Watching some of these games, like the 17-1 loss the other day and the 17-4 win on the weekend, allows plenty of time for one’s mind to wander. And in wandering, here are some thoughts that popped up in my mind.
- The Astros’ non-normal reaction to wins and losses – Face it, after watching what had been 7 innings of no-hit effort by Framber Valdez and then being one out/one strike away from winning 1-0 on Friday night against the Tigers, the Astros went back to the hotel with a 4-1 heart breaker on their minds. This should have been good for a nice 10-game slump. Instead, the Astros blasted the Tigers in the next two games to take the series and catch the Rangers in the standings, while watching the M’s slip into first place in the AL West. The Astros’ longest loss streak this season was a five gamer back in mid-June. That’s the good news. The other side of the coin is that since putting up an eight-game winning spring back in May, the team has not won more than 4 games in a row, and most of their winning “streaks” have been twosies and threesies. Can they go on a roll that would help solidify a playoff appearance?
- Who is the real Framber Valdez? I’ve been a fan of baseball since the mid-1960s. In all that time I can’t recall a set of Jekyll-Hyde performances as we have seen with Framber Valdez in the last few weeks. On August 1st, Framber threw a dominant complete game no hitter. On August 25, he threw a bit less dominant outing with 7 no-hit innings where his lack of control lengthened his pitch count and shortened his time on the mound. If you look at his six other starts since July 15, he gave up 30 earned runs in 34.2 innings. That is a perfect 0.00 ERA for 16 of the innings and an imperfect 7.79 ERA. Who is going to show up for his turns on the mound heading forward? We know who we want.
- Power shortage – Jeremy Pena has been on a hot streak the last week or so (.433 BA in the last 8 games), except in one way. His last homer was July 5, 43 games ago. Yordan Alvarez, who rarely goes a long time between homers has not hit one since August 6, 16 games ago. Since Yordan hit his last homer, Kyle Tucker has socked 6 homers. Since Pena’s last homer, K-Tuck has hit 12 homers.
- Not really Sophie’s choice – Reading comments on several blogs, there are quite a few folks wishing that the Astros miss the playoffs or fail in a wild card series. They believe this will cause Dusty Baker to be let go and a new golden age under a new manager will begin. I did not see a pledge that they will not complain about the lineups of the new manager. We know the answer to that. Many of us are willing to support the team no matter what and feel that if a team gets into the playoffs, even as a Wild Card, they have a puncher’s chance of going far.
- Those Non-pitcher Pitchers – Which non-pitcher last pitched for the Astros before Martin Maldonado? I missed this, but it was Bligh Madris in a 10-1 blow-out by the Mariners on July 7. Maldonado’s only other pitching appearance in his career was one scoreless inning against the Cards, while as a member of the Brewers on April 30, 2014. I’m not sure if it was Geoff Blum or Todd Kalas, but one of those two mentioned that Maldy was pitching on about 3400 days rest.
- King Tuck – Kyle Tucker is at or near the top of so many offensive categories this season. For AL qualifiers, Tucker is:
- 1st with 97 RBIs
- 3rd with a .522 SLG and .895 OPS
- 4th with a .373 OBP
- 5th with a .292 BA
- Tied for 6th with 26 HRs
- Tied for 7th with 25 SBs
- 11th with 77 runs scored
It is amazing that he only has 77 runs scored frankly, with his speed and the number of times he gets on base. He hit 26 HRs, so his buddies on the team have only driven him in 51 times. That is after he hit 30 doubles and after moving up with his 25 SBs. Good gosh, taking away the doubles and homers, he has 81 singles, 63 walks, 2 HBP, and who knows how many times he’s reached base on an error or on a fielder’s choice. It is a puzzlement how few times his teammates have brought him home.
Anyways – these are Dan P’s thoughts this week. What are yours?
ALL THINGS ASTROS 
49 responses to “Astros Thoughts for the Week”
Congrats to Altuve hitting his first ever cycle. Not only did he Jack a HR, but he knocked it out the park. Alvarez has heated up this gm, on base 6xs.
