Life is great because of all the wonderful human beings we interact with each day. Unless you are someone who thinks that life would be great if not for all the annoying human beings we interact with each day.
And so it is with our dear Astros. Some fans see the child who bought us the perfect birthday gift last year. Others see the child who we just know is going to either forget our next birthday or is bound to revert to re-gifting us chintzy kitchen gadgets they got as a door prize at a Tupperware party.
So, to make all our loyal readers happy, here are two versions of the same story and it is up to you which one you want to make your own.
Rejoice. The Astros are in the top three in clubs favored to win it all.
Despair. Even with that, they have only about an 18% chance to win it all according to the oddsmakers.
Rejoice. The Astros are only 2 games behind their pace of last season and the 2017 Astros went through an August slump.
Despair. The 2017 Astros were 17 games up after 97 games and this year’s version are only 4 games up.
Rejoice. The 2018 Astros rotation includes both Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander, neither of who were with the Astros at this time last season.
Despair. Cole and Verlander have 18 wins as of the 12th of July, but the team has wasted 10 or more fine starts from the duo.
Rejoice. The team is on a pace to win 105 games without playing their best ball yet.
Despair. The team is only 14-16 in one-run games.
Rejoice. The Astros beat the A’s 8 straight times this year.
Despair. The Astros lost the last 3 of 4 games against the A’s.
Rejoice. The Astros are 2nd in the AL in runs scored.
Despair. They were first in all of baseball last season.
Rejoice. The Astros starters are first in all of baseball in ERA, WHIP and Innings Pitched.
Despair. They are only 2nd in wins
Rejoice. The Astros bullpen is second in all of baseball in ERA and second in WHIP.
Despair. What have they done lately?
Rejoice. With Charlie Morton‘s addition, the Astros have six players named to the All Star game.
Despair. Big deal – they did that last season.
Rejoice. The Astros know what it takes to win it all.
Despair. Why don’t they win every game if they are such a great team?
Rejoice. The Astros have a very good offense even with a number of pistons misfiring or injured (Carlos Correa, Brian McCann, George Springer, Marwin Gonzalez, etc)
Despair. When those guys do hit, if they ever do, Max Stassi, Alex Bergman, Yuli Gurriel and others will stop.
Rejoice. There is not another rotation in the majors close to Verlander, Cole, Morton, Lance McCullers and Dallas Keuchel.
Despair But we are likely to lose Morton and Keuchel after this season and McCullers has Ken Giles meltdown potential.
Rejoice. The Astros have improved by adding under the radar additions from the minors and elsewhere in Stassi, Tony Kemp and Hector Rondon.
Despair. Derek Fisher, A.J. Reed and Tyler White all appear to be AAAA guys.
Rejoice. The Astros have strong minor league teams with talent aplenty.
Despair. See Fisher, Reed and White above.
Rejoice. In Jim Crane, Jeff Luhnow and A.J. Hinch the Astros have three strong leaders who have built a behemoth and are not letting egos get in the way of sharing credit.
Despair. They lost 3 out of 4 to the A’s.
Have at it, dear bloggers. Are you in the Rejoice or Despair category and why. I’m in the Rejoice category. They may not win it this year, but they won it last year and have given themselves a great shot to do it again.
ALL THINGS ASTROS 
156 responses to “Why Houston Astro fans should rejoice (despair)”
I’m generally rejoicing when I look at the long term results. Yes we have a much smaller lead over our rivals this year but that’s primarily because they’ve gotten better rather than us getting worse. And head to head we still have a substantial advantage within the division and should stay that way. My biggest concern is with the offense which is underperforming badly IMO. Right now Bregman and Yuli are the only reliable contributors. Kemp has been this year’s Marwin with regard to offensive output but Springer has been woeful, Correa is performing way below potential, Reddick is streaky and non-clutch and even Jose has been unimpressive with his chasing and inability to put up a good AB with RISP. Marwin has yet to hit a homer right handed and is far below last year’s pace. Last year he cut down on chasing, this year he looks like 2016 Marwin. That’s a head problem.
I’m hoping Tucker will follow in Bregman’s footsteps converting a tough start to his career into a productive second half. It does concern me that he seems to pull off the ball a la Springer instead of trying to drive the ball up the middle of the field.
