The Astros beat the Fightin' Ausmuses 5-4. Anaheim was 1x12 w/RISP, so it's nice to see them Astros that game up. Houston is 83-47 with a 7.5-game lead. There are 32 regular season games left. Nine of their remaining 32 games are against teams over .500.
*The Astros have won five of their last six games. They're 14-7 in August. Remember that six of those losses came in an eight-day stretch.
*Zack Greinke stayed perfect as an Astro, though he worked in and out of trouble. Greinke's line: 6.2IP, 10H/3R (2ER), 1K:0BB. It's the first time since May 25, 2017 that a pitcher has thrown at least 6IP, allowed 10+ hits, and had 0-1 strikeouts, and still got the Win. It's the 8th time in franchise history that's happened, and the first since Mike Hampton did it on July 28, 1999.
Hinch:
He can just really pitch. I know nowadays we're fixated on power and stuff and the strikeouts and wipeout this and spin that, and that's all fine and good. But when you see the artistic side of Zack Greinke and how he pitches, how he moves the ball around the strike zone, how he challenges one of the best hitters in baseball in Mike Trout and beats him, there's just an art that he has the It Factor.
Greinke is the 3rd Astros pitcher to win his first four regular season starts, joining Roger Clemens and Justin Verlander.
*The bullpen of Harris-Rondon-Osuna threw 2.1IP, with only a solo home run from Rondon allowed. Rondon has pitched in 50 games this season, and has had a clean outing in 16 of them. Harris struck out Shohei Ohtani to end the 7th with runners on. Hinch:
Zack did a great job and then handed the ball to Will in one of the biggest outs of the game. Rondon comes in, and luckily for us, we tacked on a run...I don't care how we get our 27 outs, and it might go in a different order.
"Luckily for us we tacked on a run" is Rondon's new Player's Weekend Nickname. Kole Calhoun is hitting .239/.330/.484 in 2019. He's hitting .361/.452/.611 against Houston in 2019.
*Yuli Gurriel hit a 2-run home run off The Coward Noe Ramirez (he's the one who plunked Marisnick that set the Astros on fire in July). It was his 26th home run of the season. Gurriel hit 31 home runs in 2017 and 2018 combined.
*Roberto Osuna hasn't allowed a run in six straight appearances. Gerrit Cole gave him some tips on his four-seam fastball that paid dividends.
*Abraham Toro was 2x4 for his first major-league hits - both singles.
*Chandler Rome has a new mailbag in which he addresses how much playing time Kyle Tucker gets in September, the Cy Young race, and Aaron Sanchez's tiddy.
*Richard Justice noticed how Altuve and Gurriel have been two of the hottest hitters in the 2nd half.
*Aledmys Diaz should begin a rehab stint in Round Rock this weekend ahead of his potential activation on Tuesday.
*Josh James threw his first rehab outing for Round Rock on Thursday night. Now, Round Rock verifiably got the crap kicked out of them by Memphis, 14-2. But Josh Big Flames James threw 0.1IP, 2H/3ER, 1K:1BB with two wild pitches. But his fastball sat 95-99mph.
*Bob Nightengale says Gerrit Cole will get $200m+ this offseason.
*The Dodgers, Astros, and Yankees (in that order) have three of the five best home records since 1995, which is why the Astros need to catch the Yankees for home-field advantage. FanGraphs' projections for best overall record:
Dodgers: 104-58
Astros: 103-59
Yankees: 102-60
FanGraphs says the Astros will go 20-12 over the course of the rest of the season, and the Yankees will go 18-14. The rest of the Yankees' regular season: @ Los Angeles Dodgers, @ Seattle, v Oakland, v Texas, @ Boston, @ Detroit, @ Toronto, v Anaheim, v Toronto, @ Tampa, @ Arlington.
*2020 Rotation Candidate Cristian Javier got promoted from Corpus to Round Rock. It's deserved.
Javier, 2019:
Fayetteville: 28.2IP, 15H/3ER, 40K:16BB, 0.94 ERA / 1.08 WHIP.
Corpus: 74IP, 31H/17ER, 114K:39BB, 2.19 ERA / 0.95 WHIP.
He'll be 23 next March.
*Oh, I found out why Reymin Guduan got suspended.
*In his first trip back to Houston as an Angel, Max Stassi recounted the weirdness of his July 31.
*Been a rough 36 hours for the Astros, PR-wise. The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli writes about how the Astros could have handled the Verlander v. Fenech issue differently.
*Our buddy Brady Rodgers got unconditionally released, and will be a free agent.
*The Phillies were up 7-0 on Miami. And lost 19-11.
*SI: Who is the most hopeless team in baseball?
*I have a history blog, where I can dork out doing deep dives on American history stuff that I find interesting. Earlier this week I wrote about Isabella Stewart Gardner and the most famous art heist in history, if that's your kind of thing. If you're looking for a new podcast, might I suggest "Last Seen," a collaboration between WBUR and the Boston Globe, about the robbery.
*CityLab: Why the Amazon is on fire.
*The Guardian: The Machine Always Wins: What Drives Our Addiction to Social Media.
*A Dead Cat, A Lawyer, and a Five-Figure Donation: How the media fell short on Jeffrey Epstein.
*A Musical Selection:
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label Max Stassi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Max Stassi. Show all posts
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Wrapping up a crazy 2019 Astros MLB Trade Deadline
What looked to be the dullest trade deadline in recent memory...
Turned out to be one of the most exciting in Astros history. I don't believe we've seen a crazier trade deadline for the Astros. You can read up on all the acquisitions and how the rosters look. There's even a post up on payroll outlook. Things are looking pretty good for 2019.
The Astros have quite possibly the most formidable rotations in the league. Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke are future hall of famers. Gerrit Cole is on his way. Wade Miley is a nice Dallas Keuchel replacement. (Charlie Morton, who?) Whoever slides into the fifth spot will be moved to the bullpen for the playoffs. Which begs the question, "Who is the Astros fifth starter?"
Aaron Sanchez is a candidate. So is, Brad Peacock, when he comes back. Jose Urquidy is likely getting sent back to Triple A after tonight's start (he was just pulled as I was typing this). My bet is Sanchez will slide into the fifth spot for the time being. Depending on how well he does, Peacock will either slide back into the rotation or move to the bullpen. He was, after all, quite dominate in the 2017 World Series coming out of the bullpen. Sanchez will also likely slide into the bullpen for the playoffs. Again, depending on how well he does over the remaining two months of the season.
Martin Maldonado will replace Max Stassi, who was sent to the Los Angeles Angels for two low level prospects. Stassi is one of my favorite players in baseball, because he created a baseball moment I'll never forget and forever appreciate. While at Spring Training in 2015, he took time during one of his catching defensive drill breaks to come over and hand my daughter a ball. Not throw her a ball or ask her to come to dugout. He came over and handed her a ball.
I've rooted for him ever since and will continue to do so even if he's not an Astros. Max Stassi is a saint.
Back to Maldonado. He's the new Jed Lowrie for Jeff Luhnow. After failing to reach an agreement over the winter. The Astros found themselves with an opportunity to re-acquire Maldonado after failing to do so from Kansas City. He provides a small offensive upgrade will keeping the same defensive and receiving skills of Stassi. All this at the cost of a recently DFA Tony Kemp. Which we'll get to in a minute.
How amazing is it that Luhnow in the span of week was able to trade three players either DFA or soon to be DFA. Luhnow found suitors for Tyler White, Tony Kemp, and Max Stassi and got something in return. I have never seen that before and it speaks to the depth of the Astros organization. It's not every day DFA players get traded. Two went to contenders that are very likely to make the playoffs. One went to six games out of a wild card spot. Welcome to the Golden Age of Astros baseball.
Tony Kemp. I'm going to miss him. A lot of people are going to miss him. He's provided us with some great memories both on and off the field. He has set the standard for what a hug should be. I wish him the best and look forward to checking in on Cubs games every once and a while.
Lost in all the acquisitions is Joe Biagini (I had to triple check the spelling of his last name). I love this guy immediately because of this tweet.
He looks fun. And more importantly you always have to wonder what Luhnow and Brent Strom are up to when they acquire a pitcher with a 3.86 ERA and a 4.45 FIP and a really good curve that he's only throwing 7% of the time. This on top of Cal Stevenson and the already mentioned Sanchez for Derek Fisher. As Astros County put it, "Derek Fisher. That's it. Seriously. I looked. I looked for a long time."
I had meetings right at the deadline, so I missed the frantic hour after the trade deadline when deals were being reported left and right. I took the next hour to catch up and then drove home with the radio blasting Taylor Swift's new songs ME! and Calm Down (I hope I don't get fired for linking Taylor Swift on this blog. WORTH IT!).