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I don’t like 17 run wins or losses. When you pound a team with 17, it’s usually because the other guys are using pitchers that are not very good at what they do. And the tendency for the Astros is to come out next game and fall flat once they start seeing pitches from a capable starter.
I can see the Astros going 8-2 or 7-3 a couple of times, which would likely be what they need to easily secure a post season berth, but 10 in a row, or a streak like the one the M’s are putting up, I doubt, because at least right now, we just don’t have enough really solid starters to own games over 6 or 7 innings. And based on what we saw last night, Javier is a mystery. He’s a tough job for the manager right now.
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As Arlo Guthtie might express how I am feeling this morning:
I don’t want a pickle.
I just wanna re-watch Altuve’s ‘sickle’.
And I don’t want a tickle;
I’d rather Valdez be Dr. Jekyl;
Please … less Mister Hyde!
And are we ever gonna see dear Uncle Mike… el?
It was late last night at old Fenway;
they were pourin’ Gatorade on lil Jose’;
and in the post-game visit with Dusty our Bae,
there was only thing sweet Bae could say [he’d say:]
“I don’t want a pickle.
I just wanna watch Altuve’s ‘sickle’.”
And I don’t want a tickle;
I’d rather Vazquez be on his nickle;
I’d like to see him throw more pretty …
So we don’t have to burn Jose’ Urquidy.
This morning as I basked in the afterglow,
I looked everywhere for 1 Old Pro;
or Chip, or Dan, or Sarge, you know;
but they were all sippin’ their Expresso, sayin:
“We don’t want a pickle.
we just wanna re-watch Altuve’s ‘sickle’.
We’ve got no cause to fuss or heckle;
we’ll leave that to Bill or Uncle Knuckle!”
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Bill, one of your best!
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At 1.107, Framber has the lowest WHIP of his career. But his ERA was 2.16 on June 2, as he pursued a CY Young award. Outside of the Guardian and Tiger games, he’s been pretty terrible. Chandler Rome wrote about him in the Athletic on August 20. I just read it. From Rome, “Framber continues to seek counsel from one of the teams sports psychologists, but he can sometimes veer into a headspace many thought he’d left behind”.
Speaking of the recent M’s start, Dusty said “we didn’t give him a lot of support early, and it seems like we weren’t alert early in the game and I think it probably got to Framber some”.
From Maldy, “I think he’s losing his focus a little bit”.
Valdez also acknowledged that he had not been completely focused during some of his previous outings.
So Framer obviously has some focus issues. Seems it’s a team malady from day to day.
I sure hope his care givers can break through and find that zen space he was in last season.
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Pena is hitting .337 with a .430 OBP and an .865 OPS in August. I don’t care if he does not hit another homer this year. We have enough guys to do that, and it appears Yordan just might be ready to go off on one of his hit everything streaks. 19 from both Chas and Yainer? Astros are 9th in MLB homers. With typical stats from Jose and Yordan, we’d by close to the top in dingers.
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I’m not puzzled by Tuck’s lack of runs, he bats at the bottom of the “good” hitters in the order. Usually behind him is a step back. If the guy hitting behind him is a sub .240 guy with 11 HR so far, it is what it is (to be fair to Jose, he has hit better with runners in scoring position than the rest of his season).
I thought there was an interesting take on Valdez the other day on sportsmap. The basic thought is he is letting his velo get to high, and it’s taking time away for his pitches to have their usual break downward. They mention how Maldy talked about after the no hitter that during warmups he was hitting 97 and he told him to bring that down to 95. I thought it was because he wanted him to conserve, but apparently Maldy recognizes the loss in movement. I don’t know how much of it is sauce and how much is just excuse making but let’s hope he finds that formula for a game 2 of a short WC series where one bad start can end our season.
Yordan saw your post yesterday.
Dusty – I have no doubt there are intangibles that Maldy brings to the table that the kid does not. I just know numbers don’t lie. The Astros are clearly a better team when Yainer is behind the plate. My heartburn with Dusty is his unwillingness to look at simple, available empirical data and make a decision that is better for the team. The worse the data, the more I don’t understand it. And the data on this one is about as one sided as I’ve seen. But I ain’t gonna root to lose so that Dusty goes away. I’m hoping they win AND he goes out a winner. I can’t agree with his decisions, but I appreciate the professionalism and would love to see the Astros celebrate 54 years in professional baseball in a retirement celebration worthy of his contributions to the game.
