The Astros’ week in review and the week ahead

The week of 9-3 through 9-9 in review

Heading into this past week with the Astros playing a Twins team that was recently performing well and then playing the best team in the majors in the Red Sox on their home turf, holding serve with a 2.5 game lead over the Oakland A’s would have seemed acceptable. But after winning the first 5 games of the week and holding a 3.5 game lead headed into Sunday, it was a bit disappointing to end the week exactly where they started.

The Astros played well in easily sweeping the Twins at home and won two tough battles against the Red Sox in reaching a seven-game overall winning streak. The Sunday night game was reminiscent of many a 2017 playoff game as the Astros roared back from a 5-1 deficit to tie the game in the sixth inning. A very questionable play review helped the Red Sox take a tie into the late innings where they won it with a bloop to left field in front of the non-diving Marwin Gonzalez.

The week of 9-10 through 9-16 in a preview

The Astros will play six games in the next week, three on the road against the Detroit Tigers and 3 at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Despite losing Sunday to the Cards, the Tigers are coming in on a good roll having won 5 of their last 7 games. On the season, Motown has been bad (59-84) and are currently 13th in the AL in runs scored and 9th in ERA.

The D’Backs have been struggling lately having lost 7 of their last 10 games. They are 76-67 and rely a lot more on their pitching (2nd in ERA in NL) than offense (9th in runs scored).

The Tigers have nothing to play for, but also nothing to lose. The D’Backs are trying to come from behind in the Wild Card race.

Player of the Week: Alex Bregman – the Stare Master

Let’s see….

  • In Monday’s 4-1 win over the Twins he hit a solo home run in the first for a lead they never relinquished
  • In Tuesday’s 5-2 win, he had three doubles, knocked in the first run of the game and the last run of the game and scored the second run.
  • In Wednesday’s 9-1 rout of the Twins, he scored one run, and knocked in five with a double and a homer. He led off the scoring with a 2 run homer in the third and rounded it up with a bases-clearing double in the 8th.
  • In Friday’s big 6-3 win over the Red Sox, he had a double and scored two runs, the first and last of the day.
  • In Saturday’s tight 5-3 win over the Red Sox, he hit a solo homer to give the Astros a 3-1 lead at the time.
  • Sunday he had a walk and his 49th double of the season but was not involved in any of the scoring.
  • If you are keeping track in 6 games that is 6 runs, 6 doubles, 3 HRs and 9 RBIs.

Stat focus: Alex Almost 

The Astros’ club record for HRs and RBIs by a third baseman are held by Morgan Ensberg at 36 HR and 101 RBIs in the 2005 World Series run. Alex Bregman probably will not reach either of these numbers though he could have blown past the RBI stat, since he sits at 97 RBIs right now. But since he played SS in place of Carlos Correa during his DL stint, he has only 27 HRs and 85 RBIs as a 3B this season.

Classic Rock Song That Should Have Been a Hit – “The Promise” by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

If you have time, please check out this wonderful piece of writing by Joe Posnanski that ties his relationship with his father, his search for his future and the history behind this wonderful song into a single tapestry.

But if you don’t get a chance to read this article, the meat of it is how “The Promise” never had a chance to become a hit song, because Springsteen never could let go of it. It was too personal and he never released it until many years later as one of many other unreleased songs. It would have fit beautifully into his poignant album “Darkness on the Edge of Town”, and could have been a hit, but it is just a lovely song about promises unfulfilled.

What did you think about the week that was or the week that will be?

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84 responses to “The Astros’ week in review and the week ahead”

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  1. The Astros have no choice but to keep winning baseball games. If Correa has a sore back, he needs to learn to hit with it. Springer is going to have to ignore his bad left hand. Hinch might have to break his rule and have someone from the pen pitch three days in a row. The starters should expect a quicker hook. Let’s face it, Stassi and Gattis are mostly forgotten pieces right now. As long as the A’s are right on our tail, every game has to be managed like it’s a must win. That’s pretty much the situation.

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  2. I hate to jinx it, but i think the last couple games CC and Tuve are getting closer to themselves. I would us less of Mchugh and more of James! Rondon , James, then Osuna for now.

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  3. As a side note, over at overthemonster.com, the Sox version of the Crawfish boxes, a couple of consistent sentiments by the customers there today.

    1. They thought Altuve was safe.
    2. They wondered why Marvin did not dive for the ball.
    3. They are still worried about their pen.
    4. They still don’t like their catching options.

    Pretty candid group!

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    • Watching the replay I think they got it right. Don’t misunderstand – I think Altuve is probably safe, but he was called out on the field and I don’t think there is clear evidence he got in there prior to the tag.

      The game winning hit was also bizarre. We’re asking why didn’t Marwin dive, but a better question is why didn’t he just run under it and catch the ball. He wasn’t running for it. Did he give any indication what he was trying to do…whether he lost the ball in the lights, etc.?