It's been an exciting day. Take it all in, because I don't think this happens again for a long time.
We just witnessed the dullest trade deadline in ages.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2019
Turned out to be one of the most exciting in Astros history. I don't believe we've seen a crazier trade deadline for the Astros. You can read up on all the acquisitions and how the rosters look. There's even a post up on payroll outlook. Things are looking pretty good for 2019.
The Astros have quite possibly the most formidable rotations in the league. Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke are future hall of famers. Gerrit Cole is on his way. Wade Miley is a nice Dallas Keuchel replacement. (Charlie Morton, who?) Whoever slides into the fifth spot will be moved to the bullpen for the playoffs. Which begs the question, "Who is the Astros fifth starter?"
Aaron Sanchez is a candidate. So is, Brad Peacock, when he comes back. Jose Urquidy is likely getting sent back to Triple A after tonight's start (he was just pulled as I was typing this). My bet is Sanchez will slide into the fifth spot for the time being. Depending on how well he does, Peacock will either slide back into the rotation or move to the bullpen. He was, after all, quite dominate in the 2017 World Series coming out of the bullpen. Sanchez will also likely slide into the bullpen for the playoffs. Again, depending on how well he does over the remaining two months of the season.
Martin Maldonado will replace Max Stassi, who was sent to the Los Angeles Angels for two low level prospects. Stassi is one of my favorite players in baseball, because he created a baseball moment I'll never forget and forever appreciate. While at Spring Training in 2015, he took time during one of his catching defensive drill breaks to come over and hand my daughter a ball. Not throw her a ball or ask her to come to dugout. He came over and handed her a ball.
Back to Maldonado. He's the new Jed Lowrie for Jeff Luhnow. After failing to reach an agreement over the winter. The Astros found themselves with an opportunity to re-acquire Maldonado after failing to do so from Kansas City. He provides a small offensive upgrade will keeping the same defensive and receiving skills of Stassi. All this at the cost of a recently DFA Tony Kemp. Which we'll get to in a minute.
How amazing is it that Luhnow in the span of week was able to trade three players either DFA or soon to be DFA. Luhnow found suitors for Tyler White, Tony Kemp, and Max Stassi and got something in return. I have never seen that before and it speaks to the depth of the Astros organization. It's not every day DFA players get traded. Two went to contenders that are very likely to make the playoffs. One went to six games out of a wild card spot. Welcome to the Golden Age of Astros baseball.
Tony Kemp. I'm going to miss him. A lot of people are going to miss him. He's provided us with some great memories both on and off the field. He has set the standard for what a hug should be. I wish him the best and look forward to checking in on Cubs games every once and a while.
Lost in all the acquisitions is Joe Biagini (I had to triple check the spelling of his last name). I love this guy immediately because of this tweet.
We’ll miss you, Joe Biagini. Here’s a few of the lighter moments he brought us. pic.twitter.com/KoM8fAPhgh— Tim and Sid (@timandsid) July 31, 2019
He looks fun. And more importantly you always have to wonder what Luhnow and Brent Strom are up to when they acquire a pitcher with a 3.86 ERA and a 4.45 FIP and a really good curve that he's only throwing 7% of the time. This on top of Cal Stevenson and the already mentioned Sanchez for Derek Fisher. As Astros County put it, "Derek Fisher. That's it. Seriously. I looked. I looked for a long time."
I had meetings right at the deadline, so I missed the frantic hour after the trade deadline when deals were being reported left and right. I took the next hour to catch up and then drove home with the radio blasting Taylor Swift's new songs ME! and Calm Down (I hope I don't get fired for linking Taylor Swift on this blog. WORTH IT!).
It's been an exciting day. Take it all in, because I don't think this happens again for a long time.
Astros acquire Martin Maldonado from the Cubs for hug-guru Tony Kemp
We finally found out the fate of recently DFA Tony Kemp. He was acquired by the Chicago Cubs for Martin Maldonado, per Ken Rosenthal. There are so many feels here I don't know where to start.
Kemp, a fan favorite, was recently DFA after Carlos Correa was activated from the IL. The Astros made the decision to keep Myles Straw over the out-of-options Kemp. He'll go to Chicago where I'm sure we'll get to see highlights of him hugging the likes of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant on a regular basis. Good for him!
On the Astros side, for the second straight year the Astros acquire catcher Maldonado. Astros pitchers loved throwing to Maldonado last year, according to Bob Nightengale.
Some might wonder why the Astros didn't resign Maldonado last year. There was certainly interest. Ultimately, the Astros went with Robinson Chirinos because of Maldonado's asking price. He eventually signed with the Kansas City Royals who then traded him to the Cubs on July 15th.
This likely means Max Stassi is out as the backup catcher. A good defensive backstop and framer, Stassi has failed to produce offensively. He has a 21 OPS+ in 98 PA. Maldonado is an offensive upgrade with a 67 OPS+ in 249 PA, while also keep similar defensive and framing value.
Kemp, a fan favorite, was recently DFA after Carlos Correa was activated from the IL. The Astros made the decision to keep Myles Straw over the out-of-options Kemp. He'll go to Chicago where I'm sure we'll get to see highlights of him hugging the likes of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant on a regular basis. Good for him!
On the Astros side, for the second straight year the Astros acquire catcher Maldonado. Astros pitchers loved throwing to Maldonado last year, according to Bob Nightengale.
The #Astros pitchers loved throwing to Maldonado last year.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2019
Some might wonder why the Astros didn't resign Maldonado last year. There was certainly interest. Ultimately, the Astros went with Robinson Chirinos because of Maldonado's asking price. He eventually signed with the Kansas City Royals who then traded him to the Cubs on July 15th.
This likely means Max Stassi is out as the backup catcher. A good defensive backstop and framer, Stassi has failed to produce offensively. He has a 21 OPS+ in 98 PA. Maldonado is an offensive upgrade with a 67 OPS+ in 249 PA, while also keep similar defensive and framing value.
Monday, July 22, 2019
Monday Morning Hot Links
The Astros swept the Trinity River Rangers and everything is right with the world. Rogelio Armenteros did Good Things and Michael Brantley did Better Things. Houston is 64-37 with a 6.5-game lead on Oakland (thanks to a Twins walkoff) and a 13-game lead on I-30.
Houston has won five straight games. Every starter currently in the rotation has won their latest start. The Astros are 24-6 in their last 30 games against AL West opponents. Houston is 9-2 in their last 11 games against Love Field.
*Jose Altuve, who went 2x4 with his 14th home run of the season:
I like where we're at right now.
*The Rangers struck out 41 times in the three-game sweep. Houston pitchers have struck out 13+ batters in four of their last five games. It's the pitching staff's third straight game with 13+ strikeouts, which ties a franchise record, set twice in 2018 and twice in 2016.
*Rogelio Armenteros became the second straight pitcher to record their first MLB win. Armenteros threw 5IP, 2H/1ER, 6K:1BB. Bregman:
Huge back-to-back performances (by Urquidy and Armenteros). It was a great sweep. They came up huge for us this week and now it's about time to start getting on a roll.
*Will Harris, on Urquidy and Armenteros:
Any time we're running starters out there that are throwing the ball well, it has a way of stabilizing the pitching staff. The two guys that threw the last two days - being young rookies to come into division games like that to throw the way they did, it's the reason we swept them.
*Collin McHugh threw 1.1IP, allowing 0H/0ER, 2K:1BB. Here are McHugh's appearances since the All-Star Break: July 14, July 15, July 18, July 21. His last three appearances have been exactly three days apart. Are the Astros starting to transition McHugh back to the rotation, now that we know Brad Peacock will be out until at least the middle of August?
*Josh James might be hurt, departing after 15 pitches where he allowed a home run and struck out a batter. Hinch:
It just looked a little bit off. We went out there to make sure he was OK, he was making some mannerisms that made him look uncomfortable. He said it was just general soreness, that he didn't feel good. It didn't look like he had quite the velocity it normally does. It's July. You get into July and August, especially with the bullpen...I used Josh a lot in Anaheim so we'll see how he is. It seems to be just a day to day thing.
James threw a total of 32 pitches on back-to-back days on July 15/16. He threw 38 pitches on July 13, and 100 pitches since July 13. James had not allowed a home run since May 28, and he had not allowed a run since July 7. He averages 97mph on his fastball, but his last two before getting pulled averaged 90mph.
*The Gun Barrel City Rangers' Savior Joey Gallo was 0x4 with 4K:0BB. In 2019 Gallo is 0x23 with 17K:1BB at Minute Maid Park.
