On the brink of summer, the Astro fans are rightfully upset with a bullpen that had problems closing out games in the 2017 playoffs and recently has struggled mightily closing out games in the 2018 regular season. As of June 1, the Astros were 7th in the AL in save conversion at 65% and seem to bring drama to every situation even when they are successful….especially Ken Giles.
So, what are the choices? Sure, you could move from Giles to another choice inside the organization like Hector Rondon, who was a closer for the Cubs for a couple of seasons or to Chris Devenski, who has been one of the Astros best, though over-worked relievers. Perhaps moving the very effective Collin McHugh to the back of the bullpen would be a better choice or even pulling Lance McCullers, who often has trouble going through lineups multiple times. But Rondon and Devo have both blown saves this season. McHugh has not shown he is going to be effective in back-to-back situations and you have to look at McCullers as emotional dynamite as a closer, as likely to melt down as to shut down.
It is fun to speculate on grabbing a top closer from another team, but frankly, the top closers on other teams are usually with contending teams and are not likely to be pried free to another contender. When you look at the MLB relievers with top save numbers and good ERAs and WHIPs, you might as well scratch-off the list Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrell, Cody Allen, Brad Boxberger, Sean Doolittle, Kenley Jensen, Brandon Morrow and Alex Colome, who was just traded for by the contending M’s.
So, you need to look at teams that are not contending and are not intending to contend for your best shots at closer help. Examples A and A1 may be Kelvin Herrera of the Royals and Brad Hand of the Padres.
Pro-Herrera
- Two time All-Star in 2015 and 2016
- Has 12 saves for a team with only 21 wins on the season
- Sparkling 0.83 ERA and 0.738 WHIP
- Has not walked a batter in 21.2 IP
- Has been great in the playoffs – a 1.26 ERA in 26 innings
- As a rental will not cost that much in prospects
Anti-Herrera
- Would be a rental with no guarantee on signing him after the season
- Was not good in 2017
- Does not have a postseason save
Pro-Hand
- Has been a high quality closer ever since joining the Padres in 2016
- HasĀ 17 saves in his team’s 25 wins this season
- Has a strongĀ 1.91 ERA and a 1.059 WHIP in 2018
- Is signed through 2019 for a total of approx. $17 million – could be kept in 2010 for another $10 million or bought out for $1 million
- Is a lefty reliever
Anti-Hand
- Will require a substantial haul of prospects for multi-years of control
- Has never pitched in the playoffs
- Could be argued that between his years with the Marlins and the Padres has never pitched in a significant pressure situation
- Has thrived in San Diego’s Petco ParkĀ which is a well-known pitcher’s paradise
What should the Astros do?
- Stick with Giles tight roping through the regular season with help from the rotation during the playoffs?
- Use Rondon, Devenski or McHugh from the current bullpen?
- Move McCullers to the closer’s spot and move McHugh into the rotation?
- Dip into the minors?Ā Not much there as far as high-level closers – James Hoyt? Brendan McCurry?
- Trade for Herrera as a half-year rental?
- Trade for Hand as a longer term solution?
- Go after a dark horse like Blake Treinan (0.99 ERA and 13 saves)Ā of the A’s or Raisel Iglesias (1.96 and 9 saves) of the Reds?
- Wait for more teams to play their way out of contention and add to the available pool of closers?
What would you do?
ALL THINGS ASTROS 
102 responses to “Astros debate: Kelvin Herrera vs. Brad Hand”
Ledger Bill pointed out some of Rondon’s stats yesterday, or the day before. He’s been good. I went ahead and used those same five stats for all of the relievers on the club YTD. As a team, we’re pretty good.
ERA 4th in MLB
WHIP 2nd in MLB
K/BB 1st in MLB
BAA 5th in MLB
OBP 1st in MLB
Of course there are other more advanced stats that will help make our pen look not quite so good. But we do have an excellent pen. We kind of take it for granted when a guy comes in and gets the job done. And we’re certainly offended when the same guy fails. All that said, I do not believe Giles is of the right mindset to be our closer. I think he’s a quality part of the bullpen though. I also don’t think we have a closer right now, unless Peacock again becomes lights out with his slider. Herrera does not strike enough guys out for me, even if he is not walking people. Hand gets K’s alright, but he puts quite a few guys on base too. He’d make me nervous like Giles does. I have no idea what Luhnow will do, but I’m quite sure he’ll address the issue, and probably in a way we had not thought of.