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      • Devin –
        I don’t know if you got the replay from the camera looking straight up the third base line from to the right behind the catcher. All other angles were inconclusive. That angle showed his hand on top of the plate and the glove coming in afterwards. It was close – it was tight but the call on the field and in the booth was incorrect.

        Did not see anything about Marwin talking about the play – but it sure did look like he not only got a slow jump, but did not hustle once he did see it – maybe never picked it up off the bat.

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      • Yes – there were three angles on the replays I saw. Looking up the third base line he looks safe. The other two views down the third base line toward home make it look like he was tagged. If he had been called safe on the field I am certain they shouldn’t have overturned it (but since it’s MLB in NYC they would have).

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  4. A blast from the past….
    World Series champion from 2017 Francisco Liriano faces up with Justin Verlander tonight. Hope JV is not too emotional going back to the old home grounds – hope he is just emotional enough.

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  5. Unless Hinch sees blood on the guys uniform….he plays.
    EVERY BODY is hurting, and tired….but if you want to play in late October you don’t complain! Justin Verlander says it’s going to feel odd standing on that mound pitching AGAINST his former team…..I just hope that doesn’t linger.
    The fact that Hinch has 4 starters in his bullpen, should be a relief! Spit that bad taste in your mouth from yesterday, and don’t look back! I’m not gonna ding Marwin about yesterday, the guy has an oblique strain but he’s playing through it. Woulda, coulda, shoulda doesn’t change the score yesterday, I was just happy our guys got back in the game! Let’s GO ‘STROS! I want to see some dirty unifors!

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  6. OK this is the third week of this week in review format. Do you…
    – Like it, hate it, don’t care
    – Wish Dan P would add…
    – Wish Dan P would drop…
    – I really like …… part of this best

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  8. A very lucky 3 run rally by the Astros to take a 3-1 lead with assist from an error, wild pitch, and three seeing eye hits….we will take it gladly.

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  16. By the way Dan……I speak for everyone on this blog, this is our home away from home! We can’t thank you enough for keeping this blog going! You should be proud of yourself, you keep us thinking everyday! Thank you!!

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  17. Consider this, the Mariners are 9 games back of the Astros and out of contention for even an AL wild card spot. If they were in the NL they would be tied for the third best record in the league. They would be tied for NL East lead and leading the NL West by 1/2 of a game.

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    • The NL is really competitive this year! It will be interesting to see who comes out the winner! Unfortunately our division is sucking up all the air!

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  18. With the A’s nipping at our heels we just need to keep winning . I don’t think that we’ll be able to stop and take a breath until the final game of the season. I would hope the A’s might falter but it’s unlikely. Hopefully the Rays will bring them down to earth and the M’s will pile on. Otherwise their schedule is pretty easy. Ours is fairly similar but we can’t let up. Stay Strong guys.

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    • Missed you OP.
      No, they didn’t play very well but it was noted they didn’t get into Detroit until after 4AM. The whole team looked tired and JV was definitely emotional.
      A win and a good nights sleep hopefully puts a rejuvenated bunch on the field this evening.

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  20. One super positive to comment on; Josh James and Framber Valdez. Unless my memory is fleeting (and it could be), I don’t recall the last time our September pitching call ups have made a significant impact. Bravo!

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  21. Just watched the Verlander tribute, and Verlander watching the Verlander tribute, and the standing ovations. Sportsmanlike conduct award to Detroit and good on the fans!

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  26. Man…..Framer is walking guys all over the place, just like the first time he started! Infield is gonna be busy tonight! Put Altuve and Kemp together, and our two smallest players BOTH hit homeruns!!!

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    • We have FINALLY got our “shiny new DH”!!! So….yes indeed he stays!
      Alex Cobb is out of the Oriole’s, game and the A’s, have a 2-0 lead.

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  30. We do indeed have a shiny new DH. Sure wish we could see what he could do hitting cleanup.
    He’s doing damage hitting 7th with no protection. Imagine him hitting fourth.

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    • Walks will kill you everytime. My thought is keeping him Fresno until end of May, first of June. He simply HAS to address his walks. But..he’s a lefty and those guys are keepers, just like the young Cuban.

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  34. Nephew has earned my respect and will make the Gattis decision easier next season. Altuve looks stronger at the plate. Booth said Carlos is 17-100 w/ 2 dbls and HR. What’s it going to take to get him going? Will Kemp play here next season if he keeps hitting or is he traded?

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  36. I would hope Kemp stays around. He’s cheap and doing a great job. He can play multiple positions and gets those “needed” hits when called upon. I don’t think Tucker is ready yet but that remains open. I want him playing everyday and right now we have Springer, Reddick, and Marisnik, with super sub Gonzales. Jake is the odd man out but there’s no better defensive player than him (IMO). It will be interesting.
    Good win tonight to keep the A’s still 3 back.