*Lance Lynn is the only pitcher to strike out 11+ Astros in a game in 2019. He's done it twice in 11 days. And North Corsicana is 1-1 when that happens so suck it.
*Michael Brantley went 3x3 with 2HR/3RBI, 0K:1BB. It's his 2nd straight 3-hit game. It's the 6th time in his career he has hit two home runs in a game, first since May 8, 2019. Brantley:
We're playing good baseball...It felt good to sweep against somebody in the division. We're doing it as a team, doing it so one guy doesn't have to carry this team. It's fun to come to this field every day and compete.
Michael Brantley's walk-up song is now The Circle of Life from the Lion King, and he's gonna roll with it for a while.
*6-9 in the lineup (Reddick-Marisnick-Stassi-Straw) went a combined 0x14 with 9K:0BB.
*Max Stassi has enjoyed 90 PAs with Houston this season. He has 13 hits, two extra-base hits, and a .440 OPS. His 24 wRC+ ranks 405th out of 412 MLB players with 70+ PAs. This is the 10th-worst offensive season in franchise history, among non-pitchers with at least 80 PAs. Among those Astros with a worse wRC+ and more PAs:
Luis Pujols (1983): 23
Skip Jutze (1976): 23
Andy Mota (1991): 22
Luis Pujols (1978): 20
Raul Chavez (2005): 19
Ronn Reynolds (1987): 9
Tim Bogar (1998): 9
Mike Fischlin (1978): -17
In 44 games (95 PAs) in 1978, Mike Fischlin hit .116/.165/.128 for a -1.2 fWAR. Impressive, really.
*Hinch, on the importance of this week:
Everybody is anticipating Aledmys and Carlos coming back at some point. Guys that are huge members of the team, you look forward to it. I try not to look too far ahead. I owe it to the guys inside to just play the roster that we have and keep those guys motivated. It will be nice to get some of our players back.
A hard decision is coming once Diaz and Correa come back. Myles Straw seems most likely to return to the Hill Country, as he has options left, but Tony Kemp needs to be concerned, as well. Of course, if Josh James is actually injured, then it might spare one of them.
*Buster Olney says that movement on the trade front across MLB could come this Wednesday/Thursday.
*Oh hey Good News! Luhnow corrected the record and said that Forrest Whitley only walked four guys, not six!
*Former Astros Great Asher Wojciechowski threw 7.1IP, 1H/0ER, 10K:2BB as Baltimore shut out the Red Sox. Look for the hot new Fox buddy cop dramedy "Elias & Sig" this fall!
*Brandy Halladay was perfect in memorializing her late husband Roy in Cooperstown.
*A line drive foul ball from Francisco Lindor hit a 3-year old kid in Cleveland, and Lindor says "It stinks, man." Would be nice to make sure people don't get hurt when they frequent your business. Instead, Rob Manfred or any of the owners are probably wondering how they can charge $20 for a tallboy. Lindor:
I encourage every MLB team to put the nets all the way down. I know it's all about the fans' experience of interacting with players and I completely get that. You want to have that interaction with the fans, getting autographs and stuff, but at the end of the day, we want to make sure everybody comes out of this game healthy, and we (have) got to do something about it.
In response, Manfred reportedly agreed to change the pitch clock to 35 seconds and also to not hold umpires accountable for their actions. He appreciates your cooperation.
*You just hate to read this story about the bind the Cardinals are in.
*Inside the Bulletproof Coffee Guy's Body-Hacking Gym.
*A Musical Selection:
Houston has won five straight games. Every starter currently in the rotation has won their latest start. The Astros are 24-6 in their last 30 games against AL West opponents. Houston is 9-2 in their last 11 games against Love Field.
*Jose Altuve, who went 2x4 with his 14th home run of the season:
I like where we're at right now.
*The Rangers struck out 41 times in the three-game sweep. Houston pitchers have struck out 13+ batters in four of their last five games. It's the pitching staff's third straight game with 13+ strikeouts, which ties a franchise record, set twice in 2018 and twice in 2016.
*Rogelio Armenteros became the second straight pitcher to record their first MLB win. Armenteros threw 5IP, 2H/1ER, 6K:1BB. Bregman:
Huge back-to-back performances (by Urquidy and Armenteros). It was a great sweep. They came up huge for us this week and now it's about time to start getting on a roll.
*Will Harris, on Urquidy and Armenteros:
Any time we're running starters out there that are throwing the ball well, it has a way of stabilizing the pitching staff. The two guys that threw the last two days - being young rookies to come into division games like that to throw the way they did, it's the reason we swept them.
*Collin McHugh threw 1.1IP, allowing 0H/0ER, 2K:1BB. Here are McHugh's appearances since the All-Star Break: July 14, July 15, July 18, July 21. His last three appearances have been exactly three days apart. Are the Astros starting to transition McHugh back to the rotation, now that we know Brad Peacock will be out until at least the middle of August?
*Josh James might be hurt, departing after 15 pitches where he allowed a home run and struck out a batter. Hinch:
It just looked a little bit off. We went out there to make sure he was OK, he was making some mannerisms that made him look uncomfortable. He said it was just general soreness, that he didn't feel good. It didn't look like he had quite the velocity it normally does. It's July. You get into July and August, especially with the bullpen...I used Josh a lot in Anaheim so we'll see how he is. It seems to be just a day to day thing.
James threw a total of 32 pitches on back-to-back days on July 15/16. He threw 38 pitches on July 13, and 100 pitches since July 13. James had not allowed a home run since May 28, and he had not allowed a run since July 7. He averages 97mph on his fastball, but his last two before getting pulled averaged 90mph.
*The Gun Barrel City Rangers' Savior Joey Gallo was 0x4 with 4K:0BB. In 2019 Gallo is 0x23 with 17K:1BB at Minute Maid Park.
*Lance Lynn is the only pitcher to strike out 11+ Astros in a game in 2019. He's done it twice in 11 days. And North Corsicana is 1-1 when that happens so suck it.
*Michael Brantley went 3x3 with 2HR/3RBI, 0K:1BB. It's his 2nd straight 3-hit game. It's the 6th time in his career he has hit two home runs in a game, first since May 8, 2019. Brantley:
We're playing good baseball...It felt good to sweep against somebody in the division. We're doing it as a team, doing it so one guy doesn't have to carry this team. It's fun to come to this field every day and compete.
Michael Brantley's walk-up song is now The Circle of Life from the Lion King, and he's gonna roll with it for a while.
*6-9 in the lineup (Reddick-Marisnick-Stassi-Straw) went a combined 0x14 with 9K:0BB.
*Max Stassi has enjoyed 90 PAs with Houston this season. He has 13 hits, two extra-base hits, and a .440 OPS. His 24 wRC+ ranks 405th out of 412 MLB players with 70+ PAs. This is the 10th-worst offensive season in franchise history, among non-pitchers with at least 80 PAs. Among those Astros with a worse wRC+ and more PAs:
Luis Pujols (1983): 23
Skip Jutze (1976): 23
Andy Mota (1991): 22
Luis Pujols (1978): 20
Raul Chavez (2005): 19
Ronn Reynolds (1987): 9
Tim Bogar (1998): 9
Mike Fischlin (1978): -17
In 44 games (95 PAs) in 1978, Mike Fischlin hit .116/.165/.128 for a -1.2 fWAR. Impressive, really.
*Hinch, on the importance of this week:
Everybody is anticipating Aledmys and Carlos coming back at some point. Guys that are huge members of the team, you look forward to it. I try not to look too far ahead. I owe it to the guys inside to just play the roster that we have and keep those guys motivated. It will be nice to get some of our players back.
A hard decision is coming once Diaz and Correa come back. Myles Straw seems most likely to return to the Hill Country, as he has options left, but Tony Kemp needs to be concerned, as well. Of course, if Josh James is actually injured, then it might spare one of them.
*Buster Olney says that movement on the trade front across MLB could come this Wednesday/Thursday.
| Site | Proj. Rec. | % to win ALW | % to win AL | % to win WS |
| B-Ref | 99-63 | 89.8% | 26.7% | 12.0% |
| FanGraphs | 102-60 | 99.1% | 34.9% | 22.1% |
| 538 | 102-60 | 93.0% | - | 17.0% |
| BPro | 101-61 | 97.3% | - | 19.2% |
*Oh hey Good News! Luhnow corrected the record and said that Forrest Whitley only walked four guys, not six!