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Great question Dan and one worthy of careful thought. Like almost everyone else Giles makes me real nervous because of his inconsistency and inability to control his emotional makeup. For the same reason I would prefer to keep McCullers where he is. Rondon is intriguing because he seems to be on the rise with his velocity and effectiveness but I can’t say that I feel all tingly when he comes in. Even Devo gets my stomach to churning. Harris is not an option either. If Peacock has the slider he showed last night I think he would be a very viable option but I would like to see it a few more times to be assured last night was not a fluke. Considering it was effective for him almost all last year I took last night as a very hopeful sign. McHugh is another interesting option. In an interview on Astros Bases Loaded he seems to be ok with and even embracing the relief role. Of all the guys in house I think only Peacock and McHugh have the mental makeup to handle the late inning pressure. As for Hand vs Herrera my only familiarity with them is in the stats and both look inviting. Since we don’t have a good lefty in the pen that might be a great addition. Another riskier move but one that could probably be done would be to pick up Zach Britton from the Orioles. He is apparently progressing well from his Achilles tear and is scheduled to go on a AAA rehab assignment soon. I don’t think there’s any question the Orioles are going to be sellers but I wonder if the bad taste that may have come from last year’s failed attempt to get him precludes any deal getting done. He ought to be considerably cheaper though. Wouldn’t it be ironic if we got him after missing out on him in 2017 probably resulted in us getting Verlander? I kind of like how that worked out.
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Ah, the never ending closer question. If we make a deal for a closer (given no internal options) Good and bad for both guys as you pointed out. Unless you could do a LT contract with Herrera, Hand appears to be the better option but one never knows.
On another topic, Becky’s favorite Ranger was at the center of controversy last night. He apparently slid into A Simmons to break up a double play and a melee almost broke out. In the replay the announcers commented that the slide was clean. If that was a clean slide then I’ll be batting clean up for the ‘Stros tonight. He was 2 -3 ft away from the bag and spiked Simmons. Look at the difference between the Angels announcers calling it and the Rangers announcers. LA announcers said Odor is a “dirty player”.
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Even his name is stinky. But that was a BS slide. The Rangers were down 6-0 with no hope and he tries to injure one of the best shortstops on the planet. I wish Simmons would have spiked him in the face.
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Interesting to see if the Angels send a message tonight.
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I like Herrera because he has playoff savvy and he won’t cost an arm and a leg because he is a rental. They can add him to the bullpen and let Sipp sit out the year and then they both move on and the Astros can then do what they do in the offseason.
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I am going to say this and I will not reply anymore (although I may lurk at some comments). Your article/blog is misleading. Ken Giles is not having trouble closing out games. He is a perfect 10/10 this year in save opportunities and is 44/48 since the start of the 2017 season. Granted, he’s had 2 rough games this year, both in non-save situations and he did have a rough playoff (of course, so did Harris and Devo), but I am perfectly comfortable with Ken Giles in the closer position. Furthermore, Brad Hand is not a viable option. The Padres just extended him to a fairly nice, team-friendly contract this past off-season and they would, rightfully so, ask for the moon to trade him. Herrera can be had, but is he really much better than what we have? He has been this year, but I would have some trepidation he will have a regression back to his mean, which is decent, but not much better than who we currently have. This is not to say they may not look to add someone, but I don’t buy the talking heads false narrative that the Astros back of the bullpen is a problem.
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Often my posts are not based on my personal feelings but are based on what I see as of interest to the folks on the blog.
Personally I’m ok with Giles there as long as we have some other options (e.g. starters and tandems) in the post season if needed.
I would not mind picking up Herrera as another solid arm for the bullpen – closer or setup.
I know that some of the best closers in the game failed in the 2017 post season at inopportune times (Chapman, Jansen and Kimbrel against the Astros alone).
