Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - ALDS Game 3 -- Estrada vs Perez

I made a list of all the ways to get even
If I'm gonna get back at them
I made the list up and you made it, I'm teasing
But it's hard to keep track
When you're watching your back
But I gotta get back at them

The Texas Rangers get their first chance to close the door on the 2015 Toronto Blue Jays. Marco Estrada is 1-1 in his career versus the Rangers in two starts (both in Arlington) including a six inning outing of one run ball this season where he was eventually tagged for a loss (Hendriks came in the next inning and surrendered three more). His other career start against Texas was back in 2013 as a member of the Brewers (another six inning, one run affair). Martin Perez has never faced the Blue Jays.

Lineups

BLUE JAYS

Revere (LF)
Donaldson (3B)
Bautista (RF)
Encarnacion (DH)
Colabello (1B)
Tulowitzki (SS)
Navarro (C)
Pillar (CF)
Goins (2B)
Estrada (P)

RANGERS

DeShields (CF)
Choo (RF)
Fielder (DH)
Moreland (1B)
Andrus (SS)
Hamilton (LF)
Odor (2B)
Chirinos (C)
Alberto (3B)
Perez (P)

Adrian Beltre is still out of the Texas lineup, though his status remains day-to-day for now. Interesting decision to have Chirinos in there to catch Perez: opposing batters have hit .303/.375/.448 off him with Chirinos behind the dish (68.1 IP, 293 PA) while with Chris Gimenez the line is .222/.267/.304 in 36.1 and 146 plate appearances. It was in fact Gimenez behind the plate for Perez's last two starts of the year when he allowed just one run over thirteen innings. Dioner Navarro is unsurprisingly catching for Marco Estrada, of course.

If the Jays are stuck, with their own bad luck, well that's the saddest sight I'll see.

Posted by Eephus on Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 05:36 PM EDT.

ALDS Game 3 -- Estrada vs Perez | 92 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Magpie - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 06:40 PM EDT (#313020) #

Well, after the way the Mets got totally screwed last night it's hard to complain about the umpires in this series.

uglyone - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 08:00 PM EDT (#313021) #

still weird that martin is sitting in a do or die game.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 08:01 PM EDT (#313022) #

Well folks, this is it. Win or lose, it has been a great season. But...let's win.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 08:36 PM EDT (#313023) #

Not a great start for the offense - combination of chasing balls and having a couple of calls go against them.

Estrada was excellent in the first inning.

Chuck - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:14 PM EDT (#313024) #

Boy, is Tulo due.

James W - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:19 PM EDT (#313025) #

I don't know. They just missed a blatant balk, that even Harold Reynolds saw!

JB21 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#313026) #

Nice to see them getting back to being patient and waiting for pitches to hit. Would've liked to see another run or two there though.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:23 PM EDT (#313027) #

Need a quick shutdown inning from Estrada here.

NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#313028) #

Would the balk have been reviewable if Gibby had run out there?

ISLAND BOY - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:28 PM EDT (#313029) #

The announcer Reynolds says that not many in the crowd in Toronto can catch foul balls because " they didn't grow up playing baseball ". Really ? In any case , this game the Jays seem really close to breaking the game open. I wish they would, to ease the tensions of us fans at least.

James W - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:31 PM EDT (#313030) #

No, balks are not reviewable.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:33 PM EDT (#313031) #

Let's say the score stays the same and Estrada needs to be pulled after seven. Who pitches the 8th and 9th? Traditional relievers (Sanchez, Lowe, Loup, Osuna)? Or does Gibbons go with Price or Stroman?

scottt - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#313032) #

still weird that martin is sitting in a do or die game.

No. That's the right call. Estrada without Navarro is an unknown.

sam - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:37 PM EDT (#313033) #

Sloppy baseball. Pillar has to freeze there, no?

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:37 PM EDT (#313034) #

I do not like that this game is still only 2-0 for the Jays, and that Perez had such an easy time of it in the fifth. This game is by no means over.

christaylor - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:39 PM EDT (#313035) #

When it comes down to it color men are paid by the word.