Talked with one of the Astros rovers the other day, and he essentially confirmed something that has just blown my mind this year.— Matt Sabados (@BigMattAHH) July 21, 2019
The Astros pitching development has been able to teach budding arms fourth/fifth pitches in extremely short times
*Former Astros Great Asher Wojciechowski threw 7.1IP, 1H/0ER, 10K:2BB as Baltimore shut out the Red Sox. Look for the hot new Fox buddy cop dramedy "Elias & Sig" this fall!
*Brandy Halladay was perfect in memorializing her late husband Roy in Cooperstown.
*A line drive foul ball from Francisco Lindor hit a 3-year old kid in Cleveland, and Lindor says "It stinks, man." Would be nice to make sure people don't get hurt when they frequent your business. Instead, Rob Manfred or any of the owners are probably wondering how they can charge $20 for a tallboy. Lindor:
I encourage every MLB team to put the nets all the way down. I know it's all about the fans' experience of interacting with players and I completely get that. You want to have that interaction with the fans, getting autographs and stuff, but at the end of the day, we want to make sure everybody comes out of this game healthy, and we (have) got to do something about it.
In response, Manfred reportedly agreed to change the pitch clock to 35 seconds and also to not hold umpires accountable for their actions. He appreciates your cooperation.
*You just hate to read this story about the bind the Cardinals are in.
*Inside the Bulletproof Coffee Guy's Body-Hacking Gym.
*A Musical Selection:
Monday, July 1, 2019
Monday Morning Hot Links
The Astros managed a sweep of the Lowly Seattle Mariners, 6-1. Houston is 53-32 with a 6.5-game lead. It's Houston's first three-game winning streak since June 2-4, when the Astros wrapped up a W5. The Astros are also 9-1 against Seattle this season, having gone 9-10 against the Mariners in 2018.
*On April 11 Seattle was 13-2. Houston was 8-5. Since:
Houston: 45-27
Seattle: 24-59.
You hate to see it.
*Division Leads as of July 1, previous years:
2019: 6.5
2018: 1.5
2017: 13.5
2016: -9.0
2015: 4.0
2014: -16.0
2013: -18.0
2012: -11.5
2011: -15.0
2010: -13.0
*Off-Day Playoff Odds
-FanGraphs (101-61): 98.7% to win the division, 32.4% to win the pennant, 19.8% to win the World Series
-FiveThirtyEight (100-62): 92% to win the division, 14% to win the World Series
-Baseball Prospectus (100-62): 97.6% to win the division, 20.1% to win the World Series
*Gerrit Cole had himself a day: 7IP, 5H/1ER, 10K:1BB. He has an AL-leading 161 strikeouts, and is nine strikeouts behind Max Scherzer for the MLB lead. Cole:
I just like to leave it out there. I just like to feel like I put in a good day's work. When you get that privilege to back out and you get the leash to go over 100 pitches you respect that. You respect the guys that have been battling for you for the previous seven innings to keep the score where it is.
Sign this man to a long-term deal.
Gerrit Cole, 10+ strikeout games, by year:
2013: 1
2014: 2
2015: 1
2016: 0
2017: 2
2018: 8
2019: 9
*Gerrit Cole gave up his 17th home run of 2019, 14 of them have been solo shots. Cole has given up 46 runs on the year, 40 of them earned. Nineteen of those runs have come on home runs (41.3%). Verlander has allowed 39 runs (38 earned) and 29 of those came off of home runs (74.4%). Hinch:
Crawford hit a ball that was arguably a ball out of the zone - upper 90s - for a homer and [Cole] settled in and was completely dominant. He executed almost flawlessly and finished his outing throwing 100. I run out of things to say about outings like this where he's in cruise control and he's executing.
*Josh James struck out the side in the 9th on 15 pitches.
*The Astros have now gone homer-less in back-to-back games for the first time since June 16/17. They were 0-2 in those games. They're now 5-17 in games where they do not hit a home run.
*Houston has gone eight straight games without striking out 10+ times. They're 5-3 in those games.
*Jose Altuve was 3x5 with an RBI. It's his 3rd 3-hit game of the year. He has gone six straight games without a GIDP. McTaggart notes that this was Altuve's 141st 3-hit game of his career, tying him with Jeff Bagwell for 2nd-most in franchise history. Craig Biggio had 225 3-hit games in his career [mind explodes]. We did not fully appreciate Craig Biggio.
*Yordan Alvarez returned to the lineup and went 2x3 with a walk, double and 3RBI. He has multi-hit games in six of the 15 complete games he has played. He has 21 RBI in 69 career PAs. Hinch:
He's a difference maker in the middle of the order when he gets pitches to hit and hits them hard. It's nice to have him back obviously. He's still not moving around great...but he made a huge impact today.
Yordan will be available off the bench in dumbass pitchers-hitting Colorado.
*Tyler White was 0x4 with 3Ks. He was 0x2 w/RISP, bringing his season total to 6x40 when batting with runners in scoring position - a .150 average. He has 15 RBI in 213 PAs in 2019.
*Max Stassi was 1x4 with a double. It's his 2nd extra-base hit of the season and his first since he hit a home run on April 20 against Southwest Texarkana.
*Myles Straw has played 12 complete games in 2019. He has gotten on base at least once in nine of those games.
*Brian McTaggart has your three takeaways from the Seattle series.
*Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Ryan Pressly were named to the All-Star Team, giving the Astros six representatives - most in the majors. It's the third year in a row that the Astros have had six All-Stars. Altuve will miss his first All-Star Game since 2013. It's Ryan Pressly's first All-Star nod.
*Cionel Perez went on the Minor-League IL on Sunday. So he, uh, obviously won't be starting on Tuesday at Colorado. Jose Urquidy, Corpus' Opening Day starter in 2019, is a candidate to start. Brutal to make your MLB debut at Coors Field, should that happen.
*Luhnow: Corbin Martin "isn't pitching anytime soon." He'll get a second opinion early this week.
*Kyle Tucker hit a Grand Slam in the 1st Inning and went 1x2 with 2BB in a 7-6 Round Rock win over Omaha. A.J. Reed (remember him?) was 3x4 with a home run and 2RBI. Felipe Paulino recorded his 3rd save, throwing 1IP, 2H/2ER, 1K:0BB.
*Bryan De La Cruz was 3x5 with a double, homer, and 3RBI in an 11-6 Corpus loss to Amarillo. Riley Ferrell threw the final 2IP, allowing 1H/0ER, 2K:0BB.
*Jake Adams hit a grand slam as part of a 5RBI day as Fayetteville beat Myrtle Beach 8-4.
*Sunday's Quad Cities game was suspended due to rain.
*Tri-City defeated Aberdeen 5-3 thanks to 3-hit games from A.J. Lee and Luis Santana, and 2-hit games from Andres Santana and Grae Kessinger.
*The Mets DFA'd Former Astros Great Carlos Gomez.
*On Bobby Bonilla Day, check out this 2015 article from Craig Calcaterra on the worst deferred-money contracts in baseball.
*Vice: The Chilling Mystery of High-Altitude Suicides.
*Bloomberg: A raging heroin addiction fueled a former Boeing engineer's year-long, 30-bank robbery spree.
*A Musical Selection:
*On April 11 Seattle was 13-2. Houston was 8-5. Since:
Houston: 45-27
Seattle: 24-59.
You hate to see it.
*Division Leads as of July 1, previous years:
2019: 6.5
2018: 1.5
2017: 13.5
2016: -9.0
2015: 4.0
2014: -16.0
2013: -18.0
2012: -11.5
2011: -15.0
2010: -13.0
*Off-Day Playoff Odds
-FanGraphs (101-61): 98.7% to win the division, 32.4% to win the pennant, 19.8% to win the World Series
-FiveThirtyEight (100-62): 92% to win the division, 14% to win the World Series
-Baseball Prospectus (100-62): 97.6% to win the division, 20.1% to win the World Series
*Gerrit Cole had himself a day: 7IP, 5H/1ER, 10K:1BB. He has an AL-leading 161 strikeouts, and is nine strikeouts behind Max Scherzer for the MLB lead. Cole:
I just like to leave it out there. I just like to feel like I put in a good day's work. When you get that privilege to back out and you get the leash to go over 100 pitches you respect that. You respect the guys that have been battling for you for the previous seven innings to keep the score where it is.
Sign this man to a long-term deal.
