I would be shocked if any of the Appleton crew is allowed to spend the season there if they're carrying a .900-1.000 OPS like they are currently. Just a matter of when.
But not swinging 3-0 for that pitch that was clearly a strike just means now it's 3-1 and the next pitch might be worse. Are you just saying don't swing once you get to 3 balls and hope for a walk?
I agree, I'm only tracking via Gameday, but if you have a FB relatively down the middle, that's the one to swing at against Skubal, regardless of count.
...and just like that, the Pirates are back in last place. ;)
Crazy stat of the day: every team in the Central is better than EVERY team in the AL besides the Yankees.
I'm not quite sure what you mean. Yelich may well not be back in 5 weeks, but I would be surprised if the other two are not. Their returns are very much in sight within that window.
The only thing keeping me from betting a large amount of money on Ashby pitching today is that Harrison is also a lefty. I guarantee Ashby pitches tomorrow.
I want to believe in Pittsburgh's long term potential, but we've seen this movie before. Until they can actually get into August without taking a nosedive I'm not going to worry about them.
I think the answer is "longer than the fans can take it." :)
He's shown a long leash and continues to value his defense, so I would suspect Pratt or Jett will really have to force the issue. Especially if other players come back and are providing the offense. If the 9 hitter is hitting .200, they're just going to live with it.
You're mischaracterizing my pushback on your emotional rants against the state of this lineup. Let's all agree this lineup is hurting with 3 starters on the IL.
Let's get some runs and put this thing away.