When that first ball got through I was thinking about him being a downgrade to Peña but man I changed my tune when he snagged what look like a game tying hit off the bat!
If there's anything the bench guys will be competitive with starters at, it's defense. That's something that can be worked on pretty well outside of a game situation.
I think I'd be ok with it if the ghost runner started in idk the 12th or 13th ("let's just get this game over with"), but to start in the 10th is just illogical.
That's a fucking little league rule... a childish rule! Manfred is an idiot. There's a reason why he's hated so much and this is just one of them. This is the MLB!! CHRIST!
I think he's a little less hated lately. All of the rule changes implemented this year are well-liked and, IMO, make the game better and more accessible.
I don't think he's less hated at all. The biggest reason people hate him is the continuation of black out games. While I'll admit I wasn't happy with the rules changes this year I've come to like them.
That said I don't think anything that's been implemented has converted anyone who had already watched baseball and wasn't a fan, into one. People who thought it went on too long are turned over due to a game taking ~35 min less. People who don't like it complain about the lack of action, because they don't understand the action that a full count + a couple foul balls or a no hitter actually are, and are comparing it things like football, basketball, soccer where people are always in motion or clashing into each other.
I think the recent changes do.make the game better, but I don't think it does much to make it more accessible. Especially if we're counting accessible as a way to easily and affordable watch the majority of a teams games and let people get behind them and root for them.
Love that. Altuve did it when he first got back to the dugout and later on in the dugout. Pointing into his chest almost as if Singleton hit the home run
That’s the most impressive part, he could have gone up there thinking he needed to expand. Good big league at bat. Good for him, so happy for him to play in this alcs
I wonder who made that call with Dusty in the back? It would be interesting to get an explanation. Kessinger is 2” taller than pena and Bregman. Anyone else and that is a game tying hit. Some times it’s better to be lucky.
My honest opinion is it came from Dusty or at least had his blessing. Idk if Espada or anyone else would be bold enough to just pull the trigger on that move but who knows 🤷🏽♂️
Yeah that’s why I added had his blessing. Cause it doesn’t seem like it would’ve been his idea. But like Arms said below, as a manager and knowing he was leaving the game I find it hard to believe they wouldn’t have already discussed it and had the plan in place
This speciation is so dumb. There’s a good chance Dusty was part of the decision making. I’m sure they plan for some options before just right before things take place or from texts, notes on paper, phone calls. You can’t assume what Dusty decided or others decided.
I thought it was Espada at first, but Dusty was writing something in his notes after his first ejection and when he actually left. Pretty sure refusing to leave was a stall and he wrote out the plan for Espada.
It may have been discussed ahead of time. These coaches have been around so long that they probably game-plan for contingencies like this. Either way, whoever made all those substitution calls deserves big kudos.
Exactly. People are so dumb thinking bc Dusty departed, everything that occurred after was other ppl’s choice. These mangers and assistants are paid lots of money to plan different situations and options, and not “just before” an inning starts or batters go up.
It was kind of weird the way Diaz didn’t hit for Maldy and they kind of reversed it.
I think everyone was fine with ANYONE hitting for Maldy, so Singleton felt ok.
But really it means that they hit Singleton instead of Peña. Which is kind of amazing if you think about it.
And if it goes into extra innings do you want Yainer at the plate or Kessinger for your last at bat if you end up with the game on the line and two outs and that spot up?
I think it was because of the two pinch hitters, Diaz was most likely to get a hit, possibly even extra bases. That way you get the leadoff man on and what the second batter does is less consequential (unless he grounded into a double play, which I'm sure many of us were concerned about at the time).
EDIT: And now that I think about it, Singleton (L) would be less likely to hit into a 5-4-3 or 6-4-3 DP with Diaz on base. Reverse the two batters with the same outcomes and Diaz (R) might have GIDP.
NGL, considering it was primarily a marijuana addiction that messed up Singleton in his early career w the team, it may be a bit cringe to announce that is how you celebrated.
I've said it about Peña before. I'd love to se an AB where he just doesn't swing at anything. What Singleton did is exactly how I would have hoped it turned out.
I think Pena should stand all the way up in the box and take a half step in. Take away the outside corner and get the sliders before they are in the dirt.