James W - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#313036) #

If you put the contact play on, then that's the danger of it. That's not Pillar's fault, just bad luck... or Texas Rangers magic, which I now completely believe to be very real.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#313037) #

Hamilton was so overdue it was silly - time to start ANOTHER 0-fer streak, Josh..

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#313038) #

Estrada is pitching a magnificent game so far.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#313039) #

Yes, Estrada is pitching really well..

Time for a few runs..

Mike Green - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#313040) #

The curveball has been a thing of beauty. Great pitching.

JB21 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#313041) #

The Harold must be getting paid really well. He's the worst.

I hate to admit this but nobody can catch foul balls at the RC. It's real bad.

JB21 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:51 PM EDT (#313042) #

*Then

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 09:53 PM EDT (#313043) #

Some additional runs now might help preserve Price and Stroman for the rest of the series.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:01 PM EDT (#313044) #

Just get it reasonably deep into the outfield, Cola..

James W - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:04 PM EDT (#313045) #

I'm now completely dead serious with this question: has any team in baseball history experienced as much good luck as the Rangers have in games 1-3? I'll at least refrain from typing the numerous vulgarities that just came out of my mouth.

Mike Green - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:05 PM EDT (#313046) #

Now that was bad luck..

James W - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:05 PM EDT (#313047) #

Monkey off the back!

ISLAND BOY - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:06 PM EDT (#313048) #

Yessss !!!

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:06 PM EDT (#313049) #

Oh my, Tulo...that was awesome.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:08 PM EDT (#313050) #

I guess you guys are seeing it a few seconds sooner than I am - I'm on mlb.tv via VPN through Toronto (West Coast -> TO -> West Coast). I know, the internet delay is like 1 ms :-)
(I saw your comments before I saw Tulo's homer)

Tulo! Finally!! A bit of a cushion!

pubster - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:15 PM EDT (#313051) #

I don't know if I trust Price coming out of the bullpen after his comments about being nervous in the first couple of innings of his last start.

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:19 PM EDT (#313052) #

At this rate, there won't be any need for Price or Stroman in this game. Save 'em for the next two games.

Are people starting to agree that Estrada isn't just "lucky" and that the Jays should try to sign him to a new contract?

JB21 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:21 PM EDT (#313053) #

CF, let's save it for tonight and enjoy the game.

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:22 PM EDT (#313054) #

When I see Estrada pitching as magnificently as he is, it's natural to hope for him to be back next season.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:23 PM EDT (#313055) #

There will be demand for Estrada this off-season. Someone will likely give him more years and dollars than the Jays are comfortable giving him. The question is, will the Jays make him a QO?

BlueJayWay - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:29 PM EDT (#313056) #

I'd take Estrada back for what he's worth, but he'll probably get a lot more than that.

Mike Green - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:31 PM EDT (#313057) #

The Jays have used the whole field today. They are awfully tough on LHPS when they do.

NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:34 PM EDT (#313058) #

Interesting comment from Reynolds in response to Verducci regarding chasing-type swings (which could be extended to limitations on the ability to hit to all fields). He attributes the huge difference between Game 2 and 3 to the difference between Carapazza and Marquez.

christaylor - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:34 PM EDT (#313059) #

I would settle for less Bartman-ing at the dome.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:40 PM EDT (#313060) #

Really? Estrada out already?

And the Texas fans singing the goodbye song? When they're down 5? Stay classy, Texas.. Here's hoping we get to return the favor in game 5, when we're again up by 5..

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:45 PM EDT (#313061) #

Wow. David Price warming up in the bullpen.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:45 PM EDT (#313062) #

Gibbons, true to his nature, appears to be looking to lock down the win with Price. I guess Stroman is starting game 5, if the Jays get that far.

NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:45 PM EDT (#313063) #

That was UNBELIEVABLE concentration by Tulo to field that cleanly with Donaldson and Hamilton doing their best to mess up the play.

Also, I guess Price is lefty #2 in the pen now.