Gerrit Cole, 10+ strikeout games, by year:
2013: 1
2014: 2
2015: 1
2016: 0
2017: 2
2018: 8
2019: 9
*Gerrit Cole gave up his 17th home run of 2019, 14 of them have been solo shots. Cole has given up 46 runs on the year, 40 of them earned. Nineteen of those runs have come on home runs (41.3%). Verlander has allowed 39 runs (38 earned) and 29 of those came off of home runs (74.4%). Hinch:
Crawford hit a ball that was arguably a ball out of the zone - upper 90s - for a homer and [Cole] settled in and was completely dominant. He executed almost flawlessly and finished his outing throwing 100. I run out of things to say about outings like this where he's in cruise control and he's executing.
*Josh James struck out the side in the 9th on 15 pitches.
*The Astros have now gone homer-less in back-to-back games for the first time since June 16/17. They were 0-2 in those games. They're now 5-17 in games where they do not hit a home run.
*Houston has gone eight straight games without striking out 10+ times. They're 5-3 in those games.
*Jose Altuve was 3x5 with an RBI. It's his 3rd 3-hit game of the year. He has gone six straight games without a GIDP. McTaggart notes that this was Altuve's 141st 3-hit game of his career, tying him with Jeff Bagwell for 2nd-most in franchise history. Craig Biggio had 225 3-hit games in his career [mind explodes]. We did not fully appreciate Craig Biggio.
*Yordan Alvarez returned to the lineup and went 2x3 with a walk, double and 3RBI. He has multi-hit games in six of the 15 complete games he has played. He has 21 RBI in 69 career PAs. Hinch:
He's a difference maker in the middle of the order when he gets pitches to hit and hits them hard. It's nice to have him back obviously. He's still not moving around great...but he made a huge impact today.
Yordan will be available off the bench in dumbass pitchers-hitting Colorado.
*Tyler White was 0x4 with 3Ks. He was 0x2 w/RISP, bringing his season total to 6x40 when batting with runners in scoring position - a .150 average. He has 15 RBI in 213 PAs in 2019.
*Max Stassi was 1x4 with a double. It's his 2nd extra-base hit of the season and his first since he hit a home run on April 20 against Southwest Texarkana.
*Myles Straw has played 12 complete games in 2019. He has gotten on base at least once in nine of those games.
*Brian McTaggart has your three takeaways from the Seattle series.
*Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Ryan Pressly were named to the All-Star Team, giving the Astros six representatives - most in the majors. It's the third year in a row that the Astros have had six All-Stars. Altuve will miss his first All-Star Game since 2013. It's Ryan Pressly's first All-Star nod.
*Cionel Perez went on the Minor-League IL on Sunday. So he, uh, obviously won't be starting on Tuesday at Colorado. Jose Urquidy, Corpus' Opening Day starter in 2019, is a candidate to start. Brutal to make your MLB debut at Coors Field, should that happen.
*Luhnow: Corbin Martin "isn't pitching anytime soon." He'll get a second opinion early this week.
*Kyle Tucker hit a Grand Slam in the 1st Inning and went 1x2 with 2BB in a 7-6 Round Rock win over Omaha. A.J. Reed (remember him?) was 3x4 with a home run and 2RBI. Felipe Paulino recorded his 3rd save, throwing 1IP, 2H/2ER, 1K:0BB.
*Bryan De La Cruz was 3x5 with a double, homer, and 3RBI in an 11-6 Corpus loss to Amarillo. Riley Ferrell threw the final 2IP, allowing 1H/0ER, 2K:0BB.
*Jake Adams hit a grand slam as part of a 5RBI day as Fayetteville beat Myrtle Beach 8-4.
*Sunday's Quad Cities game was suspended due to rain.
*Tri-City defeated Aberdeen 5-3 thanks to 3-hit games from A.J. Lee and Luis Santana, and 2-hit games from Andres Santana and Grae Kessinger.
*The Mets DFA'd Former Astros Great Carlos Gomez.
*On Bobby Bonilla Day, check out this 2015 article from Craig Calcaterra on the worst deferred-money contracts in baseball.
*Vice: The Chilling Mystery of High-Altitude Suicides.
*Bloomberg: A raging heroin addiction fueled a former Boeing engineer's year-long, 30-bank robbery spree.
*A Musical Selection:
Friday, June 14, 2019
Friday Morning Hot Links
The Astros didn't play yesterday, but that's okay as I found you some things to read in the meantime ;)
James decided he "just didn't want to" do Hot Links yesterday, so we will be updating the blog URL to www.FlickNickemAstros.com accordingly.
Biggio 2 and #Kenneth are coming to town wearing Blue Jays blue for the weekend series. Here's the quick rundown.
Rogelio Armenteros got the call yesterday afternoon and we should see him pitch sometime this weekend.
Altuve, Springer, McHugh, and Stassi are likely all going to be deployed on rehab assignments this weekend.
Speaking of nearly-healthy Astros, what will the full-strength Houston Astros lineup look like?
Chandler Rome talked a bit about how the injured Astros are taking a toll on the team, specifically Wednesday night.
He also recently posted a mailbag, going over a lot of the topics we've talked about along with some new ones, like potential deadline deals and the amount of home runs Verlander has given up.
The Astros are the..2nd best team in baseball? This one is for the statheads.
This iteration of the Astros maybe looking at All-Star Game history.
Meet Brett Conine, the 2018 breakout draft pick that is tearing it up for OUR Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
Framber Valdez has quite a talent.
Longhorns pitcher Blair Henley and recent Astros draft pick says goodbye to his college home and hello to his new home in Houston.
Speaking of signing draft picks, the Astros signed their first round pick, Korey Lee. He also decided to take some BP while he was there at the park.
The full draft tracker can be found here, if you are curious as to who has signed and who has not.
Here's a bunch of news and notes around the sports broadcasting world, which includes the next time Lance Berkman will take over the color commentator job. This article also talks about the upcoming Astros-Reds series, of which I plan on being apart of 1 maybe 2 of those games.
Jose Altuve and Lance McCullers both were very productive last night, raising money for charities to help both children and dogs.
A local Rhode Island man has decided he's going to fix the roads all by himself.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1965, Jim Maloney went 10 innings and gave up 0 hits, but gave up a solo home run in the 11th and was given the loss 1-0. He had 18 K's.
In 1974, Nolan Ryan threw 235 pitches, struck out 19 batters and walked 10 in 13 innings in a 4-3 win over Boston.
In 2014, Jimmy Rollins became the Phillies all-time hit leader.
James decided he "just didn't want to" do Hot Links yesterday, so we will be updating the blog URL to www.FlickNickemAstros.com accordingly.
Biggio 2 and #Kenneth are coming to town wearing Blue Jays blue for the weekend series. Here's the quick rundown.
Rogelio Armenteros got the call yesterday afternoon and we should see him pitch sometime this weekend.
Altuve, Springer, McHugh, and Stassi are likely all going to be deployed on rehab assignments this weekend.
Speaking of nearly-healthy Astros, what will the full-strength Houston Astros lineup look like?
Chandler Rome talked a bit about how the injured Astros are taking a toll on the team, specifically Wednesday night.
He also recently posted a mailbag, going over a lot of the topics we've talked about along with some new ones, like potential deadline deals and the amount of home runs Verlander has given up.
The Astros are the..2nd best team in baseball? This one is for the statheads.
This iteration of the Astros maybe looking at All-Star Game history.
Meet Brett Conine, the 2018 breakout draft pick that is tearing it up for OUR Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
Framber Valdez has quite a talent.
Longhorns pitcher Blair Henley and recent Astros draft pick says goodbye to his college home and hello to his new home in Houston.
Speaking of signing draft picks, the Astros signed their first round pick, Korey Lee. He also decided to take some BP while he was there at the park.
The full draft tracker can be found here, if you are curious as to who has signed and who has not.
Here's a bunch of news and notes around the sports broadcasting world, which includes the next time Lance Berkman will take over the color commentator job. This article also talks about the upcoming Astros-Reds series, of which I plan on being apart of 1 maybe 2 of those games.
Jose Altuve and Lance McCullers both were very productive last night, raising money for charities to help both children and dogs.
A local Rhode Island man has decided he's going to fix the roads all by himself.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1965, Jim Maloney went 10 innings and gave up 0 hits, but gave up a solo home run in the 11th and was given the loss 1-0. He had 18 K's.
In 1974, Nolan Ryan threw 235 pitches, struck out 19 batters and walked 10 in 13 innings in a 4-3 win over Boston.
In 2014, Jimmy Rollins became the Phillies all-time hit leader.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Friday Morning Hot Links
Five hours and six minutes after first pitch, the Astros won a crazy tight one in the series finale against Seattle 8-7 in 14 innings. Notes:
Bregman: 3-6, Solo HR
Chirinos: 1-3, HRI, 2 RBIs, 4 BB
White: 3-6
Myles Straw recorded the Astros fastest triple since 2015.