I’m just giving some fat to chew on.
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My note about adding Hererra did not mean to indicate that I prefer him to Giles, but to add him to the bullpen in place of a guy who they didn’t trust last postseason and still don’t trust, now, Sipp.
I like our bullpen and I don’t have a problem with Giles closing. I just like a lot of arms around when it comes to the playoffs The more dependable arms you have in October, the better the chances of victory.
I think Giles has done a nice job this year. I get nervous in the ninth inning, no matter who is pitching.
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I general I agree with Tim on this one. Giles has had some memorable collapses in non-save situations. He’s an adventure in saves, but generally gets the job done. I’m not counting the 2017 post-season against any of our relievers. None of them could throw sliders…it wasn’t just one guy. As for 2018, I think the brains of the operation needs to take more heat for the games our bullpen has given away.
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Tim, I know you’ll be lurking. Had you simply said narrative, rather than false narrative, I would not have commented on your remarks. Yes indeed, Giles has piled up his saves. Saves are nice, but they don’t tell enough of the story. He’s already been beaten up twice this year against good teams, including the night he came off the mound giving himself head noogies. He’s giving up 10 hits per 9, way more than at any point in his history. And his K’s per 9 are way down too. Yes, so are his BB’s, but for whatever reason, he’s sure not getting the misses. Maybe he’s spending too much time around the plate.
As I said earlier, I think he’s a big part of our pen. And his 30 plus saves will help us get into October again.
But fairly or unfairly, thing is, recent memory includes the 2017 post season. Seven appearances, runs in all but one. 17 base runners and 10 runs in 7.2 innings. We had to win the World Series without a closer. Do you think Luhnow will take that chance again? I don’t.
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The Astros bullpen has 4 blown saves and 9 losses. Saves per-se aren’t really the issue, so I’m not sure the closer is where the attention needs to be. Looking at the game logs, you can’t ignore Peacock . He has 3 of the losses, 2 of the blown saves, plus he gave up the winning hit in Devo’s loss to the Dbacks. Also, to heed Becky’s cry of situational hitting, some of those losses and blown saves were at home or early enough in the game where the offense could have picked the team up but didn’t.
My conclusion: frustration? yes. Panic? no. Lots can happen in the next 2 months to determine a course at the trade deadline.
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Bill, Iām glad youāre winning the battle so far. And Iām here for you. But as far as the trinity goes, Iāve only got full confidence in one of the three. I will support you regardless.
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Overheard at L.A. [Ledger’s Anonymous]:
Hello – my name is Bill . . . and I am . . . a ledger.
No, not a legend. No, not a leper. No, not a lecher. That’s ‘Ledger’ – L.E.D.G.E.R.
But I am pleased to announce that I have not gone anywhere a ledge now for over three days.
I acknowledge that in my self I am powerless to overcome my inclination to ledge; but I have begun to believe in a higher power. In fact, I have made a decision to believe in the holy trinity – as you know them, Jeff Luhnow, Jake Marisnick, and Kenny Giles. I have placed all my trust in these three paragons of perfection, and their immaculate conceptions.
Luhnow faileth not.
Marisnick runs in majesty.
Giles saves.
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I guess I’m the minority again Giles/ smiles, he was an inch away from another blown save last night , we were lucky. I would like to give Colin a shot at it . He doesn’t have a blow away fastball, but has 3 or 4 decent pitches and he is not a head case and knows how to pitch. If Giles was traded tomorrow , I wouldn’t lose a second of sleep. He will never be more than an OK closer against mediocre teams , in the regular season only.
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Giles has two pitches……the league is very familiar with him now.
Giles is a nice guy, but he makes me as nervous as a long tail cat in room full of rocking chairs. If I had my drothers, I’d take Brad Hand, but the Padres wanted him to stay where he is or they wouldn’t have given him $17 million. Herrera would be a good addition down the stetch. We have a good bullpen, when they aren’t beat up like they were in Cleveland.
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Iām pretty sure I just heard the FOX guy say, āthe Astros are playing the big boysā.