JB21 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:46 PM EDT (#313064) #

Today is Price's side day. He can pitch an inning in the game or an inning on the pen after the game. Doesn't make a difference for game 5.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#313065) #

Assuming pitching in relief in a playoff game is equivalent to throwing a side session in the 'pen.

John Northey - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:50 PM EDT (#313066) #

I like getting Price ready. This is a no-tomorrow game. Manage like it.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:51 PM EDT (#313067) #

Very nice job by Lowe.

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:53 PM EDT (#313068) #

If it's Dickey starting tomorrow and Stroman starting in Game 5, the Jays do want to get their money's worth from Price. That means the bullpen, I suppose.

greenfrog - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 10:56 PM EDT (#313069) #

Another option would have been to save the Price bullet for a multi-inning relief appearance tomorrow (with Dickey on a very short leash), with Stroman starting game five.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:03 PM EDT (#313070) #

Is Price acting like a LOOGY today, if needed?

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:05 PM EDT (#313071) #

Great pitch! Do you bring Sanchez back to close it out?

pubster - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:08 PM EDT (#313072) #

Wheres Osuna?

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:08 PM EDT (#313073) #

We were briefly worried about Sanchez in mid-September when he had a couple of bad outings, but he made an adjustment and he's been absolutely dominant since then. He's now thrown 8 consecutive scoreless innings, with only 1 hit, zero walks, and 9 strikeouts.

JB21 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:11 PM EDT (#313074) #

Osuna is warming up and coming in the 9th. I don't know why Zaun couldn't figure that out.

vw_fan17 - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:19 PM EDT (#313075) #

Ok, one under our belts.. Let's build on that!

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:21 PM EDT (#313076) #

".....Another option would have been to save the Price bullet for a multi-inning relief appearance tomorrow (with Dickey on a very short leash)...."

That option is still on the table for tomorrow. Given how the Rangers struggled against Estrada's offspeed stuff, Dickey might be the right choice for tomorrow's game, but I also totally agree with the short-leash idea. Gibbons just has to decide whether he is saving Price or Stroman for Game 5. The other one should be available for several innings tomorrow if Dickey falters at all.

uglyone - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:25 PM EDT (#313077) #

didn't want to post/jinx during the game....my thoughts...

- obviously dynamite by estrada. so clutch. (no, no difference on my opinion of giving him a multiyear deal)
- still crazy how the bounces kept going their way. nice to see us fight thru that.
- i posted before the game that i wanted stro in game 5 so i have zero issue with price replacing cecil the rest or this series
- tulo, baby, now you're a blue jay.

Mike Green - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:27 PM EDT (#313078) #

It's not ideal to have Price warming and then to not bring him in.

Hopefully the offense comes through against Holland tomorrow so it is not important.

uglyone - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:31 PM EDT (#313079) #

and say what you will about Reynolds but he had absolutely dynamite insights on EE and Tulo even before the game started and right on thru their biggest at bats. other guy did a great job dissecting estrada's dissection of fielder, too.

electric carrot - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:33 PM EDT (#313080) #

I also totally agree with the short-leash idea.

Sure. But not too short. Dickey is one of those guys who sometimes struggles a little in the first inning and then knocks 'em dead. I'm not a huge fan of bringing in Price from bullpen. Maybe I'm tainted but I still remember who was on the mound in 1981 when Rick Monday doomed the Expos chance at a Series. Steve Rogers, their ace and the best pitcher on the team. It seems like a safe move to put your best pitcher on the mound for your most important moments. Maybe it feels safe but I'm not convinced it's the best move. The game is so specialized that I'm not really sure you're doing yourself a favour putting a starter in a relief role. Also, let's not forget who contributed to the blown game for the Mets yesterday. Colon, a converted starter.

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:35 PM EDT (#313081) #

From the viewpoint of fan psychology, it's amazing how different a 2-1 series feels from a 2-0 series. When it was 2-0, it felt disastrous. But now it's the same as if the Jays had split the first two games at home and then lost one game on the road. Not insurmountable or intimidating at all. Especially with the pitching match-ups for Games 4 and 5.