Getting Correa back should help the defense which has been underappreciated this year. Marwin at short makes me nervous. He seems to want to look good whereas Carlos just picks the ball, straightens up and fires a seed. Jose’s lollypop throws make me crazy. Put some pace on the ball, its actually easier to catch.
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If you go back and watch his at bats from Spring Training or last year’s Futures Game you’ll see a Kyle Tucker who was happy to drive the ball to left field. I think as he sees more pitches at the MLB level we’ll see that return.
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put me in that rejoicing column. many reasons for that. on pace to win 105. if we win today they are 30, count em 30 games over .500. thats pretty dang good for the all star break. we’ve got a few hitches in our get along, but who doesnt? i like this team to start extending their lead in the dog days of summer, especially if luhnow (who runs the team better than any of us) makes a deadline deal or two.
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I’m on the Rejoice side of the ledger for almost every one of your examples, Dan. Allow me to add one: think of where we were only 4 years ago. Rejoice or Despair?
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I don’t have an opinion.
Actually you’ve heard most of it already.
1. The team is going to hit more after the break.
2. Our rotation depth is better than any club. I think we have to anticipate some kind of injury from the starting five at some point, but even then, we’ve got depth that the other guys don’t have.
3. Luhnow will do something(s) significant to the bullpen.
4. Luhnow likes the August deadline too.
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My glass was half full last night.
My glass was half empty Thursday night.
Half full
Half empty
full
empty.
I’m going to Saturday Mass. I’ll check my glass when I get home.
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Mrs. Ryan is starting to look like Morticia Addams. I hope that was not a mean thing to say.
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I don’t take it that way.
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Tucker looks a lot more prepared at the plate than Fisher ever did.
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I can rejoice in the fact this tm has as good a chance,better than most, to repeat, whatever factors entail accomplishing this rare feat.
I rejoice at how phenominal the rotation has been, has taken a step back & is still phenominal. How the BP has not totally imploded nor has been used up before the half. If any despair here is in the fact the FO may have to expend valuable assets to acquire Britton at the deadline (hey, that’s what some are for isn’t it?)
I rejoice at how Kemp has become an X factor, a spark plug who gets on base.
I despair at our offense at times, mainly the woeful hitting. But doesn’t this tm have the 2nd best record in baseball? And the disrespect on this rock (league) is telling, they boast about the NY Bombers (they can hit HRs) and the Red Sox but this Astro tm, again, has the 2nd best record with half the tm struggling to hit. Woe is this league when the rest of our guys get going.
I do despair at too many baserunning gaffes, killing rallies & taking points off the board.
I’m anxious to see (can rejoice that JL will: go out & nab Britton, Ramos or Realmuto) and what it will cost (at least Britton if none other).
This season this tm will have to *GRIND* every game. It ain’t always pretty, lots of fingernail gnawing, fussin & cussin but they stay competitive & will find a way to get it done in the end. Being a native Chicagoan you know who I want to see in the WS, I can boast two championships in two cities and may the best man win).
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Only thing I don’t get, is why our starters get their pitch counts up so dang early in the games? I know the other teams want to wear our pitchers down, but you look down, and they have 85-90 pitches by the 5th inning! I think THAT is exactly why A.J. looks down there and thinks “who is down there that I can trust”? The break can’t come fast enough for those guys in the bullpen.
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For me, at least, it is not about ‘rejoicing’ or despairing’. That is an emotional side-show. The issue to me is simply ‘what will it take THIS YEAR, as opposed to last year, to win the division, walk out on top of the ALCS, and at least punch a ticket to the WS’? If some think that will just happen without any adjustments, that is their right. If others think some adjustments are appropriate, that should be their right as well. What is not all ‘right’ is opinion-shaming,
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Well Bill, when you suggested releasing Gattis, that was a bit over the top. Maybe my response was a bit over the top too. Definitely sarcastic. I hope I didn’t ruin your weekend. But I’m willing to take the heat when I say something controversial. I hope you can too. I’ve never been called snarky before. At my age, I almost feel honored. Thank you for that.
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You are welcome, Dave. I’ve never been called ‘Cynic’ before either.