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KTuck and Tyler White just went back-to-back for Fresno in the top of the 1st in Albuquerque. 3-0 Astros [Derek Fisher got plunked to start the game after his 5-5 game and hitting for the cycle yesterday].
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Should probably say 3-0 Grizzlies, I guess. They just feel like they should be Astros.
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Vintage Verlander tonight. Price is giving our guys fits….I just hope he doesn’t last too much longer.
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Will Harris comes in and gives up two homeruns….JEEZE.
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Ledger: Itās okay, you can vent! Iāll help though. Harris sure threw a couple of cream puffs with the bases empty. A walk is much better than a long ball, especially when ahead in the count.
The Yanks and Sox will always be the home team, even when on the road. That was a wide strike zone.
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Every walk the Astros gave up…..*scored*. Walks killed the guys tonight.
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I could have sworn Greg Maddux was pitching for the Sox as he was getting strike calls 6 inches off the plate. Bregman, Gattis, and Davis had to swing at anything close or get called out. That is unless you’re Springer in the 7th when he swung at two pitches 2′ off the plate.
And as for the bullpen there was the graphic showing the Bullpen has given up (hope I remember this right) 14 runs in 21 innings and blown 7 saves. That my friends is ridiculous. I just don’t care for the way Hinch is using the pen right now.
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I think we have multiple options in July. Not now. Everyone is still in the race for the wild card. It may stay that way but I think last year was an anomaly. So at that time, we should have multiple decent (not great) options. The other choice is to see if Mariano is willing to come out of retirement. Or maybe we give Gomez and Fiers back and get Josh Hader.
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I just saw the Red Sox are kicking the tires on Herrera. Yikes add him t that BP Light out!
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Richard Justice is looking for the Astros to target Britton https://www.mlb.com/news/5-mlb-trades-that-could-happen-before-deadline/c-279533358
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One I didn’t mention was Britton because I was unsure when he comes back and if he will come back strong from injury
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1B Taylor Jones of the Corpus Christi Hooks leads the Texas league in RBIs with 46. He has played in 49 games.
OF Kyle Tucker of the Fresno Grizzlies leads the Pacific Coast League in RBIs with 46. He has played in 51 games.
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Moving up Perez to Fresno! I really like this kid, and he will make some noise next year! Could be our replacement for Keuchel next year, time is on his side because he’s only 22yrs old!
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Britton has not even thrown a pitch yet, and I’m not in favor of signing a guy who is just coming back from an ingury like his. Sorry, but I wouldn’t do it.
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I’ve been kinda cranky lately so I’ll tell you why.
My grandson Tanner (14 yrs old now) has another tumor…..this one was so small the doctor wasn’t as concerned about it. They did another (48th) in May and that tumor has tripled in growth. They are extremely concerned about the size and where it is located. It’s on the back of his skull, and he will have surgery on it on Wed morning. The surgery will take 4-5 hrs and he will be in ICU for two days, and still be in the hospital for another 5days. The tumor on his Thalamus is still there, but no surgeon in the world would touch it….
I will let you know about me after I have a couple of more tests. I’m old and if the Lord took me today, I would welcome it. All I am asking of you wonderful friends is to circle your calendars for this coming Wed, and say a prayer for Tanner and his mother and father. It will be the longest day of my life. When I hear from his dad, I will for sure let you know when he is out of surgery. Life is tough, but when it comes to children….there are no words. I’ll try not to be so cranky, but I don’t promise anything. Thanks Beckyā¤
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Becky you have earned your crankiness.
I will of course pray for Tanner and his parents and you.
Wednesday is circled.
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Thank you for sharing with us. We are family. Prayers on the way.
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Well, I said I wasn’t going to reply again, but this warrants a response. My heart aches for you and your family Becky. I will definitely lift up young Tanner in my prayers. Stay strong and may God protect Tanner during his surgery on Wednesday.
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You and Tanner have all my thoughts, prayers, and love Wednesday.
No need for excuses for being cranky. Itās my normal disposition.
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Becky, we all love you. Please let Tanner and his family know that because of his grandmother, many people in Houston and around are praying for them. They like us, know you are special. We pray that God’s healing mercy descends upon him this week.
