The two pitchers that I coveted the most in recent years were Verlander and Cole. The Dodgers went cheap with others like Yu Darvish and Kelly, while the Astros paid the toll and moved into the fast lane. Now is the time to fix one of those mistakes by signing Cole. The Dodgers can free up $35 million per year just by allowing Hill and Ryu to walk out. I hope they do it right this time.
Cole is 19-0 in his last 19 decisions. Jim, didn't you say earlier that you thought Ryu should win the NL CY Young? Yet you think the Dodgers should let him go to get Cole?
Scott Boras is itching to get Ryu on the open market. Scott Boras Sets Sights High For Hyun-jin Ryu Contract
Game 4 is postponed. That's helpful for the Astros pitching rotation. Game 4 starter was unknown (Jose Urquidy? ) Now it will be Zach Greinke on Thursday with full rest. Yankee's got to Zach in game 1, but I like him as game 4 starter better than unknown.
Astros have announced they will go with Greinke in Game 4 and Verlander in Game 5. Puts us in a rough spot, that Game 6 starter would either be Cole on 3 days rest or back to the Unkown Starter...then Cole in Game 7. Cole has never pitched a MLB game on 3 days rest.
No one asked me, but I love power pitchers in the postseason. I would take a guy like Cole over Ryu. I like Buehler over Kershaw. If the Dodgers can possibly save money, or at least break even, by letting Ryu/Hill walk and then nabbing Cole, I'd do it in a heartbeat. The Dodgers have a run of fantastic young arms who are right there on the cusp of being major league starters. They saw significant action this year. I think it's time that the Dodgers start playing their best 9 and throwing their best 5. I bet Kelly comes back and has a great year next season. From a pitch calling standpoint, I am left wondering if he's hurt or the Dodgers just didn't know how to use him. When he was in Boston, he was dominant because he throws 98-99 with lots of movement. That's almost unheard of. The Dodgers featured his spike curve and slider over the fastball which was just a setup pitch. That's not what that guy throws. Just turn him loose.
The Dodgers have some tough decisions to make. Ryu will be 33 years old and Hill will be 40. Both are easy throwing lefties with long histories of arm problems. Both are almost unhittable when they're healthy, but their track record is against them. Both will stay in LA for less money, but if the chance comes again to obtain Cole, the Dodgers can't pass that up.
A bonus win by the Astros last night. Up 3-1 now. Yanks booted quite a few last night, but it was the Astros power that got this win. Greinke only went a little more than 4 innings but only gave up that 1 run as Pressley choked off the rally with 2 K's and the bases loaded. Verlander going tonight. I like our chances.
Also likely that was the last we'll see of CC as a MLB pitcher. 250 wins and 3,000 K's ...he's headed for the HOF.
Verlander rough 1st cost the Astros tonight. After that he was vintage Verlander. But Astros bat's were silenced by the Yankees pitching. Back to Houston. Truthfully I never thought we'd take 2 out of three in NYC. I like our chances to win one in Houston, but that's why you play the games.
You guys see the report that MLB is overhauling the minor leagues? Cutting out 40 teams, going from 160 to 120. I had no idea that there were that many teams in the first place. Also going to cut down the MLB draft from 40 rounds to 25 rounds. Reports: MLB proposes overhaul of minor leagues
Forty communities are going to lose their teams. Sad but not surprising. Probably eliminating one of the two "A" teams (high A and low A) or "Rookie" teams. There are 30 MLB teams. One each AAA, AA, A, Rookie - or combining low A with Rookie - would equal 120 minor league teams.
Brad Peacock who closed out the game last night, 1 inning. Gets the ball tonight for the Astros. He's been a starter, he's been a middle reliever, he's been injured, and at times he's been very good. Hope that is tonight. Mostly though Astros bats need to get going.
Wow what a game, what a finish. Our closer gives up the Bomb to tie the game. Yankee's bring in Chapman and Jose Altuve beats him with a walk off 2 run HR! Astros had some great defensive plays as well to keep the Yankee's at bay. Bring on the Nationals!! We're World Series bound!!!
This will be an odd series. The starting pitchers are certainly going to be the headline grabbers here.