King Ryan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:36 PM EDT (#313082) #

I'm not a big fan of having Price warming in tonight's game. Sure, if your back is against the wall then you have to do what you have to do. But with a 5-0 lead that is really some early desperation IMO. I'd much rather have Price starting tomorrow's game.

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:41 PM EDT (#313083) #

".... I'm not really sure you're doing yourself a favour putting a starter in a relief role....."

It depends on the situation, of course. And yes, for a one-inning stint against a mixture of RHB and LHB, I'd rather use Sanchez or Osuna or maybe even Lowe. But if the choice is between Price and anyone else? If the choice is between Price and Loup against a key left-handed hitter, for example? Or if Dickey is forced out of the game early? I'd go with Price.

eudaimon - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:42 PM EDT (#313084) #

I'm still of the mind that "warming up" isn't particularly strenuous for a pitcher. I'm fine with him getting his shoulder loosened up, which was about the extent of what happened. If you actually need him, then he can start throwing harder (which I'm pretty sure players do on a day-to-day basis anyways). No big deal.

China fan - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:45 PM EDT (#313085) #

Anyway, it's a moot point because Gibbons has just announced Price as the Game 5 starter. So that means Stroman is a bullpen option in the next two games -- and a lot of the same rules would apply. I wouldn't use him instead of Sanchez or Osuna, but I might use him instead of almost anyone else in the bullpen, depending on the situation. Would you really send out Hawkins or Hendriks or Tepera if you've got Stroman available?

uglyone - Sunday, October 11 2015 @ 11:50 PM EDT (#313086) #

price has pitched once in the past 15 days. people have to relax a bit.

electric carrot - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 12:02 AM EDT (#313087) #

Would you really send out Hawkins or Hendriks or Tepera if you've got Stroman available?

Yes. Stroman instead of those guys for sure and honestly at this point I think you've got to consider him instead of Osuna as the closer because he doesn't seem to be fooling the Rangers much. Two line drives in the ninth tonight and a weak end to the season has me concerned.

rtcaino - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 01:19 AM EDT (#313088) #

"people have to relax a bit."

I'm optimistic I'll be able to relax around November 5th.

hypobole - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 01:22 AM EDT (#313089) #

Wasn't Price warming up basically his side session between starts?

Richard S.S. - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 02:36 AM EDT (#313090) #

For the 1st time this offseason, the Team that won the AL East showed up to play. Hopefully, it continues.

Magpie - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 08:06 AM EDT (#313091) #

Wasn't Price warming up basically his side session between starts?

That's what I thought, too. He was a) getting his throw day work done on national television, so that he b) would be ready for a sudden emergency (a string of LH batters, tying run in sight).

Jonny German - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 08:46 AM EDT (#313092) #

Let's play "can you tell the difference"? 2015 Derek Holland vs Blue Jay Felix Doubront.

Holland: 4.91 ERA, 86 ERA+, 5.30 FIP, 1.7 HR/9, 2.6 BB/9, 6.3 K/9, 59 IP
Doubront: 4.76 ERA, 84 ERA+, 3.35 FIP, 0.4 HR/9, 2.0 BB/9, 5.2 K/9, 23 IP

Dave Till - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 08:48 AM EDT (#313093) #

I was listening to the Jays' radio broadcast last night, and they pointed out the difference between Pillar and DeShields in centre field. I confirmed it when watching highlights this morning: both had fly balls hit well over their heads, to about the same spot. Pillar got a good jump, ran a good route, backhanded the ball, and made it look relatively routine. DeShields got a later jump and had the ball go over his head. That was a one-run difference right there, as Navarro would score on his hit.

I would comment on Harold Reynolds' remark about Canadians not having played baseball and therefore can't catch fly balls, except that I never played baseball (only softball, very badly), and I would have trouble catching a fly ball. So I am part of the problem.

At this point, I'd say that the Jays have seen enough from Estrada to make him a qualifying offer. He probably won't take it - somebody will throw a lot of money at him - but at least the Jays will get a draft pick.

