Astros 10/9, ALDS game 4

[Larry Cook]

This years team exceeded last year's team by one playoff win, but I am left feeling the team under performed.

 

The number of injuries this team fought through was absolutely crippling.

 

If I could wish for one thing we take from this season and apply to next season is this:

 

When a hitter is injured, we put him on the dl and we have the depth to not be too negatively affected. We do it with pitchers, let's do it with hitters as well.

 

Moreland, bogey, Hanley, Bradley, betts, Nunez, and of course the eternally injured pedroia all should have been on the dl this year and not tried to play through their injuries:

[moonslav59]

We haven't got the wherewithal to win the offseason. We're tapped out and I'm not into giving up Devers or Betts for a Stanton.

 

We reset the tax for a reason.

 

What I see as the biggest problem is that there are no free agents that fit our biggest need- a 1Bman with excellent clean-up hitting skills.

 

We could sign players to other positions and then trade for a 1Bman and/or clean-up hitter.

 

We could go for depth and a DH like JD Martinez, Duda AND Nunez.

 

We could trade for Donaldson or Beltre and move Devers to 1B.

[Thunder]

Well, he we are at the end of the season, and I'm not sure what to think. Unlike last year, I think we went up against a better team, and we scratched out a win in the series. Like last year, however, we came into October not quite playing our best. This year, though, we had far more inconsistencies, especially on the offensive side, so it will be an interesting offseason in terms of what personnel is acquired. Down years from Bogaerts and JBJ really plagued us, but it's still too early in their careers to determine if last year was a career year offensively, or if it is what can be expected of them. I think Vazquez needs to be given the role of day-to-day catcher, with Leon coming in periodically to give rest, like a day game after a night game sort of deal. If he really wants to be great, he has to learn how to catch Sale, which I thought he did a pretty good job of today.

 

It took all year to convince me, but I finally agree that Farrell has to go. I think those of you that have been providing evidence to why his pitching decisions cost us games at some points are valid.

 

As for the fact of the season being over, it just hasn't seemed to sink in yet, but I find myself feeling that a lot. Last year really hurt. Watching Papi come out onto that field one last time was so chilling and made me so emotional because of the fact that it represented the end of my childhood, since Big Papi was the last player that I couldn't remember a time before he was on the Red Sox. I feel content with this ending. Yeah, it sucks, and for much of the game today, I knew that if we won, we were likely going to win game 5, but in hind sight, we won a game, and even me, the passionate optimist, couldn't see a realistic way that the Red Sox won this series. They accomplished what I expected them do, nothing more, nothing less, so I'm contented. The Yankees really were the better team in the AL East. We got away with winning the AL East. I don't even think the Wild Card game would've been a guarantee had we been put in that situation.

 

Now, I don't care much for Hot Stove talk, so I usually take a break from Talksox in the offseason, checking in periodically just to show myself. But, we'll see how these next few weeks go. I've learned a lot from many of you this season, so it might be worth sticking around to gather a perspective on some of the moves we make as we make them, or even before we make them.

 

Finally, I want to say I was wrong about Chris Sale. Before the season started, I kept saying that Chris Sale was a clubhouse cancer, and that he would cause team morale to self-destruct and force a quick exit in the playoffs. It was a fairly quick exit, but this season, I fell in love with Chris Sale, and I can't wait to see him again on Opening Day.

[jacksonianmarch]

We reset the tax for a reason.

 

What I see as the biggest problem is that there are no free agents that fit our biggest need- a 1Bman with excellent clean-up hitting skills.

 

We could sign players to other positions and then trade for a 1Bman and/or clean-up hitter.

 

We could go for depth and a DH like JD Martinez, Duda AND Nunez.

 

We could trade for Donaldson or Beltre and move Devers to 1B.

 

I think the sox throw their hat in the ring for Martinez. It's a DD kind of move, and DD also found JD in Detroit. You don't have the goods to get Donaldson, and the Jays have stated that they aren't rebuilding and plan to contend in 2018. Beltre turns 39 in April and still is playing well, but I also think the Rangers will try to contend in 2018 as well. Heck, if Minnesota can make the playoffs, then so can the Rangers or Jays, right?

[Northern Star]

We reset the tax for a reason.

 

What I see as the biggest problem is that there are no free agents that fit our biggest need- a 1Bman with excellent clean-up hitting skills.

 

We could sign players to other positions and then trade for a 1Bman and/or clean-up hitter.

 

We could go for depth and a DH like JD Martinez, Duda AND Nunez.

 

We could trade for Donaldson or Beltre and move Devers to 1B.

 

Your DH plan involves shipping off Hanley, right? Because there's no other place to put him.

[jacksonianmarch]

Your DH plan involves shipping off Hanley, right? Because there's no other place to put him.

 

I think you guys go for JD and maybe a fallback for Duda. JD would play 1b

[a700hitter]

Your DH plan involves shipping off Hanley, right? Because there's no other place to put him.

He can play first base, because Moreland will not be here.

[a700hitter]

Some questions, I thought we would challenge the DP on Benintendi going back into first base. He looked safe to this old naked eye. How did the TV replays look?

 

Also, I thought the ball hit on the ballgirl interference was foul. How did the replay look?

 

Finally, if the roles were reversed and we were up 2 games to 1 and up 1 run in the 5th inning of game 4, do you think that Farrell would have brought in scheduled game 5 starter Sale like they brought Verlander?

[Slasher9]

Beni was out. Wasn't that close on tv.

The ball down the line was inconclusive on the angle they showed on tv. Isn't reviewable anyways according to the announcers.

I don't think he would have done it up 2 games to 1.

