MLB Postseason GDT

[EDmuch]

Heck of a game last nite by the Nats. They have really jelled into a very formidable team.

[andyb]

Looking more likely the Nats use Sanchez now in game 3. Even if Corbin pitches game 4 he'd be available in the bullpen (Scherzer too) in a game 7 started by Sanchez who might only need to go once through the order with so many other starters available.

Soto is really good. That pitch he hit off Cole was actually a really good pitch. It is the exact pitch that Bryce can't hit.

[Philsmania]

Do we need a WS thread or should this thread be renamed to include the WS?

[zambonir]

Renamed. In the past we sometimes had separate threads for every league series (and the wild card round too) but it never seemed like there was enough chatter to justify it.

[Dirk41]

This Nats team has a very 08 Phillies feel

[zambonir]

Hey, we won our division! But also, we didn't have to play the best team in the NL, whereas they took 'em out early, and they didn't even lose a game in the NLCS, whereas we need Vic and Stairs.

I think they are more like the '07 Rockies who were easily the best team in baseball in the second half IIRC, except unlike them, no WS comedown. .

[Philsmania]

I was thinking the 2007 Rockies, too. The 2007 Rockies went on a 19-1 run which included an 11-1 streak to close out the regular season followed by play-in win over the Padres and sweeps of the Phillies and Diamondbacks. The Nats closed out the regular season on an eight game winning streak (10-1 altogether to close it out) and are now 8-2 in the Postseason. However, unlike the '07 Rockies, it does not appear that the weeklong layoff between in NLCS and WS has iced them and they are still a buzzsaw at this point.

[schillingfan]

However, unlike the '07 Rockies, it does not appear that the weeklong layoff between in NLCS and WS has iced them and they are still a buzzsaw at this point.

I think that’s because the Nats are built on strong pitching. Hitting is notoriously hot and cold. Granted Hamels was amazing and in the zone, but pitching, while variable, hitting see such more prone to emotional and other factors. Would be interesting to have someone study influences other than luck on hot and cold streaks. I think Krug said that when he was hot the ball looked so much bigger coming out of the pitcher’s hand.

[zambonir]

Somehow Houston's series to lose again. Should be good.

[LoneStarPhan]

Now becomes a 3 game series with 2 of the 3 games in Houston.

[Philsmania]

However, unlike the '07 Rockies, it does not appear that the weeklong layoff between in NLCS and WS has iced them and they are still a buzzsaw at this point.

I think that’s because the Nats are built on strong pitching. Hitting is notoriously hot and cold. Granted Hamels was amazing and in the zone, but pitching, while variable, hitting see such more prone to emotional and other factors. Would be interesting to have someone study influences other than luck on hot and cold streaks. I think Krug said that when he was hot the ball looked so much bigger coming out of the pitcher’s hand.

See also how Hamels and the Phillies' hot relievers were able to pick up where they left off in the NLCS when they got to the WS in 2008. The 2007 Rockies, OTOH, were built on offense.

Having said that, this may now academic in light of how handily the Astros took games 3 & 4.

[zambonir]

The Nats have strong starting pitching but they were also 6th in MLB in runs scored, and OPS. Actually not even in the top half of the league in ERA (though the bullpen presumably has a lot to do with that).

It will certainly be strength against strength for these next two games, and the Nats do have their better relievers ready today as well.

[zambonir]

Wow. The team of destiny narrative is certainly getting flipped. (Though these things have a way of not going as expected too.)

Nats scratch injured Scherzer from Game 5 start

[DurhamBull]

Gee, a backup with a shaky resume called into a title match to replace an injured ace, going head to head with one of the giants of the game. When has that ever worked out for anyone?

[zambonir]

Oddly enough Joe Ross also from this draft year, taken 25th overall.

Was the 2011 draft the best ever? It's on full display in...

(We lost our pick for signing Cliff Lee; took Larry Greene Jr. with the Werth comp.)

[schillingfan]

I love Gomes. He’s a sidearmer with the Impossible rising fastball.

[LoneStarPhan]

Series returns to Houston with the Astros leading, 3 games to 2.

Normally, this would be good for Houston, but in a series where the first five games are won by the visiting team, being at home might not be good.

[zambonir]

It'll be a fun finish. I don't think the home field matters, it's all about Verlander vs. Strasburg. I could see the Astros winning 10-3 (if they chase Strasburg reasonably early) or losing 2-0. If the latter, anything can happen in Game 7 and (assuming Strasburg goes long) the Nats will have Corbin (and maybe Scherzer). But Cole would certainly be available for an inning or two as well.

[DurhamBull]

I can't imagine how frustrated a competitor like Scherzer must be at not being able to pitch last night and then watching his team lose.

[phillychuck]

Verlander ha historically been so bad in the series I'd think Washington would actually be favored in game 6. A game 7 would be fun...