Nice to see the Jays looking more like the team we saw all season. "Home field advantage" appears to be a detriment in this series: both teams have been trying too hard in front of their own fans.

scottt - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 09:41 AM EDT (#313094) #

Would you really send out Hawkins or Hendriks or Tepera if you've got Stroman available?

It depends on the scoreline.

Magpie - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 09:56 AM EDT (#313095) #

I hate to admit this but nobody can catch foul balls at the RC.

Speak for yourself! I got one, on the fly, clean catch. Bare hand, too.

I'm not the baseball talent in the family, but I did play until my early teens. And possibly more relevant - I caught a lot of pucks. An old goalie never forgets.

BlueMonday - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 09:56 AM EDT (#313096) #

Great thread, as usual, Bauxites!

I liked Gibby's bullpen management. I am not sure I agree with Price rather than Stro for game 5 (if we get there). Recent results favour Stro, and having lefty Price out of the bullpen for the heart of Texas's lineup would be preferable. However, I agree re starters being relievers doesn't always work out - probably better to have them start an inning.

Harold's comments run from great insight to absolutely inane. I guess we Canadians are just betting at getting in the way of pucks rather than catching baseballs. Regardless, he's a nice change from the usual bland Buck/Pat comments.

Forkball - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 10:08 AM EDT (#313097) #

I think Stroman is a better option than Price right now. And with the heart of the Ranger lineup being LH I would plan to start Dickey today, hope for 5 innings and then bring in Price for 3-4 innings. Then in game 5 you could use Price in the Cecil role.

China fan - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 10:27 AM EDT (#313098) #

".... I think you've got to consider him (Stroman) instead of Osuna as the closer because he (Osuna) doesn't seem to be fooling the Rangers much. Two line drives in the ninth tonight and a weak end to the season has me concerned...."

I share similar concerns about Osuna's performance last night and over the past few weeks, but I'm not sure if I'd favor Stroman ahead of him. It's an interesting question -- would you bring in Stroman or Osuna if the Jays have a one-run lead in the 9th inning? Gibbons tends to favor a fixed role for each reliever, so I think he'd be very reluctant to bump Osuna from his 9th inning role. (He presumably buys into the theory that relievers perform better if they know their role and can prepare for an expected inning or situation each time.) The fact that Stroman allowed 3 runs in his first 2 innings on Friday suggests that he's not necessarily a lockdown pitcher in a short stint, so the bullpen isn't necessarily the best place for him. But he's definitely a useful weapon to have at some point in the game. I'd trust Gibbons to figure out the matchups that would favor Stroman in a relief role.

Price, too, is potentially available from the bullpen in today's game and he insists he is "absolutely" capable of pitching from the bullpen today and then as a starter on Wednesday. That might be pushing it a little. But for one or two key matchups against a LHB or two, if the Jays are desperate, maybe he could be useful today.

ayjackson - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 10:32 AM EDT (#313099) #

I don't know if the stats support this observation, but I feel Navarro puts too much faith in the Osuna fastball, whereas, at least lately, Martin has been mixing it up more, understanding that teams are sitting on heat.

cruzin - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 10:42 AM EDT (#313100) #

"Anyway, it's a moot point because Gibbons has just announced Price as the Game 5 starter"

Where did Gibbons announce that? The only announcement I saw when Gibbons was on podium "We'll talk to him. I expect he'll be fine. If not, Stroman will be available tomorrow and then if we're fortunate to get to a fifth game, then Price would get that one or what have you."

Which to me says only if Price says he isn't available today would he be the defacto game 5 starter. But Price post game already said he'll be ready today if needed as he says he bounces back pretty quick.

Therefore, if the situation warrants it where a lefty on lefty is needed or they need a few innings in case Dickey gets an early hook we could see Price. At least that's the way I would play it. Would rather have Price going on 3 days rest in game 4 and if we pull it out, coming back with Stroman on regular rest.

Ishai - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 10:46 AM EDT (#313101) #

I can't find anything about Gallardo's history on short rest, but I have to imagine he's a better option than Derek Holland. Holland's weakness is giving up HR's to RH hitters. And also just generally being meat. Then they could start Hamels Game 5.