Last night was a funny win. Cora threw the towel in with the score 5-4. You don’t see that often. I can understand the restlessness in the crowd after Bregman was hit. At that point it was clear Barraclough didn’t have it. With runners on 1st and 3rd, only one out, he let the guy pitch to Yordan. Instead of using the pen up last night he chose to let him pitch to Yordan and seal the loss right there. Even at 8-4, it’s still early, it’s not over, but Cora threw in the towel and threw Barraclough under the bus. I did find it funny that they flashed to Cora a few times in the dugout and he had that 1000 yard stare, like, he knew this sucked for him, it sucked for Barraclough, the crowd hated it, apparently Verdugo did too as he turned from RF and stared into the pen after Bregman was hit, but he just felt he had to let it happen.
I don’t know what it takes to get Javier to throw strikes early in counts or even just early in games. I don’t think he has gotten out of a first inning without 25 pitches plus for months. Blummer said the same thing I’ve been thinking for months – it’s not if you throw balls or strikes, it’s if your balls look like strikes. You can’t fool anyone staying routinely 6-8 inches off the plate. He threw some ball 4 pitches that no one on the planet would have offered at.
I repeat what I said a week ago, I am having a serious talk if I am in charge of Javier spending 2-3 weeks in the pen with a light load. Of course, that just puts additional strain on a bullpen where half of them are already at career highs in appearances before we even get to September, but something is not right with Javier. Maybe its 15 days on the 10-day IL to get another arm up here.
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Steven, and Javier got a couple of calls early before the strike zone tightened up later in the game.
But we do have a few of our own Earthlings that might well swing at some of those way, way off the plate offerings! Jose gets a few hits from that stuff. Jose Jr. will flail at times, but he does have a couple of walks in the past couple of games! And somehow, young Jeremy is laying off that sweeping BS for now, turning him back into a force at the best possible time!
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I have not had any discussions with Sophie regarding her preference that the Astros cave in and tank. I do not think they will tank. I do think they will be playing post season baseball, not necessarily because the Rangers or M’s will falter and our guys will take control of the AL West, but because we won’t give the Jays a chance to catch us.
And indeed, once in the post season, even if we have to play some wild card bonus ball before the real fun starts, the Astros can beat anyone, if focused! There’s that focus word again.
All that said, I really am ambivalent. If the Astros stumble down the stretch, I won’t be shattered. I believe that if we had a different manager, we’d be safely leading our division today, even with all the injuries we’ve dealt with. Our roster simply has not been used very well. Win or lose, it’s time to have parade for Dusty and get him home to the vineyard.
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Thoughts –
– Y’all are hitting a lot of great points today
– Classic Arlo there Mr. Bill – I loved watching that sickle
– Old School – that was a game dominated by Altuve and Alvarez – texted the following to my sons last night …. Altuve 4 hits / 4 runs/ 4 RBIs …..Alvarez (#44) 4 for 4/ 4 RBIs
– Daveb (aka uncleknuckle) – many good points – I think my favorite is what you pulled from Chandler Rome on Framber’s focus problems. He has been hurt by the pitch clock – before he could take a bit of time to settle himself back down. But the tools given him to calm himself down appear to take too long and don’t fit the new world. So Framber hurt by the time clock, Luis Garcia likely done in by the interpretation on his cradle and rock delivery. MLB is killing us….
– Steven – You said what I was texting with my brother last night – could not believe Cora just punted on that one – even at 8-4 it was not over (our bullpen has been known to urp leads). I’m trying to use the discarded Framber relaxation exercises every time I see the lineup or hear Dusty try to explain it.
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I’ve been away for a long time but still enjoy this group a lot. The anti-Dusty attitude here is certainly tamer than what goes on at The Athletic. One would hope that Dusty would swallow a little of his pride and start doing the right thing with the lineup because if we’re going to win the offense will need to step up and win a bunch of 7-5 games. At least Abreu is hitting 5,6,or 7 although why he would ever hit before Chas or Yanier whose OPS numbers are 200 points higher than his is another head scratcher.