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Bill, I’m the cynic. Please, read that opening line again. Peace..
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I am happy with where the team is at this point in the season. I think they are a more talented team that last year’s but I don’t think they are playing as good (or as lucky) as they played last year.
Think about this; last year the team went almost 2/3 of the season without McHugh or Verlander. Both McCullers and Keuchel spent significant time on the DL and Morton spent a bit of time there as well. For almost two months Peacock and Fiers were the only two arms to show up every fifth start. Fiers led the team in IP.
Yet the team broke 100 wins. That tells you just how good last year’s offense was. I don’t think that this year’s team would be close to a 100 win pace under the same circumstances. Likewise, I think with the same pitching we are getting this year, last years team would blown well past 100 wins.
Having said that, I like this team much better going into the second half than last year’s. I don’t think we will see the late summer swoon we had last year. Talent always rises to the top. I look for Altuve, Correa, Springer, Reddick and Marwin to outperform their first half numbers. I also expect Gurriell and Bregman to keep up their current pace and I expect a big second half from Gattis. I think Tucker will start to hit when he gets comfortable and I believe that Kemp as a 4th outfielder will pay dividends. If this talent fires on all cylinders this team will be unstoppable.
My concerns are about SP health. McCullers and Morton will be at IP way over what they have ever thrown and Keuchel has been a doctor’s best friend the past few seasons. All are coming off of a short offseason so let’s hope for the best going forward.
Also, I just don’t see McCann returning this year as a productive catcher. Yes he will be back and he will see some innings behind the dish, but I don’t think he will return to even league average. I hope I am wrong. We will probably be forced to go with Stassi as primary. McCann’s health may dictate that we carry a third catcher as well.
Just my two cents on what has been a very fun but often frustrating season.
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And went the whole season without Cole.
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I agree. I hadn’t thought of it in those terms but that’s exactly the way I see this year.
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I hope everyone does not think this is opinion shaming – this is just for fun. I enjoy everyone’s opinion plus the fact that everyone here is right or wrong at different times.
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If I’m getting too tough on anyone, let me know and I’ll back off, or out. This is the way I’d talk to my brother if he said something I strongly disagreed with. And I love him very much.
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I personally do not see any issues
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I think perhaps Mr. Bill’s time here has run its course. You all be blessed.
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Please don’t leave over this – let’s have a re-do
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I just stepped back into this sight after a season and a half leave while I moderated a blog for another site. I definitely do not think that anyone is over the top. Be blessed that you have fellow contributors that care enough to regularly voice their opinion, even when it is not popular with everyone. Leave and wade into the waters of some other sites and you will realize just how special this place is. You are doing a great job Dan and all of the followers do a great job of making this place work.
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PS – don’t bail out when I’m just wading back in!
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Com’on Bill, let’s kiss & make up and cont to do what we do here. I’ve never blogged anything in my life until I stumbled across this site. Dan, you da man, keep on keepin on, you’re an awesom moderator. Back to business. I hear Britton is shaping back into form, what’s it gonna cost us? And is JL serious about Ramos or will he make a play at that other guy, Real something? Neither are good at framing like Stassi but apparently they can hit
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I’m going nowhere
Ramos just went on the DL with a hammy – so he is probably out of the mix
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Did anyone hear the Springer interview? He said that Jose had told him that somebody named Zanuda on the Chipalatta blog site had suggested that he be moved down in the order. He was heard to say, “No way Jose. I’ll show that Zanuda guy something by hitting a Springer Dinger and going 3 for 4 tomorrow.”
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Making me laugh Zanuda
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There ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, Babe.
– iffen you don’t know by now.
And there ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, Babe.
It don’t matter anyhow.
When the ‘Stros win big in the ALCS;
I’ll be smilin’ and poundin’ my chest;
while postin’ comments at a happier address;
So don’t think twice, it’s alright.
There ain’t no use in turnin’ on your light, Babe.
The light I never knowed.
And there ain’t no use in turnin’ on your light, Babe.
I’m on the dark side of the road.
Well I wish our time together . . . hadn’t had to end this way;
All I ever wanted was to brighten someone’s day –
but way too much insultin’ . . . is goin’ on round here to stay;
So don’t think twice, it’s alright.