Verlander: 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K.
~He afterwards said he "had a little something that crept up out of nowhere today" but said later in his postgame interview said that is is "not an issue" anymore.
Full Box:
Recap:
Keuchel finally signed with someone, Atlanta, for $4.9 million dollars less than what the Astros offer was initially set at.
Cionel Perez is very very likely to join the team today after being scratched from his start in AAA.
The series preview against the Orioles is up on the Crawfish Boxes.
It's Star Wars night tonight! Tickets are still available (as of now) and there's a lot of things happening. Also somebody should definitely send me one of them Max Stassi bobbleheads
Could we realistically see 9+ Astros All-Stars this year?
The Express hung a 13 spot in the 7th inning last night. Kyle Tucker hit his 19th AND 20th home run during this game (for anyone counting at home, that's only 2 behind Yordan Alvarez).
Lance Berkman has stepped down as the Second Baptist High School coach
Welcome to my state! After two days, somebody finally lured their pet cockatoo out of a tree using a bag of nuts.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1966, Bob Gibson became the 12th pitcher to ever strike out 4 batters in the 4th inning, which occurred due to a wild pitch that allowed a runner to get to first.
In 2007, Joe Torre won his 2,000 career game as manager.
Bregman: 3-6, Solo HR
Chirinos: 1-3, HRI, 2 RBIs, 4 BB
White: 3-6
Myles Straw recorded the Astros fastest triple since 2015.
Verlander: 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K.
~He afterwards said he "had a little something that crept up out of nowhere today" but said later in his postgame interview said that is is "not an issue" anymore.
Full Box:
Recap:
Keuchel finally signed with someone, Atlanta, for $4.9 million dollars less than what the Astros offer was initially set at.
Cionel Perez is very very likely to join the team today after being scratched from his start in AAA.
The series preview against the Orioles is up on the Crawfish Boxes.
It's Star Wars night tonight! Tickets are still available (as of now) and there's a lot of things happening. Also somebody should definitely send me one of them Max Stassi bobbleheads
Could we realistically see 9+ Astros All-Stars this year?
The Express hung a 13 spot in the 7th inning last night. Kyle Tucker hit his 19th AND 20th home run during this game (for anyone counting at home, that's only 2 behind Yordan Alvarez).
Lance Berkman has stepped down as the Second Baptist High School coach
Welcome to my state! After two days, somebody finally lured their pet cockatoo out of a tree using a bag of nuts.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1966, Bob Gibson became the 12th pitcher to ever strike out 4 batters in the 4th inning, which occurred due to a wild pitch that allowed a runner to get to first.
In 2007, Joe Torre won his 2,000 career game as manager.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
Hey guys it's Flick. Remember me? Well here I am! It's been one full week since I've done the links but thanks to James for covering for me as I'm just enjoying some down time and making sure I don't burnout. I don't know how he does this every day.
During my break, while also working, watching the Astros, and playing some video games, I am have completed the first stages of the longread that I create once a year of comparing the current Astros teams to other things. This yearly tradition went from a small Twitter thread and grew into these massive articles you see now, and I think this year's is going to be the largest and most in-depth piece yet, so stay tuned for that sometime in June.
Anyways, the Astros defeated the Cubs once more, this time winning 9-6. Notes:
Bregman: 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI
Stubbs: 2-4, RBI
Fisher: 1-4, RBI, SB
Rondon/Pressly/Osuna: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Full Box:
A.J. Hinch raked in his 500th career win. Here's what he had to say.
Alex Bregman is annoyed he isn't a better hitter than he already is.
Let's check in on the Astros Injury Wagon:
-Jose Altuve is back and playing in his rehab assignment after being scratched for multiple games after having "fatigue and soreness" in his injured leg. We aren't entirely sure exactly he will be back.
-Carlos Correa is currently being evaluated by doctors after being held out of yet another game last night.
-Collin McHugh was playing catch a couple days ago and his elbow was not feeling good, so it may be a little longer than expected for him to return back to the team.
-George Springer is out for the "foreseeable future" with his hamstring strain.
-Aledmys Diaz and Max Stassi were freshly placed on the IL, so we'll see them again likely in a couple of weeks.
Here's your All Star Game Ballot!
The Astros are so good right now that it's bonkers.
Keuchel is "open to" a4 month 1 year, 18 million dollar contract.
Aledmys Diaz has found himself a great home in Houston.
The Astros sold a lot of hot dogs out there last night.
A Canadian woman held a plank for a world-record length 4 hours and 20 minutes.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 2000, Randy Velarde pulled off the 10th unassisted triple play in Major League history.
In 2010, Roy Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in major league history.
In 2010, Kendrys Morales broke his ankle after jumping on home plate following a walk-off grand slam, ending his season.
During my break, while also working, watching the Astros, and playing some video games, I am have completed the first stages of the longread that I create once a year of comparing the current Astros teams to other things. This yearly tradition went from a small Twitter thread and grew into these massive articles you see now, and I think this year's is going to be the largest and most in-depth piece yet, so stay tuned for that sometime in June.
Anyways, the Astros defeated the Cubs once more, this time winning 9-6. Notes:
Bregman: 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI
Stubbs: 2-4, RBI
Fisher: 1-4, RBI, SB
Rondon/Pressly/Osuna: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Full Box:
A.J. Hinch raked in his 500th career win. Here's what he had to say.
Alex Bregman is annoyed he isn't a better hitter than he already is.
Let's check in on the Astros Injury Wagon:
-Jose Altuve is back and playing in his rehab assignment after being scratched for multiple games after having "fatigue and soreness" in his injured leg. We aren't entirely sure exactly he will be back.
-Carlos Correa is currently being evaluated by doctors after being held out of yet another game last night.
-Collin McHugh was playing catch a couple days ago and his elbow was not feeling good, so it may be a little longer than expected for him to return back to the team.
-George Springer is out for the "foreseeable future" with his hamstring strain.
-Aledmys Diaz and Max Stassi were freshly placed on the IL, so we'll see them again likely in a couple of weeks.
Here's your All Star Game Ballot!
The Astros are so good right now that it's bonkers.
Keuchel is "open to" a
Aledmys Diaz has found himself a great home in Houston.
The Astros sold a lot of hot dogs out there last night.
A Canadian woman held a plank for a world-record length 4 hours and 20 minutes.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 2000, Randy Velarde pulled off the 10th unassisted triple play in Major League history.
In 2010, Roy Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in major league history.
In 2010, Kendrys Morales broke his ankle after jumping on home plate following a walk-off grand slam, ending his season.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Sunday Morning Hot Links
No one will decide to take the family to Minute Maid (or literally any of the other 29 stadiums) simply because Brad Peacock is pitching. Justin Verlander? Sure. Gerrit Cole? Maybe. But Brad Peacock has been a completely different pitcher since throwing out of the stretch. The Astros and Red Sox were scoreless until the bottom of the 6th and went back-and-forth before Carlos Correa walked it off in the bottom of the 9th. Houston is 35-18.
*The Astros have matched their April win total with 17. There are five games remaining in May.
Most wins, calendar month:
22: May 2017, July 2005, August 1998
21: September 2018, August 2008, August 2001
20: September 2017, September 2004, June 1979, July 1976, May 1969,
*Houston has won 17 of their last 21 games. They are 8-5 in 1-run games. Last night was the Astros' first win of the season in a game in which they did not hit a home run.
*The Astros officially won the season series with the Red Sox with last night's win. Three of the five games played were decided by one run, four of them by two runs.
*Brad Peacock threw 6IP, 4H/0ER, 8K:1BB. Since moving to a full wind-up, Peacock: 23IP, 12H/1ER, 32K:6BB. That's an 0.39 ERA / 0.78 WHIP.
*Roberto Osuna's 25-game consecutive game save streak came to an end. Osuna:
This was one of those days. They attacked me early, but I was able to make the adjustments late in the inning and keep the leading run at third...I was able to keep the game close for the guys to win.
*Houston was 4x13 w/RISP and Boston was 3x12. The Astros left 12 men on base.
*Carlos Correa got the walkoff hit in the bottom of the 9th to complete a 3x4 day. Correa, on his approach to the walkoff PA:
I didn't really want to give the at-bat to Yuli. A walk or a sac fly would get the job done. I'm not trying to do too much, I'm just trying to put the ball in play to right-center field and it happened to fall for a hit. Once I hit it, I knew it was going to stay fair. It was on a line over the first baseman. That's why I started celebrating right when I hit it.
