astros now turn their attention to a legitimate contender from the AL Central. Like the Padres in the NL, the White Sox, who have the best record in the AL, have lived up to preseason billing as an up-and-coming power with World Series aspirations.
The White Sox also share something in common with the Astros: Both employ dinosaurs in the managerial chair. Tony LaRussa is older (76) and possibly even more senile than Dusty Baker. These two longtime rival managers have had a few run-ins over the years so it will be interesting to see if either is awake to start something this weekend. LaRussa was referred to as a "genius" in his heyday, a tag he seemed to encourage the media to use. These days, his level of genius measurement is probably closer to another self-proclaimed genius.
For what it's worth, the Astros have won 9 of their last 12 against the ChiSox, though this is a much different Chicago team than the ones that had been flailing around the 2010s. The two teams did not meet last year when the White Sox finished 35-25. The Astros have only lost three series all year to teams with a winning record (7-3-1 in 11 series), and have won their last three series played against teams above .500. Time to make it four in a row, both in victories and series wins.
The White Sox also share something in common with the Astros: Both employ dinosaurs in the managerial chair. Tony LaRussa is older (76) and possibly even more senile than Dusty Baker. These two longtime rival managers have had a few run-ins over the years so it will be interesting to see if either is awake to start something this weekend. LaRussa was referred to as a "genius" in his heyday, a tag he seemed to encourage the media to use. These days, his level of genius measurement is probably closer to another self-proclaimed genius.
For what it's worth, the Astros have won 9 of their last 12 against the ChiSox, though this is a much different Chicago team than the ones that had been flailing around the 2010s. The two teams did not meet last year when the White Sox finished 35-25. The Astros have only lost three series all year to teams with a winning record (7-3-1 in 11 series), and have won their last three series played against teams above .500. Time to make it four in a row, both in victories and series wins.
This post was edited on 6/17/21 at 10:55 am
5
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:22 am to Domeskeller
I'm very excited about this series. There could be some fraud with the White Sox I feel like, yes they are very talented but they've also played the softest schedule in the league to date and they have the 5th softest schedule the rest of the way (Astros have the 3rd easiest). This will be a very good test for both teams.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:44 am to TigerFan91
Hopefully, the injuries don't start to take a toll, though as a few pointed out, Bregman wasn't exactly hot lately.
But the cumulative effect of injuries eventually makes its mark. Not having Diaz didn't hurt by itself, but this is where having Diaz could help compensate for the loss of Bregman. Instead, we go to Plan C, which is hopefully not another hole in the lineup.
On the bright side, speaking of holes, who saw two Little Mac HRs, a Straw HR and a Maldy HR in the same game coming? Bottom third of the lineup last night: 5-for-12, 4 HRs, 4 runs scored, 5 runs batted in. And that's before you get to Altuve's two HRs.
But the cumulative effect of injuries eventually makes its mark. Not having Diaz didn't hurt by itself, but this is where having Diaz could help compensate for the loss of Bregman. Instead, we go to Plan C, which is hopefully not another hole in the lineup.
On the bright side, speaking of holes, who saw two Little Mac HRs, a Straw HR and a Maldy HR in the same game coming? Bottom third of the lineup last night: 5-for-12, 4 HRs, 4 runs scored, 5 runs batted in. And that's before you get to Altuve's two HRs.
This post was edited on 6/17/21 at 10:48 am
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:46 am to Domeskeller
The White Sox have really good starting pitching. Their 2.95 starters ERA is over half a run better than Tampa Bay at 3.50 with the Astros right behind in the AL at 3.51.
Their relief pitching is also above average, 4th in the AL with a 3.55 ERA. The Astros are NOT right behind.
Their offense has cooled off some, but they are still top 5 in the AL in runs scored, average, and on-base percentage.
All that said, I can't help but feel like it's because they feast on the Twins, Tigers, and Royals, plus they swept 4 games agains the Orioles. They are 14-15 against teams with winning records. The Astros meanwhile are 21-13 against teams with winning records.
In conclusion... the Astros take 3/4 this series.
Their relief pitching is also above average, 4th in the AL with a 3.55 ERA. The Astros are NOT right behind.
Their offense has cooled off some, but they are still top 5 in the AL in runs scored, average, and on-base percentage.
All that said, I can't help but feel like it's because they feast on the Twins, Tigers, and Royals, plus they swept 4 games agains the Orioles. They are 14-15 against teams with winning records. The Astros meanwhile are 21-13 against teams with winning records.
In conclusion... the Astros take 3/4 this series.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:46 am to TigerFan91
The White Sox have had injury issues worse than the Astros, so no excuses there
On that note, resting starters has to become a Players' Association issue at some point
I don't really follow how other teams handle this, but it has to be fairly evident that teams are manipulating players production, especially those with nothing to gain.
The Astros have no fear of being left out of the playoffs and have no real concern about not winning the division. They systematically "rest" starters, presumably to keep them fresh and/or prevent injury.
Do the Astros have any starters that have not missed time due to injury? There's no real justification for it. They had no problem plugging Maldanado in the lineup every night when they didn't have any real C options, did they?
From an Astros fan's perspective, I'm all for whatever can put the team in the best position to win a championship long term. And if that includes not having the stars in the lineup every night, so be it.
But at some point, the players are not going to enjoy the off nights at their own expense.
On that note, resting starters has to become a Players' Association issue at some point
I don't really follow how other teams handle this, but it has to be fairly evident that teams are manipulating players production, especially those with nothing to gain.