Javier’s extension is another questionable off-season decision because he looks completely lost. His total lack of command is mystifying. A few weeks in the pen where he’s asked to just come in and throw max velo might help. We have five guys who can start and there is an off day every Thursday the rest of the way. Also, they can call up an extra pitcher when rosters expand so the long relief role could fall to Bielak or Blanco (is Blanco still on the roster since he’s been up and down the maximum number of times?).
Brantley’s imminent return will pose another problem, although I think it is a good problem to have. Will Dusty cut back Yanier’s ABs or will he finally knuckle under and let Yanier catch France, Brown and Urquidy and let Maldy work with Framber and JV?
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Hey Dr. Bill – good to hear from you – it has been a while.
– The rule is a player with options can be sent down to the minors 5 times in a season. I believe Blanco has been sent down 3 times this season. Of course in a few days he could be part of the expanded roster
– They might put Abreu ahead of Diaz against leftys – he hits them better – and I guess I should say that this recent day-on/day-off for Abreu has seemed to bring a bit more pop into his bat
– Javier’s extension seemed smart at the time, so I guess I can’t question it too much. The last two seasons, they had Javier spend part time in the bullpen early in the season. In 2021 he relieved in 4 of his first 13 appearances, last season 4 of his first 12. This season it has been all starts. Something changed with him about mid-June this year. Through June 15th he had a 2.90 ERA through 80.2 innings was walking 2.1 batters per 9 innings and giving up about 1 HR per 9 innings. Since then he has a 7.46 ERA in 50.2 innings and has been walking 5.6 batters per 9 innings and giving up about 2.1 HR per 9 innings.
– The plus side is that no matter how Dusty uses Brantley, we will have one more good bat to choose from and a better bench. But I’m like you – I don’t want to see Diaz on that bench.
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Hello Dr. Bill,
I’m really surprised that Abreu is hitting in front of Chas, if for base running reasons only. But yeah, Chas is the better hitter at this time and place.
I’m pretty sure I read yesterday that Blanco’s next trip up will be his one remaining. So if the Astros want to hold on to him and bring him up again (I’m guessing they will) he’ll need to stay on the active roster for the rest of the regular season. Otherwise, he’ll get grabbed.
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I don’t know if anyone has linked to this, but a national MLB columnist admiring Mr. Chas…
https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/chas-mccormick-s-2023-breakout-for-astros
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Javier and Maldy looked out of sync last night. On the other hand, “Mr. Sickle” looked like a first-ballot HOF guy!
From the Backstreets of Maracay, Venezuela, a Boy playing stickball grew up into the man who is the heart and soul of the Houston Astros!
Yeah
You are H-town’s fire
The one Astro fans desire
I believe you’ll make the Hall someday
Jose Altuve
‘Though your game is worlds apart
Can’t teach how big is your heart
Keep playing ‘till your hair is gray
Jose Altuve
Tell me who
Gives other teams a headache
Tell me who
Crushes every pitcher’s mistake
Tell me who
I always wanna see play
Jose Altuve
You are H-town’s fire
The one Astro fans desire
Never swing your bat too late
Jose Altuve
Tell me who
Gives other teams a headache
Tell me who
Crushes every pitcher’s mistake
Tell me who
I always wanna see play
Jose Altuve
I see that pitchers were falling apart
Not using tar from pine trees, yeah
No matter the opponent
I want you to show
You can take ‘em deep to Crawford Street
You are H-town’s fire
The one Astro fans desire
You are
You are, you are, you are
I always wanna see you play
Give other teams a headache
Crush every pitcher’s mistake (I always wanna see you play)
I always wanna see you play (oh, yeah)
Jose Altuve
Tell me who
Gives other teams a headache
Tell me who
Crushes every pitcher’s mistake
Tell me who
I always wanna see play (I always wanna see you play)
Jose Altuve
Tell me who
Gives other teams a headache
Crushes every pitcher’s mistake
Tell me who
I always wanna see play
Jose Altuve
I want Jose Altuve!
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The glue. He is the glue.