*George Springer, the Astros, and all of us got a mixed bag of news related to Springer's hamstring today: It's a Grade 2 strain. Altuve's is considered a Grade 1 strain. Hinch:
It's not as dramatic as we had feared. He's going to be out a little while and is going to exceed the 10 days. But (the doctors) were encouraged by their findings and their observation. He's really sore. He's not going to do anything for the foreseeable future. But hopefully, if the initial diagnosis is right, then we've avoided the catastrophe that it looked like on the field.
I think the most interesting thing about this quote is the emotion that is clear in Hinch's words. Hinch is not an emotional guy, at least outwardly. He might cry at Verizon commercials at home, I don't know, but he doesn't use "dramatic" and "catastrophe" in his comments to the media. So he's relieved, as we all are.
Yordan Alvarez Kyle Tucker Derek Fisher was called up to take Springer's spot, proving that the Astros - who care not for your tweets to them - are sticking to the "methodical plan" they have outlined for Yordan Alvarez to join the Astros. McTaggart straight up says that they're waiting until after the Super Two deadline passes, in which the Astros get one less year of arbitration with Alvarez before free agency. Jake Kaplan with the fire:
There is no performance-based argument for Fisher to be called up ahead of Alvarez, only ones related to service time and cost-cutting. By delaying the start of Alvarez's service time clock and ensuring he won't qualify for the Super Two designation during the 2021-22 offseason, the Astros stand to save a few million dollars down the road.
Our Own Brian Arbour asks if we fans should even care about the Super Two deadline. It's extremely good.
At any rate, in the Hinch-quote link, Kaplan outlines how the Astros have to replace Springer (team leader on offense, leadoff hitter, etc.) and why 2017 World Series Game 5 Hero Derek Fisher got the call. Hinch has already said he plans to go Bregman-Brantley-Correa in Spots 2-4, so presumably Altuve will take over the leadoff role until Springer gets back, which I'm estimating (with no knowledge of the situation) will be between the end of June and the All-Star Break. Luhnow, on Fisher:
We really felt like Fisher, given his ability to play center field and his speed and the fact he's been hitting well for a while now and can steal a base, it's a good combination for us.
Also, the Springer injury probably accelerated Jose Altuve's return, with which I suspect the Astros were being overly conservative. Altuve will join Round Rock today in Nashville (jealous) play today and tomorrow and possibly rejoin the Astros after Monday's doubleheader with Nashville. Luhnow:
[Round Rock has] a doubleheader [Monday], so he'll be able to get as many at-bats as he needs. We do a checkpoint after the first night and after the second day and then come back here. We're hoping to get him in a game here before [the road trip], but certainly the goal is to have him active and playing every day by the time we get out on the road trip.
*And then Max Freaking Stassi left the game early with an injury. Guess it's time to see what Garrett Stubbs has done with Round Ro- oh he went 1x2 with a walk and a 2-run home run before getting replaced probably about five minutes after Stassi left the game. Kyle Tucker hit his 15th home run of the season, and A.J. Reed went 2x5 with 3RBI. Stubbs is apparently on his way to Houston. It is his birthday. Not a bad present.
*Here's a good piece from Chandler Rome on newly-promoted-to-Round-Rock Brandon Bielak's ninja-like assault on the Astros' top prospect list.
*Corpus tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the 9th, but Frisco re-took the lead in the top of the 10th for a 10-9 win. Abraham Toro was 3x5 with 4RBI, and was a double away from the cycle. Seth Beer was 4x5 with 2RBI, and is hitting .382/.488/.529 in nine games since getting called up to Corpus.
*Ruben Foster and Freudis Nova have joined Quad Cities. Spoiler alert: Freudis Nova plays a huge role in my 4th-straight World Series win in 2023 on OOTP 20.
*Chandler Rome: Jeff Bagwell has a lot to offer this group of Astros hitters.
*The Rays are keeping in touch with Dallas Keuchel AND Craig Kimbrel.
*The San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger has some excellent satirical shade towards Art Briles and Mount Vernon High School.
*RIP, legendary Dallas Morning-News sportswriter Gerry Fraley. Here's a great tribute from Evan P. Grant.
*Two nights ago Colorado's Trevor Story hit his 100th career home run in his 448th career MLB game. It's the fewest number of games ever by a shortstop hitting 100 home runs. Carlos Correa is at 92 home runs in 520 games.
*Amanda Eller, lost in a Hawaiian forest for 17 days, was found alive. Here's how.
*A Musical Selection:
*The Astros have matched their April win total with 17. There are five games remaining in May.
Most wins, calendar month:
22: May 2017, July 2005, August 1998
21: September 2018, August 2008, August 2001
20: September 2017, September 2004, June 1979, July 1976, May 1969,
*Houston has won 17 of their last 21 games. They are 8-5 in 1-run games. Last night was the Astros' first win of the season in a game in which they did not hit a home run.
*The Astros officially won the season series with the Red Sox with last night's win. Three of the five games played were decided by one run, four of them by two runs.
*Brad Peacock threw 6IP, 4H/0ER, 8K:1BB. Since moving to a full wind-up, Peacock: 23IP, 12H/1ER, 32K:6BB. That's an 0.39 ERA / 0.78 WHIP.
*Roberto Osuna's 25-game consecutive game save streak came to an end. Osuna:
This was one of those days. They attacked me early, but I was able to make the adjustments late in the inning and keep the leading run at third...I was able to keep the game close for the guys to win.
*Houston was 4x13 w/RISP and Boston was 3x12. The Astros left 12 men on base.
*Carlos Correa got the walkoff hit in the bottom of the 9th to complete a 3x4 day. Correa, on his approach to the walkoff PA:
I didn't really want to give the at-bat to Yuli. A walk or a sac fly would get the job done. I'm not trying to do too much, I'm just trying to put the ball in play to right-center field and it happened to fall for a hit. Once I hit it, I knew it was going to stay fair. It was on a line over the first baseman. That's why I started celebrating right when I hit it.
*Aledmys Diaz had hit three doubles all season long, then got two last night. It's his first multi-extra-base hit game of the season."We got guys who can get the job done." @Ken_Rosenthal talks with @TeamCJCorrea after his walk-off hit. pic.twitter.com/OnkWFXr17L— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 26, 2019
*George Springer, the Astros, and all of us got a mixed bag of news related to Springer's hamstring today: It's a Grade 2 strain. Altuve's is considered a Grade 1 strain. Hinch:
It's not as dramatic as we had feared. He's going to be out a little while and is going to exceed the 10 days. But (the doctors) were encouraged by their findings and their observation. He's really sore. He's not going to do anything for the foreseeable future. But hopefully, if the initial diagnosis is right, then we've avoided the catastrophe that it looked like on the field.
I think the most interesting thing about this quote is the emotion that is clear in Hinch's words. Hinch is not an emotional guy, at least outwardly. He might cry at Verizon commercials at home, I don't know, but he doesn't use "dramatic" and "catastrophe" in his comments to the media. So he's relieved, as we all are.
There is no performance-based argument for Fisher to be called up ahead of Alvarez, only ones related to service time and cost-cutting. By delaying the start of Alvarez's service time clock and ensuring he won't qualify for the Super Two designation during the 2021-22 offseason, the Astros stand to save a few million dollars down the road.
Our Own Brian Arbour asks if we fans should even care about the Super Two deadline. It's extremely good.
At any rate, in the Hinch-quote link, Kaplan outlines how the Astros have to replace Springer (team leader on offense, leadoff hitter, etc.) and why 2017 World Series Game 5 Hero Derek Fisher got the call. Hinch has already said he plans to go Bregman-Brantley-Correa in Spots 2-4, so presumably Altuve will take over the leadoff role until Springer gets back, which I'm estimating (with no knowledge of the situation) will be between the end of June and the All-Star Break. Luhnow, on Fisher:
We really felt like Fisher, given his ability to play center field and his speed and the fact he's been hitting well for a while now and can steal a base, it's a good combination for us.
Also, the Springer injury probably accelerated Jose Altuve's return, with which I suspect the Astros were being overly conservative. Altuve will join Round Rock today in Nashville (jealous) play today and tomorrow and possibly rejoin the Astros after Monday's doubleheader with Nashville. Luhnow:
[Round Rock has] a doubleheader [Monday], so he'll be able to get as many at-bats as he needs. We do a checkpoint after the first night and after the second day and then come back here. We're hoping to get him in a game here before [the road trip], but certainly the goal is to have him active and playing every day by the time we get out on the road trip.