The Astros have no fear of being left out of the playoffs and have no real concern about not winning the division. They systematically "rest" starters, presumably to keep them fresh and/or prevent injury.
Do the Astros have any starters that have not missed time due to injury? There's no real justification for it. They had no problem plugging Maldanado in the lineup every night when they didn't have any real C options, did they?
From an Astros fan's perspective, I'm all for whatever can put the team in the best position to win a championship long term. And if that includes not having the stars in the lineup every night, so be it.
But at some point, the players are not going to enjoy the off nights at their own expense.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:48 am to Domeskeller
quote:
On the bright side, speaking of holes, who saw two Little Mac HRs, a Straw HR and a Maldy HR in the same game coming?
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:49 am to Domeskeller
Go SOX!!!!!!
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:50 am to wahoocs
As a fan, I don't care about teams giving starters a day off. I care about when it happens, though. Resting a guy in the middle of a hot streak is annoying. Wait till he's cold and give him a mental health day.
Also, don't rest your starters on the last day of a homestand, especially if there's a day off behind it. You want to give a guy two days off? Fine. Do it on the first game of the road trip and let their fans watch a AAA lineup.
Also, don't rest your starters on the last day of a homestand, especially if there's a day off behind it. You want to give a guy two days off? Fine. Do it on the first game of the road trip and let their fans watch a AAA lineup.
This post was edited on 6/17/21 at 10:53 am
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:51 am to wahoocs
quote:
On that note, resting starters has to become a Players' Association issue at some point
Resting a few guys during a long stretch without a day off I understand. Especially a day game after a night game or a double header to make up a game, although they are only 7 innings now.
Resting a few guys when there is an off day the next day doesn't make any damn sense.
Or the classic Dusty resting guys in a week with TWO built in off days.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 10:57 am to wahoocs
quote:
The Astros have no fear of being left out of the playoffs
Which is bullshite because all they're guaranteed in their current playoff position is 1 wild card game on the road. Remember its back to the 1 game wild card play in rather than last years WC series.
As things currently stand, this is the playoff picture
Wild Card: Astros @ Red Sox
ALDS: A's @ Rays
ALDS: Wild Card winner @ White Sox
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:02 am to Lsuhoohoo
quote:
Which is bullshite because all they're guaranteed in their current playoff position is 1 wild card game on the road. Remember its back to the 1 game wild card play in rather than last years WC series.
Exactly.
Home field doesn't matter all that much, but winning your division does. Winning your division doubles your chances at winning a title in the random champion generator that is the MLB Playoffs.
The A's aren't a bad team, the Astros have no guarantee of passing them up, even though statistically they should. Giving away games in May and June could come back to bite them.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:07 am to Lsuhoohoo
How are the Astros guaranteed a playoff spot???? There is no telling what can happen the rest of the season.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:10 am to dukke v
No one is guaranteed a playoff spot yet.
Just based on simple math, remaining schedule, and common sense
Just based on simple math, remaining schedule, and common sense
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:10 am to dukke v
quote:
How are the Astros guaranteed a playoff spot????
Did I say that? No. Read Peej
quote:
all they're guaranteed in their current playoff position
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:12 am to LSUBoo
The "resting" has been systematic.
Roughly one a game a week for the regulars.
And they still miss time due to injury.
They are going to run out of reasons until left with only the obvious
Roughly one a game a week for the regulars.
And they still miss time due to injury.
They are going to run out of reasons until left with only the obvious
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:18 am to wahoocs
quote:
No one is guaranteed a playoff spot yet.
Just based on simple math, remaining schedule, and common sense
Fangraphs currently has the Astros at 79.9% chance of making the playoffs. Broken down as 55.1% of winning the division and 24.7% chance of a wild card spot. I guess they rounded in there somewhere.
They have the Astros at 10.9% chance to win the world series, which is behind the Dodgers and Mets and tied with the White Sox. I assume if the Mets are without DeGrom for a while that will change rapidly as well.
If I'm Astros management, I don't like 55.1% of winning the division. That's too low to coast.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:20 am to Domeskeller
quote:
Resting a guy in the middle of a hot streak is annoying. Wait till he's cold and give him a mental health day.
I think a big reason why the 2017 Astros were so successful is that they didn't rest their players with a complete day off--they would let them DH and have Marwin fill their position in the field. Kept them sharp & rested at the same time.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:49 am to texn
I would like a win today.
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:53 am to LSUBoo
I'm not really in support of coasting
But they coasted last year, ending with a losing record and finished one game from the WS
I truly don't think management is concerned about missing the playoffs
Should they be? We'll see. I know it's cliche, but it's a business, and from where I'm sitting, the players are going to have to do something to combat the owners attempts to make them more affordable
But they coasted last year, ending with a losing record and finished one game from the WS
I truly don't think management is concerned about missing the playoffs
Should they be? We'll see. I know it's cliche, but it's a business, and from where I'm sitting, the players are going to have to do something to combat the owners attempts to make them more affordable
Posted on 6/17/21 at 11:57 am to wahoocs
quote:
But they coasted last year, ending with a losing record and finished one game from the WS
Last year was different, as Seattle, Anaheim, and Texas were so bad that the Astros could frick around into second place in the division. They can't do that this year, they are only one game ahead of the Indians for the last playoff spot.
If it was still a 16-team playoff with 3-game first-round series, then absolutely. Cruise control.
Page 1 of 8
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News