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Thanks AstroNut – enjoyed it!!
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Well you won’t hear Dusty say Maldy was out of sync with him last night. That call out only happens if a certain someone else is catching….
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Dan you know, back to Framber for a minute, his erratic season to date might have the Astros slowing their pursuit of him getting locked in with an extension. I’d sure wait it out with two more seasons of team control. He could be worth 5 million or 25 million in 2025.
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Good point – I would think it could sure affect his bottom line.
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If you’d said you’re one game back come Sept. going into this season, I’d have taken it. The division teams have all improved, biding their time with big drafts and budgets, using the A’s to pad stats. Then, the injuries have been many. And well, … haven’t been to Chip and Gang’s for awhile–the deficit management of Dusty Baker seems to stick in a craw here too. My question in early May or so, ‘is it too early to trade Jose Abreu’ is hopefully going to be the biggest egg on face to date. I’ve had a few, but I’m tellin’ ya, I’d take it!
Being an ol’ prospects guy, in a world where Astros had lots of cushion like last Sept., I’d call up Spencer Arrighetti and Shay Whitcomb to get their feet wet & see if one could make the playoff roster like Hunter Brown last yr. But alas, the ‘Stros took their time with them. in a tight race, we’ll probably get nothing more than a Hensely Bielak Julks Martinez Blanco type of option. No prospect love.
Yet, it’s exciting! Another year of meaningful games is a real blessing, I’ll tell ya. Hard to know as we all were longsuffering for yrs, or until you feel the excitement of the O’s fans who are finally watching a quality product. Astros have their hands full with SEA, Tampa and O’s, not to mention Atl. It’s all out war–thank goodness it’s just a game really. All things considered, we’re really lucky fans.
Kudos to the contributors here, hope you are all in relative good health & standing. Good to see you again. This was a fun read.
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GoStros! So great to hear from you again. I think you were aka Grayson at one time on the blog, also.
I really don’t know why baseball got so restrictive on September call-ups. Yes, the old ability to bring up everyone on the 40 man was extreme, but only expanding by two from 26 to 28 takes away from what was a nice tradition of giving young guys a step up for the next season or rewarding someone who had been a longer term prospect with their one shot at the big leagues. I would have gone with a 30 man limit myself.
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Yes, yes, that nuance to the rule where you have to stick to just those 2 guys unless there’s an injury really limits their chances. Then again, we haven’t played the taxi type guys much this year anyway. I’m sensing an end of the line for big Jon Singleton. He got his shot in that sweet spot after deadline, and came up just short on the hit tool. With Rule 5’s coming up (Barber Dirden Whitcomb etc), he’ll probably be a casualty of a full 40-man for 2024.
30 sounds reasonable, but the cheap owners won’t approve it. The injury bug hits so hard though, and the way they shuttle the pitchers now–why not?!
No Chas in lineup tonight. Many want to know why Baker doesn’t play a hot bat every night, and what I’ve surmised from the players, they say the manager gives them an option in a series if they’re playing 2 of those games. Often it’s been pre-determined by the player’s own choice, even when you see a stat that begs the question. Let’s hope we have the firepower, Dubon may have started to click along with a few others at the same time. Their pitcher Bello really put it on us last meeting.
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Here is the lineup
Altuve 2B
Bregman 3B
Alvarez DH
Tucker RF
Abreu 1B
BRANTLEY LF !!!!
Diaz C
Dubon CF
Pena SS
Julks sent down to make room for Brantley. Chas sat down to make room for Dubon?? OK like GoStros said – these off days were set in stone in Cro Magnon days – when Dusty was a young buck wandering around the world. I do like seeing Diaz here and it is nice to see a lineup that is finally showing a lot of depth to it, now that Altuve and Alvarez are settled in, Abreu and Pena are hitting better, etc.
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How many challenges has Dusty Baker left in his pocket this year?
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How come you guys did not tell me that 20 of the M’s last 26 games are against Reds-Dodgers-Rays-Astros-Rangers? And the M’s and Rangers finish in Seattle with a four game series. Let them beat each other up.