Four Seamer - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 10:59 AM EDT (#313102) #

I'd have thought Gallardo the better option too, but I did read somewhere that the Rangers feel he loses rotation on his pitches after about 90 pitches, and his effectiveness drops consistently thereafter. I'm not sure how that would play on short rest, but that may be a factor.

China fan - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 11:13 AM EDT (#313103) #

Cruzin, you're right, Gibbons didn't "announce" that Price would pitch Game 5, and I shouldn't have phrased it that way, but most of the reporters in the room with Gibbons after the game interpreted his comment as a confirmation that Price was scheduled for Game 5 (unless he is needed for a substantial portion of today's game). The tweets by the reporters after the Gibbons comment, and the post-game reporting, showed that the Gibby quote was widely interpreted as a plan for having Price start in Game 5. But you are right, if Price is needed for more than a batter or two today, the plan could be changed. Lots of options remain.

China fan - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 11:17 AM EDT (#313104) #

Here's how Arden Zwelling reports the likely use of Price and Stroman in Games 4 and 5, based on what Gibbons said after the game:

Price stayed hot throughout all three of those innings but said after the game he doesn�t think that will affect his ability to pitch in Monday�s Game 4 or a potential fifth game back in Toronto. He was slated to throw a short side session Monday night regardless, and if the series does go five games, he�ll more than likely get that Wednesday start at Rogers Centre. �We have to talk to him,� Gibbons said. �I expect he'll be fine. If not, [Marcus] Stroman will be available [Monday] and then if we're fortunate to get to a fifth game then Price would get that one." Stroman was also quietly ready to enter Monday night�s game if needed, and in Game 4 the 24-year-old will likely end up filling the emergency relief role Price did in Game 3.

92-93 - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 11:21 AM EDT (#313105) #

I don't think Gibbons knows who is starting Game 5 right now, and that it is very much dependent on how today's game shakes out. I do think he told Dickey he was going to be first out of the gate no matter what for Game 4, which is why you had those Dickey interviews before yesterday's game.

Personally, I like the idea of having Price out of the bullpen today (and Game 5) with Stroman getting the start on his regular rest, so there's another LHP to deal with the heart of Texas' order in both games. This would potentially line up Price for Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS.

92-93 - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 11:23 AM EDT (#313106) #

I would read that Gibby quote to mean that only if Price is not fine to be used today out of the bullpen would he then get the Game 5 start.

uglyone - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 12:08 PM EDT (#313107) #

Dave Till - unfortunately pillar had a subsequent identical liner and missed it all because if a poor first step.

ayjackson - interesting observation that we should check.

hypobole - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 12:33 PM EDT (#313108) #

uglyone, the 2 Dave Till mentioned were fly balls with higher trajectory. On Pillar's liner, he stopped momentarily to judge the ball properly but it was a much more difficult play because it was more or less hit right at him.

uglyone - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 12:42 PM EDT (#313109) #

don't think so.

ayjackson - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 01:00 PM EDT (#313110) #

Osuna sporting a .209 ISO with Navarro catching and a .132 ISO with Martin catching.

I'd like to get more into pitch selection and maybe game logs, but should probably not disappoint she who must be obeyed by staring at this screen all day.

jerjapan - Monday, October 12 2015 @ 02:24 PM EDT (#313112) #

For the 1st time this offseason, the Team that won the AL East showed up to play.

They sure look liked they've been playing hard to me! Got to agree with the poster who mentioned Texas being lucky - even in our first win they set a record for double plays (in four straight innings, natch), some of which were hard hit balls or bad timing with the contact play. Not to mention several just foul homers / deep fly balls for outs, and some uncharacteristically sloppy play - Martin's throw, Goins breaking for 2nd in game one letting the grounder through the right side.

So while I'd say this team has shown up to play since - well, all season really - I'd say the team we saw yesterday winning easily is the team we see again today. We should beat up on Holland, take game 5 back to TO with all the momentum in the world, and roll on to the LCS. Than again, I predicted an easy series ...

ALDS Game 3 -- Estrada vs Perez | 92 comments | Create New Account

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