10 reasons Astros will play better down the stretch

Sure Dan P is a lot like Nellie from South Pacific. No, I don’t mean I’m from Arkansas like that nurse from the musical, though I did live there for seven years. No, I am most like Nellie Forbush, because we are both cockeyed optimists.

So in alignment with that fact, here are 10 reasons the Astros will play better down the stretch of games between now and the end of the season…

  1. It’s not a high bar. The Astros were 7-13 in their last 20 games heading into the win on Sunday. They will win more than 35% of the balance of their games.
  2. Big deadline acquisition. The Astros will add a recent league MVP, who will give them a .330 BA and a .400 OBP. And his name is Jose Altuve. Who else will be adding that quality of a player?
  3. Upgrade at Catcher. Brian McCann was not hitting very well when he went on the DL, but it would be a good guess that he was hurt well before that point. Substitutions for him have been Tim Federowicz (.206 BA/.523 OPS), Martin Maldonado (before Sunday’s breakout – .143 BA/.515 OPS) and Max Stassi, who has been .178 BA/ .541 OPS since the All-Star break.
  4. The Real Return of Carlos Correa and George Springer. They returned from their injuries (though George may have been re-injured Sunday) but their bats have not. Correa has not hit a home run since June 17th and is only 3 for 28 since coming off the DL. George is 3 for 13 since his stint and is swinging a lot harder than his results indicate.
  5. The 200 flu is over. It sure looked like Justin Verlander may have been trying too hard to chalk up that 200th win and now he has it hopefully he can relax.
  6. Devo can bring his whip back. Chris Devenski is on a minor league rehab and hopefully will return to his early season dominant self.
  7. The rotation. Even with recent struggles, the Astros still have the best starting rotation ERA in the majors at 3.11.
  8. The bullpen. Despite a few bumps in the road, the Astros still have the best bullpen ERA in the majors at 3.07.
  9. The Stare. After a post All Star Home Run Derby and MVP slump, Alex Bregman has been looking more like his old self lately and has the best new home run gimmick – the stare – working for him.
  10. 2017. They know what they did last year. They know how they came back in Game 4 in Boston, how they came back after being down 3 games to 2 against the Yankees, how they won the most improbable Games 2 and 5 in World Series history and how they won game 7 on the road. There is nothing they can face this season that they did not face and overcome last season.

There are quite a few more reasons to believe in this team. Your turn to share a few.

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157 responses to “10 reasons Astros will play better down the stretch”

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    • Daveb – I’ve always felt like strength up the middle is a key to baseball and when your injuries are catcher,SS, 2B and CF the expectations should be you hang on until they are back and playing well again.

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  2. Dan, I hope you’re right. We all want to get back to the World Series and maybe yesterday was a big turning point. I would like to see our starters get a few extra days off as their ability to get to the 6th inning has been somewhat lacking as of lately. It’s a long season so they need to be at their best physically and mentally as we get into the home stretch. Its funny that when one hits, they all hit. When one can’t, none of them can.

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  3. Here is my theory, IF the hitters just get closer to their career averages, except Bregman & Altuve who are over their average.
    Springer 2018/career .249/.263, Correa .253/.282, Yuli .280/.287, Marwin .239/.263, Reddick .243/.262, Gattis .236/.250 and McCann .206/.263 and the big IF is if the pitching continues to hold up its end of the bargain.

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      • AC…still PO’d over that call. Although it looked like the runner got in before the tag there was no camera angle that showed definitively that he did so. No way that call should have been overturned. We got hosed on that one.

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  4. I am optimistic about this team, but making and winning the World Series is a huge stew that includes, health, talent, attitude and luck.
    Straight out – it is not hard to look back at last season’s playoffs and pick out single plays that made the difference in each series. I will never forget Gary Sanchez failing to corral a throw at the plate and a dead to rights Jose Altuve winning a game that could have stayed tied and/or lost. And the insanity of Games 2 and 5 could easily have hinged on a single batted ball up and down the innings.
    But I do believe this team will improve and will be in the playoffs. After that – it is anybody’s ball game.

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    • That was the kind of call, that if they had called him safe, you could not overturn to call him out because there was not enough to overturn. That is why I thought it was a bad call.

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    • …and if anyone hasn’t been paying attention that health component is the most important right now. You alone are responsible for your attitude and smart teams can create some luck for themselves. We know they have the talent. We should get Altuve back soon, Correa is working his way back into it, and in theory McCann and LMJ come back sometime next month. As long as we can keep Springer from running into a wall we should be in good shape.