When Diaz starts talking a base on balls here and there, it makes me even more thrilled about his future. You know, Altuve did not come close to producing over his first three years what Yainer has in his rookie season. And so far, Diaz has been immune to any kid of slump.
Seems Bregman and Yordan have officially awakened. We seem to have a couple of other guys coming out of slumber too.
Brantley made good contact all night, but did he really stay out in left for the 9th with Chas and Jake on the bench? Wake up Director of Defensive Replacements guy!
JP France is a stable, focused rookie.
If we get the good Framber today, I’m going to start feeling pretty good again too.
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Thoughts
– I think the second biggest news out of last night’s game behind Brantley’s return was J.P. France’s solid outing. He didn’t show any residuals from his last outing and he did not melt down when Bregman made his error. And Dusty, I wonder if France and Diaz were in synch?
– The Rangers won, but the M’s took it on the chin from the A’s and the M’s easy street as daveb noted is coming to an end.
– Was there some kind of freaky Friday thing going on last night as Bregman hit the 403 ft moon shot over the Green Monster and Yordan hit the 18 degree – 334 ft screamer just inside the foul pole in right?
– Dubon has gotten back to stinging the ball and that is a good thing. His two run double opened the game up.
– I know Abreu struggled in the ninth and made us crazy with his control, but how the heck do these guys control the baseball in a steady rain like that. They already complain about not having much of a grip on these slick balls and then the ball is all wet on top of it.
– There will be some scoreboard watching during the finale with the Red Sox as the M’s are playing at the same time, the Rangers start towards the end of our game. That virtual three-way tie is intriguing, but sure would like to see our team get on a big roll. Right now the only real division races are ours and the AL East. The Wild Card is another thing…
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Should the Astros pick up any of these guys if they have the chance?
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/08/angels-place-lucas-giolito-matt-moore-reynaldo-lopez-hunter-renfroe-randal-grichuk-on-waivers.html
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I doubt it. Not even sure if I want one of them. Lopez might be worth helping a taxed bullpen, but he is another non strike thrower that will require a 40 man spot that we may not have.
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I think Dusty would be delighted to have the lefty Moore.
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But his stats against lefties are unremarkable.
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I assume a team like the Cubs or Brewers or Jays will be pick him up. I don’t see Moore getting to us. I see Lopez getting to us, but I don’t know that we do anything with that.
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And the lineup today behind Framber “Please don’t melt down” Valdez is
Altuve 2b
Bregman 3B
Alvarez LF
Tucker RF
McCormick CF
Brantley DH
Singelton 1B
Pena SS
Maldonado C
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With the Angels basically giving up ……
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/08/angels-place-lucas-giolito-matt-moore-reynaldo-lopez-hunter-renfroe-randal-grichuk-on-waivers.html
The other thought tied to this is that it helps the M’s and Rangers (both of which still play 3 games against the Angels) and not the Astros, who are done for the season. Of course, the Angels even with those players might not have been putting up much of a fight with them down the stretch.
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Valdez gives up a 4 spot in the 8th. Maybe he and Maldy weren’t on the same page? When you throw fastball after fastball what do you expect. Luckily we were up by 7.
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Bull Pen does the job and we get the sweep. I have to go to the store now to get more Rolaids.
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I don’t remember our last sweep. We need to think sweep every series.
The offense just can’t give Framber a 7 run lead early and expect it to hold up these days. It’s that lack of focus issue again.
I hate those lazy Pena errors.
It looks like Singleton is going to be with us, maybe for the duration. It’s going to be tough to keep Diaz busy. And if we end up in the post season, he’ll be relegated to bit player status, assuming Maldy, Abreu and Brantley remain healthy.
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Pena errors… every time I see the ball hit to him, I must hold my breath until the play ends.
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That’s what is so frustrating about Pena. One minute he’s the consummate Gold Glover and then he does something like a guy who commits an error every other time a ball is hit to him. Hopefully he’ll get better. His plate appearances have been much better since the All Star break so maybe his defense will improve also.
It’s time to look at Yanier spelling Abreu at 1st 2 days, catching 3-4 days and DH the other days. In other words he needs to be on the field 6 out of 7 days till season ends and same for playoffs. Late in the game they showed him with three other players hanging on the rails watching the game. You could tell by the look on his face that he wanted to be in the game but we know Mr Tooth pick probably won’t do what I and others have suggested. With Brantley back he is “odd man out”.
