Astros have quickly morphed from a hitting team to a pitching team. Last year ERA of 3.78 to 2.90 this year. That is about 142 less runs given up. Makes up for over 100 less runs scored this yr - No Correa, Brantley hurt, bad Yuli, etc.
A 2.90 ERA with a DH is ridiculous.
2 Likes
The strength of Maldonado and Vasquez is neutralizing Phillies stealing bases. Throwing runners out stealing second or third is as effective as a ground out, fly out or strike out. After all, an out is an out regardless of the form it takes.
They’re good at that (especially Maldy), but their strength is calling the games and managing pitchers.
Runners on base is more taxing to pitchers, and getting them out before they reach base is always better. You don’t throw people out if they don’t steal, and most teams don’t steal much.
2 Likes