Astros making a mistake starting Backe??

PatrickMcIrish · Oct 9, 2005

I have to question this move. Yeah they are up 2-1 but Braves are bringing back Hudson on 3 days rest, why not Petitte? This is not the time to take it easy and outsmart yourself in my opinion. So up 2-1 they give their starters 4 days rest and instead of matching Petitte again Hudson which they won in game 1, they send in Backe (7+ ERA against Braves) in hopes they win? If not they got to go back to Atlanta and beat Smoltz in game 5?

Still thinking it over but offhand I think it sucks, I got Houston to win the series and disagree with this move already. If they lose today then good luck beating Atlanta in game 5. I just don't see it, play like it's an elimination game. Use Petitte and Clemens in the next two games if you need them, why send Backe out there at all and mess the matchups up? The edge Houson has in a playoff series over most teams is running their top 3 at you, if they are not going to do then hell I'd have never played them to begin with. Get the vaseline ready, I feel this one coming....

:suomi:

PatrickMcIrish · Oct 9, 2005

Oh well, after looking closer I still don't see anything that makes this the right move IMO. I guess you have to hope the manager knows more about this team than I do. LOL. I am still going to hedge a little on the series now, I can see Atlanta winning the last two games, clearly better shape then if they had to beat Petitte and Clemens. Going to shop numbers but the move might be get off half the series money I have on Astros, nice price on the Braves right now. If they lose today (and they probably will) I am left trying to beat Smoltz in Atlanta for game 5?

:finger: :finger:

jeckll · Oct 9, 2005

Because they saw that the Braves couldn't hit Pettite for shit, so instead of starting him on short rest they want to give him his standard schedule (in which he's been arguably the best pitcher in the last ~6 weeks) because they know if they can give him the right situation, he'll beat the shit out the Braves in Game 5.

He already did in Game 1.

finite · Oct 9, 2005

The play seems ok to me. Backe has had 2 home starts vs Atlanta. He won both going 13 innings and giving up 5 runs. He got hit on the road. Its not news that he pitchs better at home plus in this spot they can and should pull him quickly if he starts bad. took Houston at 5 dimes at 55 to 1 months ago to win the National league so right there with you hoping for this team. GL

Toolben1 · Oct 9, 2005

Backe Solid

I like Backe better than I would Pettite in this situation. Backe performs well in the big game (see last year's final game to clinch wild card, and his performance in the playoffs). He was injured most of the year, and was starting to look like his old self towards the end of this season. I'm not a big fan of throwing pitchers on three days rest, especially in Pettite's case, given the fact that he is coming off of major elbow surgery last year.

Backe will be absolutely pumped out there today, and as long as he doesn't let that get him in trouble early (Ausmus is the perfect catcher to make sure he calms down), I think he will have a good game.....he loves pitching in front of the home crowd. I'm thinking that Hudson fatigues early today, and the Astros get into that terrible Braves bullpen by the 6th inning, which should be enough to get the job done for the Astros.

Astros 8 Braves 4

dolphin · Oct 9, 2005

PM...

We know anything can happen, but I agree with the responses...

Backe solid at home

To close out on the road if nec., you want your playoff ace with normal rest

With Clemens' hamstring issues and shaky Game 2, I really don't want him starting a possible Game 5 and on short rest to boot

I made a huge bet on HOU at -107 to win the series and pressed today at +113 pretty big...Hudson may have just had an off day in Game 1, but his mechanics spoke of a possible problem

Good fortune to us and all with us!

Dolphin

Journeyman · Oct 9, 2005

Its a gamble but a gamble that will be huge if it pays off , in the next series, with Pettitte going in game 1 it give the Stros a much better shot at winning the National League pennant.

I understand your point but I really feel this is the right move considering the big picture....if it backfires they will be behind the 8 ball anyway...

I think its the right move win or lose...the upside is worth the risk.

dolphin · Oct 9, 2005

J -

Great additional point regarding having Pettite in a Game 1 if they win today

PM -

I understand you don't want to sweat out a Game 5 v. Smoltz IN Atlanta, but it seems pretty clearly the right call today...

Let's get this thing DONE!

Dolphin

Kojak · Oct 9, 2005

I Think It Is A Superior Tactical Move. Whether They Win In Game 4 Or Game 5, Astros Make Sure They Have Their Rotation Set For Cardinals. If They Win Today, Pettite,clemens,and Oswalt Set Up To Pitch Twice In Cardinal Series. If They Win In Game 5, Still Set Up With Clemens,oswalt, And Petttite First 3 Games. Either Way Astros Have Better Shot At Cardinals. If Atlanta Wins With Hudson Pitching Today And Then Smoltz In Game 5 Their Rotation Will Not Be Set Up. Braves Will Have No Shot At Cards If They Win Series Due To Pitching Matchup But Astros Will Be Set Either Way. Nice Move By Garner!

Journeyman · Oct 9, 2005

I think Pettitte in game 1 would have been so much better than Clemens in game 1...Pettitte is fresher and would give Houston a better shot at a split in the first two games...it doesn't look good though...Braves 4-0 early

spinDrAtl · Oct 9, 2005

I disagree with Kojak. Setting up your rotation for the next series means nothing if you lose the series you are in. If that is what he is doing, its a major mistake. Now on the other hand, if he is doing because he does not believe his guys are rested enough or can go on 3 days, then that is different.

Having said that, the last 2 seasons the Braves have won game 4 on the road to force game 5 at home and lost both of them - to the Cubs and Astros.

PatrickMcIrish · Oct 10, 2005

Like I said, great move Mr Garner! Good job to us Astro backers...:toast:

Good job Finite, wish I had some of that. If Yanks can pull today's game out though I will cash on all 4 first round winners. That won't be nothing like 55-1 but I'll take it.

Astros making a mistake starting Backe??

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