Series Thread: Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros in the 2023 ALCS October 15-23

[saddles]

Yeah, that means he can start.

 

[WilltheThrill]

Chapman is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. When he’s on, he’s the most dominant bullpen pitcher we have. No one else is even close.

The problem is obvious, though- he’s as unreliable as they come. Each time he enters nobody knows whether it will be good Chapman or bad Chapman. Good Chapman is really, really good, but bad Chapman is downright awful.

We’ve figured out he’s a definite no-go on back to back nights, especially in the 9th. And even the 8th inning looks to be too important to insert him.

So the question becomes (to all of you and to Bochy)- is there a situation where you WOULD be comfortable using him? Or is there a situation which could arise where his arsenal of pitches would be useful? If the answer is no, then there is no point in only putting him on the roster for use in blowouts.

Also a point to consider for this series specifically- the Astros have lit him up on multiple occasions with multiple teams, so he seems to have some sort of malfunction against them.

 

[WilltheThrill]

Yeah, that means he can start.

If it were up to me, Eovaldi and Montgomery would get the first 2 games. They’re proven 2023 playoff commodities. Then would come Dunning and Scherzer, not necessarily in that order.

Gray, Heaney, Bradford, and Perez would be the majority of the bullpen, with Leclerc and Stratton included (provided Stratton is released from captivity).

 

[saddles]

Chapman is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. When he’s on, he’s the most dominant bullpen pitcher we have. No one else is even close.

The problem is obvious, though- he’s as unreliable as they come. Each time he enters nobody knows whether it will be good Chapman or bad Chapman. Good Chapman is really, really good, but bad Chapman is downright awful.

We’ve figured out he’s a definite no-go on back to back nights, especially in the 9th. And even the 8th inning looks to be too important to insert him.

So the question becomes (to all of you and to Bochy)- is there a situation where you WOULD be comfortable using him? Or is there a situation which could arise where his arsenal of pitches would be useful? If the answer is no, then there is no point in only putting him on the roster for use in blowouts.

Also a point to consider for this series specifically- the Astros have lit him up on multiple occasions with multiple teams, so he seems to have some sort of malfunction against them.

I would not have him on the roster if it were up to me.

 

[saddles]

Over our last 6 games against the Astros it seems Leclerc and Bradford did well against them in relief. Chapman had one terrible game and one really good one. Hedges did well. Lol

I do think we have the good Sborz in the postseason.

With all of our starters being ready, we may not need very many traditional relief pitchers besides Leclerc. We may average no more than 2 innings per game from those traditional relievers, and maybe less than that if they put Heaney in Chapman's role.

 

[saddles]

 

[DT LUNA]

What is all that about?

 

[saddles]

Speaking of injured pitchers, i wonder if Odorizzi is anywhere close to being ready?

 

[saddles]

What is all that about?

I thunk they wanted the young guysbto get a taste of things so they are letting them throw batting practice while the team works out.

 

[Kelleyman]

It is not that big of a deal to me if Chapman stays on the roster. I just want Heaney to be given the 8th inning role.

I don’t think Bochy will trust Chapman with that again just yet

 

[Kelleyman]

Stratton being overused may be a factor. I honestly would rather have JHern right now

 

[jaar01]

Stratton being overused may be a factor. I honestly would rather have JHern right now

Is JHern healthy? If so I think he is added to the roster.

I'm not expecting J Gray to be on the ALCS roster

 

[saddles]

Stratton being overused may be a factor. I honestly would rather have JHern right now

I don't know if he is going to be healthy enough yet.

 

[saddles]

Atlanta loses. So, we would have home field advantage if we make it to the World Series.

 

[saddles]

From Evan Grant:

Bochy also left open the possibility that Jon Gray, who was placed on the IL during the final weekend of the season, could be activated for the ALCS, though it would likely be in a relief role. Gray had not yet thrown to hitters, as Scherzer had.

 

[armadillooutlaw]

From Evan Grant:

Bochy also left open the possibility that Jon Gray, who was placed on the IL during the final weekend of the season, could be activated for the ALCS, though it would likely be in a relief role. Gray had not yet thrown to hitters, as Scherzer had.

He'd be useful out of the pen. Wonder what his best role is? Maybe just another multi-inning reliever?

 

[saddles]

 

[Senator_fan]

I’m thinking Monty in game 1 and Eovaldi in game 3. Then Eovaldi if necessary in game 7 on 4 days rest if needed. He’s the best choice for game 7 and want to see him pitch at home at least one game.

 

[saddles]

 

[Senator_fan]

https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-call-up-prospect-wyatt-langford-mlb-playoffs

The title in the link is misleading. Not probable and highly unlikely but he could replace an injured position player only after the ALCS roster has been submitted and then have to get approval from the commissioner’s office.

The rules for replacement players for injured players during the post season include a provision they can be on an active minor league roster.