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  37. I think Kemp and White have showed the team they have become capable hitters. I think Tyler goes into 2019 as the guy to beat out for the DH position and the team tells him to lose ten lbs. I think Kemp’s OBP has him in line for at least a outfield spot on the team in 2019. I believe the third outfield spot could be something the team looks to shore up in the offseason. I may be wrong on that but I just have a feeling they would like another good RH hitting outfielder on this team and Marisnick does not fit that description in any sense of the word.
    I still think the Astros will go into next season with the 4 infielders they have as current starters. I would still prefer a Stassi/Stubbs combo at catcher with LH/RH matchups in the lineup ruling the day. The money saved needs to go to Patrick Corbin on a big long term deal. The more he pitches the better he looks and he could be a LH gem under Strom’s guidance. All his numbers point to him being an exceptional pitcher.

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  38. Welcome back 1OP. I hope we’ll be getting a “what I did on my summer vacation” report from you.
    After watching Maldonaldo behind the plate, I’m spoiled. Stassi no longer appeals to me. I’m all for Stubbs getting a shot at being the other half of the platoon. McCann is pretty much used up. The defensive decline is especially visible.
    I fully agree that our outfield needs more offense out of it. I love what Kemp has done to spark the team but I see him as a 4th outfielder, PH, PR guy. And he’s really not very good defensively. Your idea of putting Trout on the roster still appeals to me.

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  41. Dave, I don’t know how to transfer articles from another site here but nephew is on Climbing Tal’s Hill, discussing him earning the right to bat cleanup. If someone could transfer here pls

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  42. Wow CC in last 100 at bats has take a ton of great pitches down the heart of the plate and swung at a bunch of bad pitches. I get his back is still not 100% , but what the heck has happened to his ability to recognize a good pitch. Has he always been a guess hitter?

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    • You nailed it Kevin. Great pitches taken down the heart of the plate to get behind in the count where a knee- buckling breaking ball saws him off. CC should be given clear instructions “aggressively hunt the FB early in the count”. Swing or sit!

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    • Dan, I still believe that the A’s pitching will let them down in the stretch run. Their bullpen is getting worked very hard and they are just too reliant on them being close to perfect to win. Even the weak teams are wearing teams are wearing them out.

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  44. Correa is either hurt…..or he’s completely confused at the plate. If he’s hurt, either address it, or leave him off the playoff roster. Time is wasting. Even tho he gave up BIG homerun, he still looks like a bonified keeper.

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    • They are up 10-0. The Orioles are playing hard for the #1 pick and quite possibly make the pre- rebuild Astros look good. Bad thing is they still have 1 more against them. Let’s hope Tampa Bay puts on a better showing against the A’s.

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    • Yeah, it’s 10 now with 2 out. Oh well, at least we managed another win. Just keep on winning guys. They can’t overtake you if you win.

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  46. Reading and replying to Kevin’s earlier post on CC got me thinking.

    Bregman has continually stated that he is looking for a particular pitch in each at bat, be it a breaking ball or FB. He only jumps on the pitch he is looking for and when he jumps he is trying to drive it. If he doesn’t get the pitch he is looking for he is ok with walking or even striking out.

    My question is: “can we make him our hitting coach for the rest of the year?”

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  48. -Chris Devenski might have trouble making the playoff roster.
    -Leadoff walks hurt the Astros on this road trip. At 5-1, they did not make many mistakes other than that.
    -That breaking pitch from Pressley has some serious drop to it.
    -Josh James slows his fastball down to 98 to get more command of it.
    -Castellanos hit a bad pitch real well for his homer. James McCann got lucky on his.
    – Been watching baseball for over 60 years and I am not sure I have seen a youngster develop like Alex Bregman has. It is just like somebody fired up a power plant and lit up the entire valley.
    -What’s great about having Framber Valdez and Josh James is that the odds are doubled that one of them is going to figure it out, and the other one might be dependable in the bullpen.
    -Our team in Fresno has not let down the fans, but the people of Fresno have definitely let down the team. Playoff attendance has sucked.
    -The Astros will be playoff hardened by the time October gets here. Oakland has seen to that.
    -The people at ESPN are drooling over an Astros/ Cubs matchup.

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  49. How come nobody nailed me for my post about Correa! I can’t believe you folks didn’t jump on me for my post!! BUT….as much as I love that kid he’s driving me AND ya’ll crazy!! If his back really is hurting, do you just ignore it and keep him in the lineup, or what????

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  50. Well Becky, you asked for it so here it is. No way in hell that CC will be left off the playoff roster. But there is something going on. CC is hitting a wicked .239 with an OPS of .728. That’s pretty bad. As you pointed out he takes pitches down the middle and swings at those out of the zone. You notice that Springer is getting back in the groove as is Altuve but not CC. He’s seems to be off on his fielding too. Something fishy but what I don’t know. He sure isn’t playing like the MVP he was shooting for at the beginning of the season. I personally think it’s a head problem.

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