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Becky, I’ll be praying too and have already.
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Becky, Iām a grouch too, but I donāt have any good reason. Iāll be praying out here in the Atlantic too. God Bless Tanner.
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I’m beyond angry right now. These guys should have stayed home and played video games.
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Jehovah Rapha is the Lord our healer. We pray the Lord will envelope Tanner from the crown of his beautiful young head to the soles of his feet. Donāt you worry, let the Lord show up and show out. Bless you and your family.
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Sorry Becky I forgot to include your name, lol
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Thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been trying to find stuff to do to keep my mind off this sweet boy and his surgery. I made potato salad yesterday…..enough to feed ALL of you! I haven’t felt good enough to cook, but I did yesterday. In my heart I know only God can do what I can not…..but try telling my brain. Baseball has been a Godsend to me, because for just a few hours a day I think of the Astros. I’m not gonna lie…..I’m scared to death.
Just bear with me, my heart is pounding very hard.
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I love potato salad! Do you make the yellow or white potato salad? I’m not picky and since you made enough for all of us just let me know where you will be serving and I’ll drive over to enjoy it. š
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I knew we were not going to get the call against the Red Sox on the field or in NY.
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Dan, weād better quit leaving all those men on base with no outs. Becky, they need your shoutout for SITUATIONAL HITTING, itās killing us. Lightning just knocked out DirectTV, gotta go to AT BAT radio I suppose
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They just are not hitting clutch – 2 outs RISP – like they did last year and that puts the focus on the failure of situational hitting.
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They were fortunate last year because the two outs RISP ability made situational hitting not as critical
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There has got to be a closed door clubhouse meeting, and they need some serious a$$ chewing. This is beyond bizarre. How in the heck do you just stop getting your guys on base in???? I don’t get IT.
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Becky just saw your earlier post so prayers for your grandson. Spot on about getting guys in and although I had already left where I was watching the game I’m glad I didn’t see Giles give up 2 more runs. Yep, he’s a top of the line closer with a 5.21 ERA. I hate to say it but our guys are not going to go out there and continue to have sub 2.00 ERA’s. It’s coming due and our hitting is just not getting the job done. Time for some serious clubhouse meeting or we’ll be watching other teams when it comes to October.
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test post
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Not sure what happened to my reply but I’ll try again. I’m getting weary of some who assure us smugly that the team will surely turn around and approach 100 wins again and will comfortably reach the playoffs. Is there some magical elixir that will make that happen? We seem to be content with mediocrity and underachievement. Reddick, Marwin, Correa, Gattis and even Altuve are not producing the way they should and don’t seem to be dismayed about it since they keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Altuve and Correa struck out back to back twice tonight with Altuve pulling off a hat trick by swinging at ball four once and taking a fastball pretty much right down the middle on another. Jose had his crazy 10 hit streak which is a fading memory and if you take that away from his stats his season is pretty underwhelming. When I look forward to Tony Kemp coming to the plate because I can expect a competitive AB that seems pretty damning to our “stars”.
The Indians, Yankees, and Red Sox exposed our bullpen as the fraud of the season. Our statistical superiority is a charade. When our most effective relievers have been Tony Sipp and Joe Smith I think we ought to be a little concerned. I think the sample size is big enough now that there ought to be some accountability for the lackluster performance. The starting pitchers and the defense have been the only components of this team that have exceeded expectations. How about a creative DL stint for Harris and Giles. Give Cionel Perez a look and perhaps even Tucker if Reddick doesn’t come back strong.
Becky, I’m praying that God will use Tanner’s doctors, caregivers and family as His instruments of healing, restoration and encouragement and where their efforts fall short that He will reveal Himself as the One who is mighty to save and heal. May His peace that surpasses all understanding be yours and may you praise Him in this storm.
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What a wonderful prayer.
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Yes, but we are still in first place in the AL West- oh wait!
Uh-oh. Back to L.A. [Ledgers Anonymous] class I go.