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Pena makes the tough plays. His problem is nonchalanting the easy ones. He’s got to quit screwing around out there and just get the play done, strong throw to first every time. If he makes that play, Framber likely gets through the 6th with 2 runs only and pitches the 7th. The guys on the field have to act as medical assistants and do all they can to make sure Framber does not freak. And maybe it’s time for Framber to take out those extensions. All that fake hair flopping around has got to be annoying after awhile.
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The Astros finally ran down the Rangers and passed them. Now, please, stay ahead of them.
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A nice team win with every starter getting a hit or scoring a run. Uncle Mike looked as good as one could have expected.
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Mike keeps on hittin’, hittin’, hittin’
Into the future
Mike keeps on hittin’, hittin’, hittin’
Into the future
Balls fly off his bat like an eagle
To the outfield seats
Fly like an eagle
With high exit velocity
They want to fly like an eagle
Past the fielder’s reach
Oh, coulda been batting champion
Fans go crazy
Can’t have enough of his smooth swing
School the children
Teach ‘em to raise their OBP
Rouse the people
Walkin’ on Crawford street
Oh, oh there’s a commotion
Balls fly off his bat like an eagle
To the outfield seats
Fly like an eagle
With high exit velocity
They want to fly like an eagle
Past the fielder’s reach
Take a basepath revolution
Mike keeps on hittin’, hittin’, hittin’
Into the future
Mike keeps on hittin’, hittin’, hittin’
Into the future
Mike keeps on hittin’, hittin’, hittin’
Into the future
Mike keeps on hittin’, hittin’, hittin’
Into the future
Balls fly off his bat like an eagle
To the outfield seats
Fly like an eagle
With high exit velocity
They want to fly like an eagle
Past the fielder’s reach
Take a basepath revolution
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
Flick those wrists, drive ‘em cuckoo!
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Nice job AstroNut – I can hear ol’ Steve Miller singing “hittin’, hittin’, hittin’” in my head….
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This song reminds me of a story from my days as a deputy sheriff working the jail in the mid 1980s.
I was working on the medical/psychiatry floor one day. There was a young man being housed in the rubber room, a cell with rubber on all walls and the floor. No toilet nor sink, just a 4 inch by 4 inch square drain in the floor. Now, this fella was high on something I tell you. He was singing “Fly Like An Eagle” while laying on the floor and singing into this drain on the floor. One of my coworkers decided to take him out of the cell and the fella promptly slammed the deputy’s head into a glass window, breaking it. The coworker was only stunned, thank Heavens. However, he began to berated the crook and the crook then kicked the deputy in his jewels. I had to tackle the fella and place him back in handcuffs, all the while being wary of his kicking ability. The coworker was aptly named “jewels” afterwards.
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Sargh,
I guess Jewels probably wished he had just let that guy continue to sing Fly Like an Eagle into his mic and left it at that.
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Old pro meant to post this here yesterday, but it ended up on an older post
1oldpro says:
August 30, 2023 at 2:19 pm
Three teams virtually tied for the division lead with about a month’s worth of games left.
From here on out, every game is a playoff game.
Which team will win the division and get a bye and a needed rest, and get home field advantage over the others and will get to play a weaker opponent for the 2nd round.
It’s playoff time, a month early!
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Yes, should be a whole lot of fun. It’s time to own the home park, starting with a Verlander win against the Yankees on Friday night. I expect a full, loud house, even with it being high school football night in Texas. I’ll take that Rodon match up.
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Gerrit Cole is not scheduled to pitch against the Astros this weekend.
If that holds up, it means the Yankees would have not thrown their Cy Young candidate against Houston this season.
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That’s fine with me, whatever the reason. Gerrit Cole has continued to pitch better baseball than most anyone since leaving the Astros.
If there is one thing I still lament over the past five years, other than quitting a great job for philosophical reasons, (sorry, I regress) it’s that Cole was not given the ball up 2-0 with nine outs needed to win the 2019 series.
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