– Mr. Bill, signing off now. Thanks for the memories.
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Leaving us with a sad song. Going to miss you. I’m a newbie here compared to how long you have been contributing.
We will be just a click away. Thank you for all your great comments over the years. We will keep it going, for when you return.
1oldpro
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Bill, if I insulted you or anyone else here, I apologize.
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As a wise old philosopher once said, “Never take yourself, (or others for that matter) too seriously. As the saying goes, “if I could buy them for what they are worth and sell them for what they think they’re worth, I’d be a millionaire.”
Finally, Let’s have fun!
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OK, Zanuda, let’s do.
-The Angels beat the stupid Dodgers tonight on another Cole Calhoun HR.
-If the Dodgers don’t win their division, does their manager get fired?
-Colorado leads Seattle 4-0 in the seventh, as the Mariners can’t seem to breathe up there.
-Oakland and the Giants just keep pecking away at each other.
-The line drive caught by Bregman was the hardest hit ball of the night I am sure. Wonder what Statcast says.
-If the Astros beat the Tigers tomorrow, they will have gone 12-7 in the 19 games they had left that we guessed at. Will double-check my math.
-Gomes replacing Ramos in ASG.
-Texas loses 1-0 to the Orioles.
-Cards fire Mike Matheny!
-40,405 at MMP today. Attendance on this homestand has been amazing.
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Seattle loses and trail the Astros by 5 games.
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Yaaaa- hooo!
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Folks I really don’t get it – I don’t see what happens here as something that is out of line. I find it to be overall civil with some disagreements here and there. I don’t like losing folks who have been fine contributors. This saddens me.
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we all have our temporary tantrums. i would wager this is one.
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Ain’t nobody leaving this blog! I feel like crap, and when I feel Iike this I can be the meanest woman on earth! Ask my husband!! I have known most of you since the beginning of this blog, and I’ve grown to love each and every oe of you, even the cynic’s!!! The big picture is we ALL love this team! Aren’t we lucky to be talking about the needs this team needs sometimes we forget the Astros are the reining Champions, and we have a chance to do it again!! I’m grateful for every one of you, and this AWESOME team is grateful they have the BEST fans on earth! These guys want to win it again….for all of us so very much, and barring ingurys they will bust out of the gates when the break is over!
I hope the boys can win that #10 win for Verlander tomorrow, and we can watch the All Star game to see our guys play! I can’t wait to see Charlie get the ball next week! Becky❤
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100% agreed
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Mike Matheny got fired as Cardds manager and one of the contributing factors supposedly is that he used Norris as a snitch in the clubhouse and as a rules enforcer.
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Honestly if that’s true then he deserved to be fired.
I disliked Norris when he was here and I see he’s still the same charming jerkwad he was in the past, minus the pitching ability
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Bud Norris. All I got to say😠
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What happened?
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We won today. REJOICE. Next time we lose, D E S P A I R.
My Depressions last a lot longer than my Manics. So I started taking treatment for Bipolar which is purchasing land in both the Artic and Antartic.
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It’s tough to know when someone commenting on a message board is just trying to blow off steam and when they are opening the door to a debate. I think that was one of the problems certain people had in the past – they would not let little comments go and absolutely had to respond. Playing a bit of devil’s advocate, the team is winning and in position to play in October, but if the front office and players get complacent (like 2016) they’ll be watching the most important games from their couches just like us. The biggest key for me is player health. If we go into September with a strong roster and not licking our wounds I like our chances. The bullpen is suspect, but consider that Morton and McCullers are almost certainly destined to join the pen for some or all of October.
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Brady Rodgers makes his first start for Fresno on Sunday. Also, Corbin Martin starts for CC and Bukauskas starts for Tri-City.
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I really don’t think that this team HAS to make a trade for BP help to win it all (though I fully expect they will). If rejuvenated Sipp and newcomer Perez continue to throw down the stretch, the way they have been lately, it is equal to any trade they could make for a lefty specialist. Putting Morton as closer in the playoffs is equal to, or better than any trade they could make with the current crop of available closers. Adding McCullers to the pen in the playoffs amps it up another notch.