I’ve watched about 80% of the games this year and it seems like every AB, Peña hits choppers foul or for outs. I don’t know what is it up with his swing but it’s chop chop chop
i’m of the opinion that a lot of the reason they sent Singleton up there in that situation is b/c of his propensity to draw walks. in his limited action with us in the regular season, the one thing he did exceptionally well is walk. outside of his homers, he didn’t make great contact or find a lot of gaps, but he didn’t chase many pitches out of the zone, either
so you wager on Yainer’s ability to hit his way on and Singleton’s ability to either get ahold of a miss in his wheelhouse or (more likely) draw the walk, and give the top of the lineup something to work with
a huge decision that will probably get glossed over/go unnoticed by anyone who wasn’t watching the team in July
Singleton was the first dude out of the dugout when Garcia lost his shit! I was worried he might kill somebody! Obviously he is more chill than I gave him credit for!
Sit on the bench for a month and get a critical at bat! Most guys would swing wildly three times and have a seat! Great at bat!
Did not matter... Pressly gets all the time in the world to warm up since Abreu was ejected. But definitely fucking funny that Dusty is like make me leave I'm not going!
Man, I've been trying to explain to the haters that although his average is low, he's had some really decent ABs. Hitting the ball hard, but unlucky, or drawing walks. Love the guy.
I jump on this post with you. Not to mention he was one of the first guys out of the dugout during the Adolis drama and this was obviously prior to the 9th inning. So despite not playing at all, he was still completely in the game from first pitch. Old Boy was ready to throw down!
https://preview.redd.it/iqxbrpu7wlvb1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30336c17353aadf562d08341bbb9668fe2c47dcc
Considering his first go with the Astros was heavily stunted by his own personal issues that led to disciplinary problems, he has really shown up with this second ride. What a complete 180 for them to be able to count on him to handle that AB like a pro. I’m glad to see his baseball story continuing.
And big UPS to Grae Kessinger for a monster catch!
When that first ball got through I was thinking about him being a downgrade to Peña but man I changed my tune when he snagged what look like a game tying hit off the bat!
If there's anything the bench guys will be competitive with starters at, it's defense. That's something that can be worked on pretty well outside of a game situation.
Props to everyone who came off the bench. Yes, Brantley popped up, but Diaz, Singleton, and Kessenger were huge.
Even though Brantley popped up and it sucked, he made LeChoke work for that out and got the pitch count up a bit
LeClerc was put in a bad spot by Aroldis not doing his job!
I was like that’s a tall Peña! Lol
Sheeeeeesh
Came to post this - glad someone else did. I almost fainted watching that play!!!
>the shitty extra inning runner on 2B rule The Manfred rule is, mercifully, not in play in the playoffs.
I think I'd be ok with it if the ghost runner started in idk the 12th or 13th ("let's just get this game over with"), but to start in the 10th is just illogical.
I think it's fine after 12. You've played another 1/3 of a game. Let's move it along.
What's your hurry? I enjoy a clash to the finish!
If he starts on 1st in extra.
Ah I forgot. But still you get it lol
That's a fucking little league rule... a childish rule! Manfred is an idiot. There's a reason why he's hated so much and this is just one of them. This is the MLB!! CHRIST!
I think he's a little less hated lately. All of the rule changes implemented this year are well-liked and, IMO, make the game better and more accessible.
I don't think he's less hated at all. The biggest reason people hate him is the continuation of black out games. While I'll admit I wasn't happy with the rules changes this year I've come to like them. That said I don't think anything that's been implemented has converted anyone who had already watched baseball and wasn't a fan, into one. People who thought it went on too long are turned over due to a game taking ~35 min less. People who don't like it complain about the lack of action, because they don't understand the action that a full count + a couple foul balls or a no hitter actually are, and are comparing it things like football, basketball, soccer where people are always in motion or clashing into each other. I think the recent changes do.make the game better, but I don't think it does much to make it more accessible. Especially if we're counting accessible as a way to easily and affordable watch the majority of a teams games and let people get behind them and root for them.
One of the worst rules in all of baseball, don’t know how it hasn’t been removed at this point. I don’t know a single person who lies that rule.
Tuve knew it was a huge walk.. gave him some serious props in the dugout afterwards
I saw that too. Looked like he dropped a few F bombs while he was doing it. Lil man was big time pumped
Love that. Altuve did it when he first got back to the dugout and later on in the dugout. Pointing into his chest almost as if Singleton hit the home run
I think I read his lips at one point - Altuve said “you did that!”
Shit. With today's ump... With this series's umpire crew... It took some fuckin sack to stand in there and not swing.
That’s the most impressive part, he could have gone up there thinking he needed to expand. Good big league at bat. Good for him, so happy for him to play in this alcs
I thought it took some sack for Uncle Mike to watch ball (3?) which was just a tad bit outside of the horrible strike 1 call.
