Ethier over Puig?

[Runscott]

Thoughts?

I think it's a bad move. Sure, Puig is only batting .250 and St. Louis seems to have his number, but Ethier was 3-20 last year in the playoffs (0 RBI, 0 extra base hits), and his bat this year hasn't been very impressive.

I would have just sat Puig down and had a good talk with him, particularly about the 9 consecutive K's.

[bn2cardz]

As long as StL wins I don't care how the Dodgers lose

[Runscott]

I hear you, but as an Astros fan, I still hate the Cardinals. The main thing is MORE PLAYOFF GAMES. The Angels and Tigers ripped us off.

[nolemmings]

I think it's a good move. Ethier is another left-handed bat who does have a quasi-big hit in the series, and I doubt any conversation with Puig would have any effect--frankly he's lucky he got the triple (actually misplayed double).

The bigger question to me is the handling of the staff in the 6th through 8th innings. Kershaw will not be able to give them a complete game on short rest. I believe Haren is the key during these mid to late innings, but if Mattingly falls prey to the book and keeps carting out guys who have not got it done this series it will be more of the same, IMO. Let Haren work through at least the 7th if he's called upon, and if LA has a lead or is even they could very well win.