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  5. I think McHugh will start Tuesday. He’s pitched well in Seattle, only pitched 1.1 inning on the 17th, and I believe he had the equivalent of a bullpen session while warming up during Saturday night’s game.
    McCann’s addition could be a big contribution down the stretch. An added lefty in the lineup, a calming veteran in the clubhouse and behind the plate and a verbal pipeline on which AAA pitchers might have the stuff to contribute in September.
    If Marwin and Reddick could wake up it would be huge.
    Corbin Martin lost an abbreviated game yesterday in which he gave up a double, was removed with the score 0-0, and his replacement gave up a HR. The game was called after 4.5 innings and Martin got the loss for Corpus.
    It’s weird that a pitcher in the Mariner’s organization would hit Jose Altuve with a fastball in the elbow the night before Altuve might return to the majors to play the Mariners.
    I would not be surprised to see Deetz and Guduan added to the Astros bullpen come September.
    Whose pitching staff has the lowest ERA in major league baseball since the All-Star break? The Oakland A’s. We hear a lot about their hitting, but not much about their pitching.

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  6. There were a number of encouraging things about yesterday’s game that does give me some hope. Getting homers from Maldonado, Marwin and Gurriel was huge but Bregman’s single against the shift to drive in the first run with two outs was a big play overshadowed by Yuli’s homer. Alex seems to be getting less pull happy which should be a good thing.

    I’m wondering what will happen with the catching if McCann’s rehab continues to progress well. If I’m not mistaken Stassi does not have options so we couldn’t just send him down to Fresno for a week or so which means if we keep Maldonado then they will have to DFA Stassi and someone would surely pick him up. Or does Stassi develop the dreaded pinky finger hangnail and gets put on the DL? Or do we leave McCann at Fresno until after September 1? Are we interested in trying to sign Maldonado long term? Do we put Stubbs on the 40 man and bring him up for a cup of coffee in September? The realist in me thinks Stassi is expendable long term but he has been there all year and it would be a shame to lose him with just a few days until roster expansion.

    I think Tuesday’s starter will depend in large part on what Cole does tonight. If he goes seven and the bullpen isn’t taxed then McHugh is a nice option with Peacock and the rest of the bullpen backing him up. If we have to use a bunch of guys tonight then bringing up Rogers who is already on the 40 man seems like the best bet. I can’t see them putting James on the 40 man just for the purpose of a spot start.

    Getting our up the middle defense reestablished should also stabilize things. even though Correa isn’t hitting his defense has been up to his high standards. The pitchers have to feel better with an infield of Bregman, Correa, Altuve and Gurriel and an outfield of Springer and Reddick and whoever in left and a catching duo of McCann and Maldonado. I’m not going to glibly assume the offense is going to magically auto-correct. I think what we’re seeing this season is the value of the presence of Beltran and Cora in the dugout. Boston’s offense sure looks good under Cora and its not just the addition of JD Martinez that’s brought that about.

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    • They might wait until September 1, when roster’s expand, to bring McCann back. That way they don’t have to worry about what to do with Stassi. If I were the Astros I would let McCann get lots of at bats at DH to develop some rhythm and catch designated pitchers when they come around.

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    • Earlier in the summer I suggested that Stubbs be called up in September to get some exposure to McCann’s tremendous experience.
      Now, Stubbs is getting all of that in Fresno, as McCann rehabs there.
      As long as Stassi and Maldanado are healthy and Gattis is there for an emergency, the expanded rosters on Sept 1st seems like the perfect time to let McCann rejoin the team for the playoff push. And he is a perfect scout for the Fresno roster.

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  8. I love Maldadano back there you see him fired up on pitches , getting in the Umps face on some calls, and stepping out behind home and being the QB taking charge. That’s what I’m talking about getting back that edge, that enough is enough , time to get tough, LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OF course I was a better in football than baseball.

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  9. Sandy, do you remember how many times you and I agonized over Cora going to the BoSox? It seems to me we were told it wouldn’t matter that much. 🙂

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    • The part I was worried about was if Cora was the guy who was stealing the signs, because they sure seemed to know what was coming pretty often. The Red Sox are basically this year’s version of the Astros – lead the majors in runs scored, BA, SLG and OPS (second in OBP).

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    • I heard nothing but good about Cora while he was with the Astros. The fact that he was the primary target by the Red Sox speaks to how highly he was thought of in baseball circles. He is surely missed by the Astros.

      He has done very well in Boston, but let’s be honest; he took over a very good, young team that paced the Astros last year in the playoffs. The difference in this year’s team is the addition of JD Martinez. Statistics- wise, he is having as good, if not better offensive season than even Trout with a slash of .331/.402/.662 to go along with 38 HR and 33 doubles. He already has 106 RBI with a quarter of the season remaining. Anyone hitting anywhere near him in the lineup is immediately better due to the protection he gives.

      Tip your hat to Red Sox mgmt. They were willing to pay what it took to get a true difference maker. They did not settle for a solid role player at a lower price. They went for it. Add that to the young core that was already in place, add Cora’s leadership and you have what is hands- down the best team in baseball at this point.

