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In defense of Evan Gattis (Brian ducks and covers)
I get fed up with Evan Gattis as much as the next guy (or gal). With runners on, he presses. He swings and misses at low-and-outside pitches Jose Altuve couldn’t handle. He is a defensive liability. His beard is more creepy than cool. (There, I said what we’ve all been thinking about that beard.) However…
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2016 Astros: More run differential improvement or not?
The Astros have improved the last two seasons as they have dug out of the depths of the 2013 season (51-111) up to the subterranean levels of 2014 (70-92) and finally to the sunshine of a 2015 playoff run (86-76). The box below shows how the Astros improved in both run scoring and run prevention…
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It’s early — yes, very early — but those predictions are beginning to stream in
Houston pitchers and catchers report in less than six weeks. The Astros’ first spring game is less than eight weeks away. If you’re dissatisfied with or you’re getting frantic or concerned about the roster and/or lineup, remember this: After January 14, 2015, the Astros. Acquired Evan Gattis from the Braves. Acquired Dan Straily and Luis…
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Saturday notes: Dollars, sense and the 2016 Astros’ roster
Let’s talk dollars, sense and the 2016 Houston Astros. When you take a look at the projected salaries and payrolls for the coming seasons, it is evident — very evident — that the Astros have prepared themselves accordingly. From the team-friendly contract with Jose Altuve and the much-complained-about keeping George Springer in the minors to…
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Regrets: Will Astros have to eat crow in 2016?
They say “in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take”. Jeff Luhnow has taken many chances and regrets will be part of the ticket over the next few years. The Astros have made many decisions over the past few weeks. Some to sign, some to not re-sign and others to trade away.…
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I just can’t talk about it, so here’s some trivia
Fifteen votes. And just 23 for Tim Raines, who belongs in the Hall as well. I don’t care that Trevor Hoffman needs to wait a whole year. (Second-best closer ever? Wait a year. Second-best lead-off hitter, wait 10. Sheesh!) One of the top four or five first basemen ever? Wait at least seven years. I…
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What’s next — if anything — for the Astros?
As one of Chip’s long time favorite commenters, Becky has informed us, the pitchers and catchers report for the Astros in about six weeks. (God bless you Becky with your cancer battle and our prayers continue to be with you). Last year at this time a number of important moves were made after the first…
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Astros’ top prospects: A quick makeover
There has been so much focus on the Astros’ rise from the depths of despair and the total makeover of the major league roster over the last few years that it has over-shadowed a rather remarkable makeover at the minor league level for the franchise. The change in the Top 10 prospects lists since the team…
ALL THINGS ASTROS 