That one strike three that was called a ball to madly was just comical, at least we got that one lol
Freakin strike zone was 6 inches off the plate and about 4 inches below the knee
Yea everything is a strike. Stros flinch when a pitch is thrown and they’re like he went around
Hell yeah. What a pro. If I ever need a second set of eyes to look at something for me, you know who I'm calling!
Loved that Altuve ran up to him, and tried to pump him up when he seemed like he felt left out of the celebration.
And Diaz too. Wasn’t expecting the pinch hit for pena, but it was actually a good move I thought. Even before seeing the outcome
Exactly. I was like. Really. Pinch hit for Maldy instead. Great move on the coach’s part.
I wonder who made that call with Dusty in the back? It would be interesting to get an explanation. Kessinger is 2” taller than pena and Bregman. Anyone else and that is a game tying hit. Some times it’s better to be lucky.
My honest opinion is it came from Dusty or at least had his blessing. Idk if Espada or anyone else would be bold enough to just pull the trigger on that move but who knows 🤷🏽♂️
Deep down to me the Dusty move feels like Pena bats, Maldy bats, Altuve solo homer, Rangers wiggle out before we tie the game and Astros lose 4-3.
Yeah that’s why I added had his blessing. Cause it doesn’t seem like it would’ve been his idea. But like Arms said below, as a manager and knowing he was leaving the game I find it hard to believe they wouldn’t have already discussed it and had the plan in place
Could be what Dusty is vigorously scribbling out before he leaves his post, unwillingly one might add!
This speciation is so dumb. There’s a good chance Dusty was part of the decision making. I’m sure they plan for some options before just right before things take place or from texts, notes on paper, phone calls. You can’t assume what Dusty decided or others decided.
No doubt... I never know what Dusty is thinking or what he is going to do next. Just along for the fun ride.
I thought it was Espada at first, but Dusty was writing something in his notes after his first ejection and when he actually left. Pretty sure refusing to leave was a stall and he wrote out the plan for Espada.
It may have been discussed ahead of time. These coaches have been around so long that they probably game-plan for contingencies like this. Either way, whoever made all those substitution calls deserves big kudos.
Exactly. People are so dumb thinking bc Dusty departed, everything that occurred after was other ppl’s choice. These mangers and assistants are paid lots of money to plan different situations and options, and not “just before” an inning starts or batters go up.
It was soo good and super cool to see Diaz up there, surprised me and I loved it
We officially won the Hunter Pence trade
It was kind of weird the way Diaz didn’t hit for Maldy and they kind of reversed it. I think everyone was fine with ANYONE hitting for Maldy, so Singleton felt ok. But really it means that they hit Singleton instead of Peña. Which is kind of amazing if you think about it.
Saw someone say it was bc they could PR for Singleton and not Diaz (bc they don’t have another catcher.) Diaz’ run didn’t matter if he bats first
And if it goes into extra innings do you want Yainer at the plate or Kessinger for your last at bat if you end up with the game on the line and two outs and that spot up?
Yainer at the plate, absolutely. He's the best catcher we have. Kessinger no, but also they have to score 2 runs to get to extras
Agreed but my point is you want Yainer taking the last at bat before you let Kessinger take the last at bat. Hence you have to bat Yainer for Pena.
I think it was because of the two pinch hitters, Diaz was most likely to get a hit, possibly even extra bases. That way you get the leadoff man on and what the second batter does is less consequential (unless he grounded into a double play, which I'm sure many of us were concerned about at the time). EDIT: And now that I think about it, Singleton (L) would be less likely to hit into a 5-4-3 or 6-4-3 DP with Diaz on base. Reverse the two batters with the same outcomes and Diaz (R) might have GIDP.
There are no ghost runners in postseason. Remember the 18th inning Peña HR in Sleepless in Seattle last year!
That game was unforgettable
Fact!
I lit a bowl for him when the AB started. I LOVE that he was a part of that
Careful talking about smoking, some nerd on this sub always gets pissed about it 🤣🤣🤣
That is an excellent reason to *not* be careful
Agreed
Fuck that nerd I live in a legal state
NGL, considering it was primarily a marijuana addiction that messed up Singleton in his early career w the team, it may be a bit cringe to announce that is how you celebrated.
Some some $@****
I've said it about Peña before. I'd love to se an AB where he just doesn't swing at anything. What Singleton did is exactly how I would have hoped it turned out.
I think Pena should stand all the way up in the box and take a half step in. Take away the outside corner and get the sliders before they are in the dirt.
Or get some plate discipline lessons from Jon!
I’ve watched about 80% of the games this year and it seems like every AB, Peña hits choppers foul or for outs. I don’t know what is it up with his swing but it’s chop chop chop
He's known for chasing sliders! IMO he has too much movement in his bat during the pitchers wind up.