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  10. Dan, to your post:

    I believe the Astros will explode down the stretch and into the playoffs. They have a lot of very talented players under- performing. True talent is only held in check for so long before it emerges. I like the fact that everyone in the lineup (Bregman excluded) is due upward regression.

    I think the Astros were brilliant at the trade deadline. The added quality arms to the bullpen in Pressly and Osuna. Pressly gave them a multi- inning reliever with closer stuff. Osuna has been a save machine and is controllable (the other side of the Osuna trade has been beat to death so I’ll just stick to the baseball side of things). They added the best defensive catcher, with the best arm in baseball in Maldonado.

    The Astros have the best bullpen in baseball. When Devo is back you have so many multi- inning capable relievers that the challenge will be getting them all enough work.

    I think the Astros will carry three catchers when McCann is back (I predict early September). Maldonado is so superior to McCann/ Stassi defensively and in controlling the bases that he will carry the bulk of the load down the stretch. His arm is more important on the Astros, where we have numerous pitchers slow to the plate. Keeping McCann’s legs fresh will improve his offense a lot. I expect him to form a L/R platoon with Gattis at DH when he’s not catching. With fresh legs he gives you a potent bat off the bench when he doesn’t start at DH/C. The way the bullpen is constructed (supplemented by a couple of SP in the playoffs) will allow the team to carry one less RP, opening a spot for the third C.

    I think the Astros sign Maldonado to a 3-4 year deal in the offseason.

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  11. Good stuff vewill, we are still a little weak in the outfield but it could be worse. As for Osuna, speaking strictly baseball. If he is the closer then I would like to see him in that roll. Like now.

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  12. Pawn Felix (once known as King Felix) is filling in for Paxton tonight. Double good stuff! We don’t have to face an Astro killer and we get to face a pitcher who has made the base paths look like a merry- go- round for his opponents lately. Here’s to hoping tonight is not the night we make him look like the Cy Young pitcher of his yesteryears.

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  15. Springer not in tonight’s lineup……he has a sore quad, AND a pretty sore thumb.
    Hinch said Springer may just have to “tough it out” the rest of the season.
    I saw a video of Altuve talking about coming back from the DL, but missing was his normal upbeat personality. He was out when Luhnow traded for Osuna, and I can’t help but think Altuve was NOT pleased. Man….it will be soo great to have all our guys back!! It will be interesting to see how King Felix does tonight.
    I’m in the sign Maldonaldo, camp as well. McCann wants to retire a Brave, and I can see Atlanta giving him a one day contract, so if he gets a chance to go to the HOF as a Brave. So having Stassi and Maldonaldo would solve our catching problem, until Stubbs is ready to join the big club. I’d love to see Cole have an economical game tonight….not 97 pitch 5 innings!
    The air in Seattle SUCKS because of smoke, I hope it doesn’t effect our guys the next 3 days.

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  25. I love stats, but at the end of the season, the team that puts the bat on the ball will come out ahead of the team that hits a bunch of pop ups and ground balls. Right Now – A’s and Mariners are making better contact.

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  29. If you didn’t know better you’d think this team was vying for the #1 draft choice. They have more pop ups than a kids Pop Tart convention on a Saturday morning.

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  30. Last year the team won 101 games. Right now sitting at 75. So with 37 games to go, they need to go 26-11 to have the same record. In order to do this, the entire team needs to make a change faster than Bradley/Chelsea Manning.

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    • I’m not watching either Kevin.
      I’d rather keep last years memories alive. Most days, watching this bunch, it’s almost like last year never happened.

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      • Other teams are doing just fine in August. Example: Boston, they haven’t lost a step.
        They turned it around when they acquired Verlander last August. Maybe a bat would help now. Somehow I doubt it though.
        This year’s team has been struggling most of this year for what ever reason. WS hangover, injures, loss of leadership, or just plain unlucky.
        It’s Luhnow’s and Hinch’s team so they have to take responsibility, find out what’s wrong, and fix it.

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  32. You all realize the Astros lost 17 games last August, right? They managed to win 11 games. In 2018 we’re 7-9 so far for the month with ten more games to play. Obviously it’s a problem that two teams are within spitting distance whereas last season they were making their golf reservations at this time. However, we shouldn’t be surprised. The Astros have not shown up in August under the leadership of Hinch and Luhnow. Yeah, I know, it’s not fair for me to blame those guys…but it’s a trend. Everyone is familiar with the dog days of August. The players are run down and limping towards the finish. Hopefully the influx of reinforcements in September will help them get fresh again.

    It is what it is.