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In the last 26 games the Mariners have played only 3 games against a team with a winning record (31-29 A’s). They played 4 against Minn (25-30), 7 against Det (28-31), 6 against Tex (25-37), 3 against TB (28-30) and 3 against Tor (26-33)
In the Astros last 25 games over basically the same period, the Astros have only played 5 games against teams with losing records – 3 against Tex (25-37) and 2 against SF (29-30). They’ve had to play 4 against Bos (41-19), 3 against NYY (37-17), 7 against CLE (30-28), 3 against LAA (32-28) and 3 against Oak (31-29).
I don’t think it is smug to expect the team to play better when the schedule is easier. I do know they are still struggling with the offense and the bullpen. I don’t know if the moves that will be made will take care of these areas, but I trust they should be able to improve in both areas between now and the end of the season.
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Dr. Bill, when our guys go out and win the first two games of a four game series, I then expect at least 3 out of 4. We failed to do that against Cleveland and Boston. And when we won the opener against the Yankees, I expected 2 out of three. Heck, the way we lost most of the games in question is what really frustrates me.
But yes, I also recognize that we played three very good teams just about even. That’s certainly not going to be enough later in the year, but I still don’t think we’re in danger of falling apart.
I’m one of the guys who thinks Giles can be an excellent part of our pen, but I don’t think he’s the closer. I think Luhnow will make the pen stronger in a significant way though.
I’m also confident that Marwin will hit more. He’s not been so bad since 2013 when he was just getting his feet wet. Altuve will get his .829 OPS back up in the .900 range. Correa will improve. Reddick will not give us what he did last year, but his presence will certainly improve our outfield and our line up. Yuli will raise his own OPS well above the .695 it is today.
That said, we still have holes. I wonder if McCann can stay healthy. I don’t think either Kemp or Davis are very good outfielders and I’m not sure if they’ll hit. We’ve got a great outfielder who we all know will not hit. And we did get spoiled last year. No way we can duplicate the remarkable number of 2 out hits that were continually delivered.
The Red Sox got off to a great start. But before last night, they had played their last 40 games at 23 and 17. I’m sure the Sox faithful are concerned about issues with their roster. One you get past their top six hitters, there’s not much left. If Martinez goes down for a DL stint, it will hurt. The Yankees have rotation issues, especially if Sabathia can’t keep up the pace.
Every team is looking at their issues right now. I hate losing these damn games that we should have won, but I am still looking ahead to see what Luhnow does to have this club healthy, rested and more talented for the stretch run in September.
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Man, Dave, you nailed it with this post. I can’t disagree with anything you said.
It is fairly obvious who Dr. Bill is referencing in his comment. I had been conversing with AC45 on Twitter and told him I was going to stay away as my thoughts don’t jive with the majority here and I am sure I would end up ruffling some feathers. He told me “We know how you are and accept you for who you are” or something to this extent. I’ll be staying away for awhile as it’s clear that my style rubs people the wrong way. It’s no big deal as I have many outlets I use to talk Astros baseball. Adios, amigos and I will continue praying for young Tanner. His situation breaks my heart and I can’t imagine how I would handle it if it was one of my sons.
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Tim, whatās the point of having a discussion if there is only one opinion.
I believe everyone here respects you and values your thoughts.
If you choose to leave I will miss you .
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That’s a damn shame Tim, because there really is not much to discuss if we’re all on the same page. I was just thinking last week that this particular shrinking group needs some new blood, maybe younger, to deliver more in the way of opposing thoughts. I’d rather someone tell me I’m full of dookie than simply ignore my comments. And if someone is a bit overly sensitive when someone else presents a contrary opinion directed their way, maybe we can collectively help them grow thicker skin. For the record, I think your “Adios, amigos”, sign off is a bit overly dramatic.
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We have a respectable team. We should probably win our division- but no one is going to hand it to us on a silver platter – or boot.