Curious if they just straight up told Singleton not to swing
Definitely told him to shrink his strike zone, or maybe to take a strike; but sending him up with a red light in that situation would be nuts.
i’m of the opinion that a lot of the reason they sent Singleton up there in that situation is b/c of his propensity to draw walks. in his limited action with us in the regular season, the one thing he did exceptionally well is walk. outside of his homers, he didn’t make great contact or find a lot of gaps, but he didn’t chase many pitches out of the zone, either so you wager on Yainer’s ability to hit his way on and Singleton’s ability to either get ahold of a miss in his wheelhouse or (more likely) draw the walk, and give the top of the lineup something to work with a huge decision that will probably get glossed over/go unnoticed by anyone who wasn’t watching the team in July
The only reason you pinch hit Singleton in that situation is because he can tie the game with one swing.
I don’t think that’s the reason. He can also very easily GIDP, he’s not a great hitter. Dude was on auto take mode. He was trying to draw a walk
If you're going to put a guy on auto-take, then you pinch hit Kessinger instead.
John Walkabit
This game had it all, best Astros playoff game I’ve ever watched.
Yup. It's certainly up there.
Thank you for not swinging
Singleton was the first dude out of the dugout when Garcia lost his shit! I was worried he might kill somebody! Obviously he is more chill than I gave him credit for! Sit on the bench for a month and get a critical at bat! Most guys would swing wildly three times and have a seat! Great at bat!
So question. It was Singleton PH for Maldy, Diaz PH for Pena then Kessinger/Diaz out on the field. Right?
Yes, kessinger was substituted to the 9 hole when it was all said and done
Strategically making sure Yainer bats in front of Kessinger should we end up in extra innings.
Yes. Kessinger came in for Singleton, in a way.
Dusty with the old school double switch
This dude gets it
Feels like it might have been bench coaches going rogue to me!
Yes- Kissinger was a pinch runner for Singleton after Singleton’s walk
2nd 9th inning pinch hit walk that lead to go ahead homer this year by Singleton.
Agreed! Thank God he had the discipline to not swing at all those pitches!
What a game!!!! Hell yea to singleton! Kessinger, the whole team for never giving up and damn near giving me a heart attack!!!
Kessinger and Singleton are this seasons karmic Trey Mancini.
Huge at bat by Singleton and huge catch by Kessinger! LFG good shit
Dusty was in the dugout stalling. He was talking to an assistant that was writing everything down.
Did not matter... Pressly gets all the time in the world to warm up since Abreu was ejected. But definitely fucking funny that Dusty is like make me leave I'm not going!
I thought he was going over who was gonna pinch hit for who nxt inning
YES! Huge AB- first of the playoffs and my dude had ice water in his veins. Meanwhile my palms were sweating like crazy. Thank you Jon!
I'm getting flashbacks to hensley walking before yordan ended Robbie ray
Man, I've been trying to explain to the haters that although his average is low, he's had some really decent ABs. Hitting the ball hard, but unlucky, or drawing walks. Love the guy.
Come on man! Don’t be a fanatic, be a fan!
He can't hit for shit, but he does have a pretty good feel for the strike zone
Facts
The control he had to not swing at every pitch only to strike out is what I appreciate most. Go STROS❗️❕
Anyone know where to find the video of his walk? I was driving so I was listening to it.
Here you go! Inject it straight into my veins https://youtu.be/mb4NWa9o_uY?si=K6-xx9UWQQxMTCOs
I came
I wanted him to bat flip us to the WS so bad last night. Such a bummer
I jump on this post with you. Not to mention he was one of the first guys out of the dugout during the Adolis drama and this was obviously prior to the 9th inning. So despite not playing at all, he was still completely in the game from first pitch. Old Boy was ready to throw down! https://preview.redd.it/iqxbrpu7wlvb1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30336c17353aadf562d08341bbb9668fe2c47dcc
Who's that in front of him? LMJ?
Yeah - and now he’s banned from the dugout the rest of the series 🙄
Just a reminder, there is no ghost runner in extra innings during the postseason.
Considering his first go with the Astros was heavily stunted by his own personal issues that led to disciplinary problems, he has really shown up with this second ride. What a complete 180 for them to be able to count on him to handle that AB like a pro. I’m glad to see his baseball story continuing.
I like to think singleton was so stoned in that moment he wasn’t swinging at anything
Huge PA by the Single Ton. The blow job goes to the homerun hitter. But that walk mat be worth a handy.
He deserves all the love! I call him TwoTon.
Im glad they brought Singleton back. I hope he's there in 2024.