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  33. I find the whole thing fascinating. This is a real pennant race. Last year was a walk in the park. Three teams in the strongest division in MLB all have a shot at first place. We played the A’s even on the weekend, got beat up once, beat them up once, and the Friday night game, if played in a tidy fashion might not have come down to a New York replay. There is a lot of baseball talent on all three clubs.

    Beyond the fact that our offense has been woefully inadequate, there are too many mental errors going on. Even the most cerebral guy on the team was late covering first last night, then walked a guy, only to have to face Cano. Bad recipe. For whatever reasons, our guys are tight, not having fun playing a game and not playing smart baseball. Real or imagined, Osuna still remains the elephant in the room. We have no way of knowing the dynamics at play. I miss David Justice. He’d at least write about things the club prefers to keep in house.

    Some of you might remember that I wrote a few weeks ago that other issues in life get in the way of me being too emotionally fixated on our club these days. I know I’m more accepting of our failures. I still think we’ll finally wake up and make give it a real battle. But if we wither, I won’t lose any sleep over baseball.

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    • Good points daveb – though I think you meant Richard Justice lol
      The team may just be a bit tired on top of health problems. They played a ton last season and had a shorter off-season especially when you consider the celebration factor. Their fielding has been a bit sloppy (with still people filling in where they would not normally play). Some of the thinking has been sloppy and they just seem to be pressing.
      But that can get turned around in a hurry – I just wish they would start today.
      I hope your personal situation resolves itself – baseball certainly is supposed to be a distraction from – not pile upon life’s challenges.

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    • we’ve been keeping an eye on the stros for you dave, take care and i hope your other concerns work out for you.

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  34. Although I disagreed with Justice most of the time during the change of leagues I miss having a writer for the chronicle that actually has a point of view.
    I don’t even bother reading the sports section anymore. Half the time the articles don’t even make sense.

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  35. Framber Valdez was supposed to start for Fresno tonight but will be in a Houston Astros uniform for his potential ML debut. Cionel Perez was sent down to make room on the 25-man roster.
    Valdez was added to the 40-man roster. The Astros would have had to add him at the end of the year to protect him anyway.
    This is very cool!

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    • In my mind I was wondering if they were going to add someone to backup Peacock – someone to eat some innings. But a heck of a game to debut in – if it happens tonight.

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  36. Framer Valdez ( a lefty ) has been called up and Cionel Perez has been optioned back to Fresno. Valdez was due to start tonight in Fresno. Valdez was not on the 40 man, and he would be a rule 5 guy over the winter….now he’s protected. Currently the Astros have 39 on the 40 man roster. I won’t be able to see him tonight, so you folks will have to be my eyes. Thanks, Becky⚾

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  37. Brad Peacock is a RH reliever who is going to start tonight and the Astros would like him to give them at least 3-4 good innings.
    Valdez is a LH starter who has been used a lot in the tandem, so he is used to coming into the middle of a game. I think the Astros would hope to turn the Mariners around and get 3-4 good innings from Valdez and use regular bullpen guys to come in and get these two out of jams and finish the game.

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    • I’ve always liked him and followed him. He won’t blow you away with mid 90’s stuff but he has a lot of movement on his pitches, gets a lot of grounders and strikeouts. With The Astros regular infield perhaps returning tonight, I would hope to see them stay busy throwing guys out.
      McCann and Devenski have gotten a look at Valdez, I’m sure.
      In spring training 2017 he was pretty impressive when I saw him pitch.
      He turns 25 in November and is our #9 prospect.

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  40. woooohooooo we finally have our entire infield together for the first time in how long? and actually mccann still on the DL. but it feels good to see those four guys out there in their normal spots. i see osuna was named the closer from here on out. they said they would work him in gradually and they did that. i hope he is at top form right away. anxious to see valdez pitch – a glimpse at the future. its a good night to start a win streak.

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  45. Framber with a tough inning but hung in there. Gave up a single on a meh groundball, gave up a single on a Texas League bloop, hit a batter on a breaking ball that didn’t break but then a run scored on a passed ball strike out

    And how many blanking DPs do I have to watch here – as apparently the NY guys need to see more evidence to over turn in our favor than overturn against us

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  46. Max looks like he’s pressing at the plate. Think he realizes that his shot is over. Reminds me of when Cecil Cooper publicly called out JR Towles, who never recovered. I feel bad for him , but man this is a hell of a slump

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    • Max ran into some FBs early in the season and racked up some numbers, but you have to remember he never hit much in the minors. He’s a solid backstop. Does everything good but nothing great. A lot like Corporan or Quintera. A solid backup that can eat some games if your starter goes down.

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  47. Valdez look pretty good. Better FB than I thought he had. Breaking balls are very good.

    How does a team as athletic as the Astros hit into this many double plays?

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  50. If this kid ends up not winning this game, it will be a dang shame. The only run on his line tonight is unearned. I assume he looked good….right?

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