Obviously, we don’t have to – or expect to – turn over the entire roster. No, we don’t have to panic – or start planning our 1.1 pick for 2019. No, there is no reason to ‘ledge’. But that being said, it is becoming very clear, to me at least, that if this team wants to ‘never settle’ in anything more than words – if it wants to have a prayer of returning to the world series this year – a veritable ton is riding on this upcoming ‘trade season’. Of the other top 5 teams in our league – Boston, NY, Cleveland, Seattle, and LAA – at least 4 of them will almost certainly upgrade substantially as the trade deadline approaches. If Luhnow does not pull off a magic act, especially in the bullpen and in the outfield, those other teams will be mounting playoff runs in July, August, and September, while we will be scratching our heads wondering what went wrong -and when we should have seen it coming.
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Last time I checked this blog was to give our opinions on what we like, don’t like, suggestions for improvement, and anything having to do with the Houston Astros. While we obviously aren’t going to agree all the time a little logical back and forth is ok as long as it doesn’t get personal. I haven’t seen any of that to the best of my recollection on this blog. Maybe we’ll go on a tear and win 18 of the next 200 games. That would be great. Yes we’ve all had some great expectations and there have been some big disappointments. We just don’t think we’re playing to our potential right now. Of the next 24 games only two teams are above .500. We should be beating up on these guys so let’s see what happens. We should be able to get our winning % back up around .650. Let’s hope so. Tim, your opinions are always welcome here (I think I speak for the majority of us). It’s not a perfect world as are neither of us so “keep on truckin” or posting. Have a great day all.
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That’s 18 of the next 20. Heaven help us it it was 18 of 200.
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I will be frank here folks. This kind of thing always upsets me, because I really throw my heart and soul into providing questions to chew on. I look back and I miss folks who have just disappeared or said adios (Governor was one of those as I remember – had lots of good takes – but one day told us adios like Tim has).
Do I need to run this differently? Any suggestions?
The blog writer side of me tries to hit on things that are positive and negative about the team.
The commenter side of me is an optimistic (probably overly-optimistic) person. That does not mean I don’t appreciate opposing views but I’m not changing what I think too easily. I am glad there are lots of different views.
I miss Brian T and Chip being able to throw things out there and hope they can again soon. In the meantime I just try to keep the conversation going.
I want the folks here to feel comfortable that they will not be attacked in what I would call an unprofessional manner. I know some folks have thicker skin than others; I know some folks have a grating bed side manner at times.
Again – do you still want me to do this? Do you want me to do this differently than I do?
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At ease, soldier!
Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em.
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I had noticed absenteeism here and wondered about it but had decided not to mention. Steven, SargeH, Governor, Grayson, Roadthriller just recently … but there were others going back farther. We can’t expect everyone to stay permanently. People move on for various reasons. Dan, you do an excellent job. Do we still want you to do this? That cannot be a serious question, as I do not see a serious or willing replacement. The thing I agree with is that we need to hear more from Chip so it’s not all on you. I assume Brian is not around. My opinion is not the most valuable here insofar as I am among the least in baseball erudition. But I can’t see any way this is your problem. Also please note that what you do is not just display your knowledge but referee occasionally and also be generous and kind to posters. You see, that narrows the field.
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Diane! Please don’t write me off! I’m here! Praying for Becky! Missing Tim! Appreciative of Dan!
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I am steamed about one thing: how many ABs JFSF is getting…
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RT, I didn’t write you off. Just noticed you missed a few beats, so you came to mind when I was listing some no-shows. I didn’t site all the missing by any means, but people leave for various reasons, not always because they’re unhappy.
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cite
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Dan. Glad you’ve taken up the mantle. I enjoy this and being somewhat retired I look forward everyday to your topics and everybody’s posts. Sure beats the hell out of playing Bocce Ball (which I haven’t played in years).
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What have I missed? I went back and looked at comments from the last 2 days and I don’t see where anyone has said anything to mess things up.
My computer is in the shop and I am walking over to my family’s house next door to check things out.
Let’s get along. I miss you and don’t want to lose this blog.
Dan, you are doing great and I don’t have one single problem with your posts. They feed my hunger.
I never expected the Astros to do better than .500 in this half month, but I do expect them to be able to beat the teams they will face in the next two months and I expect them to get a player or two to help them in the playoffs.