Possible playoff bullpen:
Long: Peacock/ McHugh
Middle: Devinski/ Harris
Lefty: Sipp/ Perez
Setup: McCullers/ Rondon
Closer: Morton
Low leverage inning eater: Smith
I’ll take that BP against any team in the AL or NL. I’ll also take Verlander, Cole and Keuchel over any other MLB playoff starting rotation. I place Keuchel as starter, and not BP due to his experience and recent history of coming out of the gate a little slow before settling in. We also have some wildcards on the farm that can take up slack in any should falter in the second half.
I never thought I would say this, but right now Sipp is lights out! I also really like what I have seen from Perez.
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Yeah, I really like Keuchel as a starter in a playoff game as well. He still does a good job of inducing weak contact and has shown a better ability over the last three to four years of going deep into games when he doesn’t have his A game than anyone not named Verlander.
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My simple 2 cents everyone love each other, the world and our Country is being over run by hate, because people disagree on issues, WT heck. Compassion, acceptance, empathy is now deemed as liberal WT heck. Life is short, hug a neighbor. Also Dan You have busted you ass this year, we all appreciate it. Take the all star break off!
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You know I have to be careful – if I take time off I have problems getting back in the swing of things.
I appreciate the kind words Kevin. I’ll keep bringing it as long as folks want it.
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You could always do a quick rehab stint in the minors to get your swing back
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Yeah believe me I have no problem identifying aches, pulls and strains that can put me on the shelf for a while
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I would have preferred to see White in the line up today rather than Marwin.
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Marwin has been a black hole offensively all season
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anyone else thinking Stassi has come back down to earth , like for him .235
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Not really. He had a bad June but has still been hitting the ball hard just at people. He’s hit .273 for the month coming in to today
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I did not think DK had a chance to be a starter in the playoffs the way he had been pitching but has amped it up lately. Other than a change of pace over the other power arms I would think Salty get the nod over DK. But I don’t know for certain
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Just mentioned the dumb baserunning gaffes and Marwin just made another, potentially killing a run if the pitcher had not gifted them with a wild pitch
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I heard that Alex Bregman has just asked Justin Verlander to pitch to him in the Home Run Derby (as he gives up his 4th Home run today).
Potential fatherhood has not helped JV perform today. Not having good placement on his pitches today.
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Poor JV. Astros just will,not hit for him.
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Heck, Sandy – a number of times this season – 2 runs would have won games for JV….. they sure are not picking him up so far today like they have often let him down this season.
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I had tickets to this game. Sure glad my granddaughter sweet talked me out of em.
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A going through the motions loss. I hope the break re-energizes them a bit. I know they could use a healthy and hot Correa on the other side of the break
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Colorado did a number on the Ms.
I hope we can do better in the thin air.
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Ahhh… the city where I’ve lived for my entire life vs where I wish I could have lived my entire life. Obviously I’m still going for Astros but I want it to be close.
First though let’s rest up and then sweep the Dodgers first, then let’s win a close series against my Rockies
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Colorado is a beautiful state. Denver is a beautiful city.
We almost moved there once to be close to our daughter in Colorado Springs.
Couldn’t pry my husband away from Texas and the mesquite wood he loves for smoking brisket.
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I’ve wanted to live there since I was 9. I’ve lived in Texas my entire life and it’s never felt like home. I hope one day to get there. Was working on a transfer until my second stroke. Hopefully in a year or two I can get there God willing
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We have been In Montrose CO for 4 years now the best move I ever made!
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Another strong appearance by Sipp. He now has ERA for the season below 2.00 and it is 0.66 with 19K/3BB in his last 15 appearances. Time to see what he can do in higher leverage situations.
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Well, nephew was sent down again. It was inevitable. His opportunities are limited with this club. In his latest small sample, he only hit .219, but the OBP was .375 and the OPS of .813 and OPS+ of 131 still have me convinced he can hit at the ML level. It might have to be with another organization though. If he’s still around next year, he’d be a bargain priced DH candidate.
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dave i think time is running short for him to win a spot on the big club. more competition may arrive relatively soon.https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Yordan-Alvarez-Futures-Game-top-Astros-prospect-13077226.php
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Not seeing anything… who is up to take his place? Please don’t say Marisnick
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billy, he’s a prospect named yordan alvarez. you can see the article at the chronicle website.
