HOU 12, MIA 5: Astros blow the gates open in the seventh to win it

[Kevin Barral]

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[Guest THOMAS JOSEPH]

OK, here goes. I will once again ask why Bryan Hoeing was removed after two beautiful innings holding the Astros in place. Even Hutton noted that Hoeing is more effective out of the pen and showed no issues. Still, the ubiquitous, unseen Marlins' rule demanded a change (Nardi) with two outs and no one on base. Could we not extend Hoeing another inning or two? I know, there is an off day tomorrow, blah blah. This is the pattern of the entire season - using five or six pitchers a game. Hoeing threw 29 pitches. What is the urgency to remove him in the sixth inning after twenty-nine pitches? As it is obvious the team has little confidence in or plans for Hoeing, please trade him in the offseason to a team that may allow some growth. We hear about pitching woes throughout baseball, but Hoeing is vastly underutilized. So be it. In Miami's circumstances, it's a bit puzzling to me. Sandy's return to form is huge, as the other starters are five-inning guys, at best, plus a shaky Cueto. There is no need to recount the bullpen's (MLB normative) overuse, merry-go-round from the minors, and injuries. These issues are heavily contributory to why we must take chances on projects like Lopez and Weathers, hold our breath every time out with Puk, and obtain an expensive rental in Robertson. However, we miss an opportunity here for additional productive hold innings without an imminent threat and four-plus innings to go in the game - again. This is Skip's most intensive learning curve, in my opinion.