[Bellhorn04]

Finally, if the roles were reversed and we were up 2 games to 1 and up 1 run in the 5th inning of game 4, do you think that Farrell would have brought in scheduled game 5 starter Sale like they brought Verlander?

 

I'd say probably not, but it depends on all the circumstances. Hinch was in a great position to do this with Keuchel going Game 5 if necessary on regular rest.

[Maxbialystock]

Some questions, I thought we would challenge the DP on Benintendi going back into first base. He looked safe to this old naked eye. How did the TV replays look?

 

Also, I thought the ball hit on the ballgirl interference was foul. How did the replay look?

 

Finally, if the roles were reversed and we were up 2 games to 1 and up 1 run in the 5th inning of game 4, do you think that Farrell would have brought in scheduled game 5 starter Sale like they brought Verlander?

 

Verlander, the guy who gave up the 2 run dinger to Beni? I loved that move. If Kimbrel hadn't s*** in his pants, the Sox win the game thanks to Verlander.

[dannycater]

You can make a strong case that all 3 of the Sox final hitters after Devers HR should have been pinch hit for...Leon lefty, Holt lefty, Young for a possible HR...The 3 in a row of Vasquez, JBJR and the horrible Pedey was a logjam created by Farrell...Yes, I know Vasquez hit well and had one good ALDS game, but Leon has been a clutch hitter for them last few seasons and had a great game the day before...Anyway, it wasn't meant to be. No use of bench in a 1-run game.

[dannycater]

JF is an idiot

 

The only reason why this was funny was he had been ejected several innings before, and I just found the timing priceless...Ultimately, Farrell is an idiot. When it's all said and done, he put the vaunted 8-9-1 of Vasquez, JBJ, and Pedroia...and his replacement refused to pinch hit for any of them down 1 run in the 9th. Yes, let's send up those 3 one more time after putrid at bats all game.

[Spudboy]

Some questions, I thought we would challenge the DP on Benintendi going back into first base. He looked safe to this old naked eye. How did the TV replays look?

 

Also, I thought the ball hit on the ballgirl interference was foul. How did the replay look?

 

Finally, if the roles were reversed and we were up 2 games to 1 and up 1 run in the 5th inning of game 4, do you think that Farrell would have brought in scheduled game 5 starter Sale like they brought Verlander?

 

Beni was toast.

[a700hitter]

Beni was toast.

i guess that I had a bad angle.

[a700hitter]

Beni was toast.

Let the liner go through the infield. That is sound fundamental baseball.

[Thunder]

i guess that I had a bad angle.

 

Or bad eyes, ya old man

[a700hitter]

Or bad eyes, ya old man

No doubt. I have been trying to compensate with sonar, but I need more work.

[Thunder]

Now it's starting to hit me... Feels weird going to bed knowing the season's over. Every day for 6 months we wake up with the anticipation of game day then all of a sudden it's done

[Spudboy]

Now it's starting to hit me... Feels weird going to bed knowing the season's over. Every day for 6 months we wake up with the anticipation of game day then all of a sudden it's done

 

Get a girlfriend and then dump her April 1st.

 

Simple.

[Spudboy]

Let the liner go through the infield. That is sound fundamental baseball.

 

Did you see that strong throw he made to the Houston dugout? She was a bute!

[BstHcpr]

The only reason why this was funny was he had been ejected several innings before, and I just found the timing priceless...Ultimately, Farrell is an idiot. When it's all said and done, he put the vaunted 8-9-1 of Vasquez, JBJ, and Pedroia...and his replacement refused to pinch hit for any of them down 1 run in the 9th. Yes, let's send up those 3 one more time after putrid at bats all game.

 

Who was going to hit for them? No bench

[Thunder]

Get a girlfriend and then dump her April 1st.

 

Simple.

 

Part 1 of that plan is the hardest part

[a700hitter]

Did you see that strong throw he made to the Houston dugout? She was a bute!

And if he had some field awareness, he might have realized that he had a play if he made the much shorter throw behind the runner at 2nd base.

[Spudboy]

Part 1 of that plan is the hardest part

 

I can understand your point.

 

You just need to be confident and make yourself available. There are tons of young women who would love to spend time with you because most young guys are f***ing ass holes.

[Spudboy]

And if he had some field awareness, he might have realized that he had a play if he made the much shorter throw behind the runner at 2nd base.

 

His game awareness and understanding of Newton's third law are questionable at best.

 

"But he is only 23".

[Thunder]

I can understand you point.

 

You just need to be confident and make yourself available. There are tons of young women who would love to spend time with you because most young guys are f***ing ass holes.

 

I definitely struggle with confidence. The biggest problem for me is actually talking to someone.

[Spudboy]

I definitely struggle with confidence. The biggest problem for me is actually talking to someone.

 

I can understand that too. But you have a good heart and you can be really insightful and funny. No one will be grading you on initiating conversations with girls so if you can gather a little courage and just start practicing I am confident that you will see that it becomes easier. Just be kind, thoughtful and cute. Soon you will be brimming with confidence. I am sure that there are girls who have noticed you already. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You''l be fine.

[Thunder]

I can understand that too. But you have a good heart and you can be really insightful and funny. No one will be grading you on initiating conversations with girls so if you can gather a little courage and just start practicing I am confident that you will see that it becomes easier. Just be kind, thoughtful and cute. Soon you will be brimming with confidence. I am sure that there are girls who have noticed you already. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You''l be fine.

 

I'll let you know how it goes when I return from my offseason hiatus

[Spudboy]

I'll let you know how it goes when I return from my offseason hiatus

 

You should keep posting. If for no other reason I will have no Jets fans to make fun of!