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Oh wow… It’s not on the mobile version although it has an article on him playing in the futures game
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So he’s replacing White? I’m confused
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no billy, i was commenting to dave that yordan would be some more competition for the same spot(s) that white is trying for. white was sent down a day or two ago. yordan hasnt been and wont be called up for awhile, but he is a talented player working his way up. look for him next year or maybe for a cup of coffee in september.
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Ahh ok
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No doubt rray, Alvarez might even impact Reddicks role next year. 1OP brought up that consideration I believe. I hope for now though, Tucker gets a good long look in left and Alvarez gets plenty of time to own AAA ball. If White has a future in Houston, it will be as a DH and back up infielder. If Gattis ends up hitting 30 homers and drives in 100 runs, he could be too expensive next year. But Whites chance for a real, fulll time shot probably remains with another club. I have to figure that a couple of guys will be traded pretty soon for bullpen help. Alvarez will be a target. Would hate to lose him, but if Tucker and Whitley are off limits, he’ll be at the top of lists.
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I agree…..White just can’t catch a break up with the big club.
Thought of you this afternoon when I saw the press report.
There are sooo many guys in our minor league’s, who are ready to play in the MLB it’s almost comical. Corpus has pitchers who should be promoted, but no where to put them. I guess it’s a good problem to have
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Every single one of our starters has laid an egg so far, so I’m giving Verlander a pass today! Even HE is dumb founded about today’s game!
Rest up boys you have work to do starting this Friday!!
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D E S P A I R — And it ‘s gonna last several days.
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I can’t find where Tyler White was sent down. Anyone have a link or a reference?
I do see that when Cole came off bereavement that Marisnick went down
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McTaggert twitter early last evening, noted also that a corresponding move would be made prior to the start of the Angels series. What I don’t quite get is who comes up if Correa is still “resting”. Could Carlos be a bit of a mommas boy?
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Thanks – daveb – I thought they said Carlos needed to do some rehab before coming back. Maybe he could do a few games at AAA during the All-Star break.
And speaking of McTaggert – here is something he tweeted last night also….
Records of recent defending World Series champs at All-Star break:
2018 Astros: 64-35
2017 Cubs: 43-45
2016 Royals: 45-43
2015 Giants 46-43
2014 Red Sox: 43-52
2013 Giants: 43-51
2012 Cardinals: 46-40
2011 Giants: 52-40
2010 Yankees: 56-32
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Dan, I noted that but circumstances have me posting a bit more tentatively for the moment. I’d add a smiley face but I don’t know how to do that.
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dave – I am not sure what caused the thin skinned reaction to your posts – We certainly don’t swear on this blog and we certainly don’t always agree. Tim did this too and I just don’t understand what is the trigger point and what can be done to stop it. I look back and we have quite a few folks who have fallen by the wayside and I miss them. I’m glad vewill has returned and hope others will someday too.
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Dave, I think the nephew is hampered by the fact he can not play 7 positions, nor can he do Spiderman on the centerfield wall. So when he hits like Jake and Marwin, they stay in front of him. He needs playing time, and he is just going to sit when he is with the Astros.
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45, no doubt. Nephew is a DH of the future, if he gets a real shot and if he takes advantage of it. Marwin and Jake should not be so secure either. There will be other, far less expensive options clamoring for a roster spot in 2019.
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But 45, I also think he can be a more reliable hitter than both Marwin or Jake, because he’s very good at taking a walk.
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I hope that Tyler White gets a chance to play for someone. His minor league stats for 6 seasons – .306/.403/.913. Comparison only – J.D. Martinez for 8 seasons – .328/.389/.931.
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I was asking myself that same thing last night?
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i dont think he is a mommas boy dave. obliques are tricky and generally take a longer time to heal. they probably are being overly cautious with him because if you reaggavate an oblique before it is fully healed it takes a long long time to heal.
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The M’s have lost 8 of their past 11. The pythagorean (which I don’t take too seriously), has them at 48 and 49 on the season. They are twenty something games over .500 but have scored 2 less runs then their competition. That is a pretty big difference. I’m guessing they are a bit discouraged and need the All Star break as much as any club right now. Are they going to go all in, or has this recent correction from their big hot streak tempered their intent somewhat?