I still remember how lousy the Astros played last July and August and then they got Verlander and won the WS. I’m not giving up until they breathe their last breath this season.
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Dan, you are doing a fantastic job. This blog is by far the best run sports discussion that I have ever seen -and that covers a lot! Of course, people from time to time get testy. And arrogant. And depressed. And self-righteous. And short-sighted. And long-winded. Most of the time, it works its way out and we move on – especially if our ‘Stros win a few games in a row and start looking like the unstoppable Juggernaut we all know they can be.
Some folks are always irritating. Some folks are always irritable. Some folks are spoiling for a fight. Some folks just want to be liked. You’ve never let any of that stop you before. So please don’t let it stop you now!
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We start the month of triumph with two games against the league-leading Seattle Mariners. First, Dallas Keuchel has to face James Paxton. Advantage Ms. Then LMJ has to try to get his emotions under control and his knuckle-curve back and outduel Wade LeBlanc. Advantage Ms again.
No pressure. On paper, we aren’t supposed to win either of these games. So let’s stay loose, and see if we can go and have fun, beat the odds, and get the AL West lead back.
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What ever happened I sure missed it and I check in here several times a day.
Dan, I canāt find enough words to praise your work. You obviously have a busy life, job, and family to consider yet you find the time to keep us occupied.
I donāt want you to change anything. I would be lost without you and my fellow bloggers.
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The Mariners’ June is their month to face tough competition. This month they have two with the Astros, 7 with the Red Sox, and 3 with the Yankees. They also face the Angels, the Rays [which they just swept through like a grassfire on a windy day], the Orioles, and the Royals.
If they are still in the Division lead when July roles around, they will have earned it.
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Thanks folks – I will keep on trudging along. I enjoy it – that’s why I do it, but I want y’all to enjoy it too.
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Dan, it is clear we enjoy it; even the ones that crab now and then must enjoy it. They (mostly) keep coming back! lol
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“Iām getting weary of some who assure us smugly that the team will surely turn around and approach 100 wins again and will comfortably reach the playoffs. Is there some magical elixir that will make that happen?”
Since Tim referenced my post I can only assume that this is the part he objected to. It was certainly not aimed directly at him but to a lot of cognoscenti that seem all too willing to poo-poo the team’s current state. I think this team is certainly capable of turning things around but are they willing? As for this blog and its structure I think its terrific and truth be told Tim is one of my favorite commenters. He knows his stuff but I don’t think regression to the norm is inevitable without active measures. Gattis may be a case in point. He stunk early but is making adjustments to get better. Other underachieving guys on the team ought to follow his lead.
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Dan, you’re doing the work of three guys. Plus you’re the ump here. And then you’ve got a real job, unless you’ve been hoodwinking us all these years. I very much appreciate your efforts.
I know I can be an ass. I suspect maybe I pissed Grayson off and he just decided not to engage me. And frankly, lately, I’ve thought about taking a break myself because I feel like some of us have unreasonable expectations of the World Champions.
Baseball is a tough game. Sometimes, the harder you try, the worse it gets. I really feel that this club has its best baseball ahead of it. And I might be dead wrong. Yeah, but it does annoy me when some keep beating on a team that in spite of their woes, (woes again) still sports a 35 and 22 record.
That’s the way I feel about things. I wish we had the luxury of exit interviews from the folks we have not heard from in awhile. Simon Davey, where are you?
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No, now don’t you go missing, Dave. You may not like me, but I like you. š
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The MLB draft is underway – the Astros have the 28th pick of the 1st round.
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In one of my business seminars, it was stressed that you need people from different backgrounds, opinions, lines of thought to be successful. The term used was “When everyone thinks the same, no one is thinking.”
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Agree. If we get a bit prickly from time to time, it’s cause we pear well.
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As to MLB draft. Grayson Rodriguez of Central Heights (Nacogdoches) was drafted #11 by Orioles. I saw the kid hit when he was 13-14 and I thought he would maybe get to the majors with his bat. But he has grown up to 6’5″ and selected as a RHP. Wish him and his family well. His grandmother and I went to school together when we had only 48 states and Eisenhower was president.
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