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It seems like every season there are one or two teams whose record is far better than their play and eventually fall back to earth. I just don’t see it for Seattle. They’ve had what you would call timely production so far. I hope they trade anything of value from their minor league system and set themselves back about three years…because they’re not going to win a wild card.
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I think they have played their best baseball.
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My prediction is the A’s will surpass the M’s sometime in August. We just need to stay ahead and continue to win at the current percentage. A winning streak after the ASB would surely help. It would be nice to have the best record in the AL but more important is to win the AL west.
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daveb –
Relative to whether the M’s being all in….
They are only 4 back of the first Wild card spot and 3 up on the second wild card. Based on the following article about their GM Jerry Dipoto….
https://www.mlb.com/cut4/trader-jerry-visualizing-the-many-trades-of-mariners-gm-jerry-dipoto/c-264526070
It sure looks like the guy Trading Jerry Dipoto, who made 62 trades between Sept 2015 and Jan 2018 (when the most by another team was 46 and the Astros made 19 trades) will be active heading into the trade deadline.
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Dan, this might be Jerry’s last chance. He’s decimated his farm system. Most everyone has got his organization ranked at the bottom. Does he have more money?
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dan i believe tim left because of all the negativity in here about the team. a large amount of the comments reflected a team more near the bottom of the division with deep troubles, rather than a team on pace t0 win 105 and having a decent chance to repeat. luhnow has an excellent track record and a world series champion to his credit. tim received several thin skinned comments back at him for his opinion. he was tired of all the gloom and doom and people getting their feelings hurt when he defended his position. just my 2 cents.
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There is not much I can do here to keep feelings from getting in the way. You are never going to get complete agreement on anything – some folks are going to be overly optimistic and some are going to be overly pessimistic and some are going to be in the middle but leaning towards optimistic and some leaning towards pessimistic.
It is like a lot of things – you have to accept that everyone else is not always going to understand how brilliant and correct you are – because they can go back to previous comments and show how someone did not want to trade prospects for a top pitcher like Verlander, or thought Morton was going to be a waste or that Beltran was going to really take DH to new heights with the Astros (that would be me).
I like diversity and passion in comments. But folks some times just have enough of people disagreeing with them over time.
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dan none of that is your fault. you give us a topic and info and we run with it. if someone posts an opinion they should be ready to defend it if need be. most comments dont warrant rabid discussion. but if someone says something way off base they should expect some questioning or pushback. i have to agree with dave that when you have a player that breaks the FRANCHISE record for rbi’s in a month, has 19 hr and 63 rbi at the allstar break and then someone posts he needs be be released, that person should expect some dissent.
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hmm two of my responses were supposed to be replys and ended up as new posts. sorry for the out of order.
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A long time ago when Richard Justice was on the Chronicle blog I made what I thought was an intelligent and thought provoking comment. His reply back was (IMO) rude, arrogant, demeaning, and dismissive. It was more like “I’m a famous sportswriter for the Chronicle, and you are just some ordinary person without all of the pedigree and knowledge that I have. Until you reach a certain level you should be seldom seen and never heard.” Afterwards I thought I don’t care who are what he is or has done, I will not let him bother me to the point of no longer posting, because it is a public forum and I don’t take to well to intimidation. He actually may be a good guy but that one instance made an indelible impression on me.
Thank goodness that we have Chipalatta (kudos to Dan, Chip and Brian) where we can post with out getting personal. Sometimes we get very emotional but I don’t think that it’s based on any of those characteristics that I mentioned above. So let’s all put on our “big boy or girl pants” and keep the ball rolling.
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It is time for you to just shut up Zanuda…..(I could not find my “just kidding” font) Hey – I am so happy to have good folks on here who love the Astros and have opinions and are willing to share a piece of themselves – put themselves out there in front of everyone else with no cover. Y’all are all special to me – even if you don’t know as much as me…..(Again – no “just kidding” font).
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🎵”My lips are sealed with Chapstick”. 🎵
When I grow up I want to be just like you (and all the other bloggers on this site). See how much fun we can have here.
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