*And then Max Freaking Stassi left the game early with an injury. Guess it's time to see what Garrett Stubbs has done with Round Ro- oh he went 1x2 with a walk and a 2-run home run before getting replaced probably about five minutes after Stassi left the game. Kyle Tucker hit his 15th home run of the season, and A.J. Reed went 2x5 with 3RBI. Stubbs is apparently on his way to Houston. It is his birthday. Not a bad present.
*Here's a good piece from Chandler Rome on newly-promoted-to-Round-Rock Brandon Bielak's ninja-like assault on the Astros' top prospect list.
*Corpus tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the 9th, but Frisco re-took the lead in the top of the 10th for a 10-9 win. Abraham Toro was 3x5 with 4RBI, and was a double away from the cycle. Seth Beer was 4x5 with 2RBI, and is hitting .382/.488/.529 in nine games since getting called up to Corpus.
*Ruben Foster and Freudis Nova have joined Quad Cities. Spoiler alert: Freudis Nova plays a huge role in my 4th-straight World Series win in 2023 on OOTP 20.
*Chandler Rome: Jeff Bagwell has a lot to offer this group of Astros hitters.
*The Rays are keeping in touch with Dallas Keuchel AND Craig Kimbrel.
*The San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger has some excellent satirical shade towards Art Briles and Mount Vernon High School.
*RIP, legendary Dallas Morning-News sportswriter Gerry Fraley. Here's a great tribute from Evan P. Grant.
*Two nights ago Colorado's Trevor Story hit his 100th career home run in his 448th career MLB game. It's the fewest number of games ever by a shortstop hitting 100 home runs. Carlos Correa is at 92 home runs in 520 games.
*Amanda Eller, lost in a Hawaiian forest for 17 days, was found alive. Here's how.
*A Musical Selection:
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Tuesday Morning Hot Links
The Astros lost to the ice men 1-0, wasting a perfectly good Justin Verlander start in the process. Amazing he wanted to sign an extension to get Roger Clemens'd down here. Houston is 17-12. This season just feels stupid. Prove me wrong.
*Houston lost two 1-0 games in 2018, both at home: June 22 against Kansas City, and May 11 against Arlington. Both the Royals and the Rangers were last in their division in 2018. The last Astros' 1-0 road loss was July 16, 2016 at Whatever Seattle Calls Their Stadium Now.
*Minnesota got their only run when 8-hole hitter Ehire Adrianza, now sporting a fresh .188/.270/.281 slash line, hit his first home run of the season, one pitch after probably not checking his swing that would have rung him up. [Walks into the sea]. Verlander:
This game isn't played in slow motion, and these umpires have a difficult job to do. In live speed, I thought it was a very questionable 50-50 call. Adrianza did a good job of not breaking his hands so it didn't look like the bat went as far as it actually did. You hate to see the game come down to something like that and for [3B umpire Doug Eddings] to be questioned on something that was so close.
*The Twins got three hits total. And won. They're the 6th MLB team to win a game in 2019 despite getting three or fewer hits. The Astros lost a game in which they allowed three hits for the 10th time since the beginning of the 2010 season. The last time it happened was a bullpen game against the Blue Jays on September 26, 2018. Prior to that it happened on August 28, 2015 against....the freaking Twins. I spend between 1-3% of my time even thinking about Minnesota, as a team, as a state, but they're starting to piss me off.
More Verlander:
One run felt like 10 tonight the way [Odorizzi] was pitching. When guys have it going, they have it going. I was the first one to slip up.
*Since the beginning of the 2017 season until last night, Odorizzi has a 4.33 ERA and a 99 ERA+. So, sure.
*Justin Verlander's seven strikeouts give him 2,759 strikeouts for his career, 23rd in MLB history. Fifteen more strikeouts (2,774) would move him past Frank Tanana for 22nd all-time. He needs 241 more strikeouts to get to 3,000.
It was Verlander's 38th career appearance vs. Minnesota and only the 9th time against them that he's taken a Loss. He's held the Twins to 0-1 earned runs 19 times in his career.
Last night was the 11th time in Verlander's 46 starts that the Astros have scored 0-2 runs.
Astros pitch count vs. Odorizzi, per inning:
1st: 18
2nd: 14
3rd: 7
4th: 6
5th: 6
6th: 20
7th: 14
Recording nine outs on 19 pitches is some efficient stuff, I guess. Odorizzi, on the differences between last night and his start last week:
I went with the curveball less. I think I only threw like two or three of them. I think the last game I threw like 20. So, we went more cutter, slider today. It's tough to go with the same look twice against a team of that caliber.
*The Astros went 0x4 w/RISP.
*Jose Altuve was 0x4, giving him one hit in his last 33 ABs. I doubt that holds up over the course of the year.
*Tyler White was 0x3 with 3K. It's the 9th 3K game of his career, and three of those have come in April 2019.
*Brian McTaggart: Ryan Pressly returned to Minnesota, where he started his MLB career. Since coming to Houston he has the record for most consecutive scoreless innings by a reliever, and is close to setting the franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings. Hinch:
Our front office did a good job identifying him and his strengths.
The current franchise records:
1. Roy Oswalt: 32.1IP (Aug 27 - Sept 11, 2008)
2. J.R. Richard: 31IP
3. J.R. Richard: 31IP
4. Ryan Pressly: 30.1IP
J.R. Richard had a 40IP stretch from August 18-September 11, 1979, a 34IP stretch from May 26-June 11, 1980 where he didn't allow an earned run, so I guess those don't count.
*Chandler Rome: Despite Robinson Chirinos' offensive surge, and Max Stassi's offensive struggles, the Astros are sticking to the plan to keep Chirinos fresh.
*Check Jake Kaplan's live mailbag from yesterday.
*George Springer was on Buster Olney's podcast yesterday morning, talking about his strong first month of 2019.
*From TX Sports Nation: Who's surging, who's struggling in the Astros' minor leagues.
*MLBTR: After the recent flurry of extensions, Gerrit Cole leads the 2019-2010 free agent power rankings.
*SI's Tom Verducci has 30 nuggets that tell the story of the 2019 MLB season so far.
*Tigers prospect Casey Mize made his Double-A debut last night and threw a complete game no-hitter Maddux.
*Literary Hub: The History Behind Baseball's Weirdest Pitch.
*The Athletic's Kelly Iko: The Rockets' Game One officiating rage is rooted in research.
*A Fire's Unfathomable Toll: How a California Wildfire Changed Everything.
*A Musical Selection:
*Houston lost two 1-0 games in 2018, both at home: June 22 against Kansas City, and May 11 against Arlington. Both the Royals and the Rangers were last in their division in 2018. The last Astros' 1-0 road loss was July 16, 2016 at Whatever Seattle Calls Their Stadium Now.
*Minnesota got their only run when 8-hole hitter Ehire Adrianza, now sporting a fresh .188/.270/.281 slash line, hit his first home run of the season, one pitch after probably not checking his swing that would have rung him up. [Walks into the sea]. Verlander:
This game isn't played in slow motion, and these umpires have a difficult job to do. In live speed, I thought it was a very questionable 50-50 call. Adrianza did a good job of not breaking his hands so it didn't look like the bat went as far as it actually did. You hate to see the game come down to something like that and for [3B umpire Doug Eddings] to be questioned on something that was so close.
*The Twins got three hits total. And won. They're the 6th MLB team to win a game in 2019 despite getting three or fewer hits. The Astros lost a game in which they allowed three hits for the 10th time since the beginning of the 2010 season. The last time it happened was a bullpen game against the Blue Jays on September 26, 2018. Prior to that it happened on August 28, 2015 against....the freaking Twins. I spend between 1-3% of my time even thinking about Minnesota, as a team, as a state, but they're starting to piss me off.
More Verlander:
One run felt like 10 tonight the way [Odorizzi] was pitching. When guys have it going, they have it going. I was the first one to slip up.
*Since the beginning of the 2017 season until last night, Odorizzi has a 4.33 ERA and a 99 ERA+. So, sure.
*Justin Verlander's seven strikeouts give him 2,759 strikeouts for his career, 23rd in MLB history. Fifteen more strikeouts (2,774) would move him past Frank Tanana for 22nd all-time. He needs 241 more strikeouts to get to 3,000.
It was Verlander's 38th career appearance vs. Minnesota and only the 9th time against them that he's taken a Loss. He's held the Twins to 0-1 earned runs 19 times in his career.
Last night was the 11th time in Verlander's 46 starts that the Astros have scored 0-2 runs.
Astros pitch count vs. Odorizzi, per inning:
1st: 18
2nd: 14
3rd: 7
4th: 6
5th: 6
6th: 20
7th: 14
Recording nine outs on 19 pitches is some efficient stuff, I guess. Odorizzi, on the differences between last night and his start last week:
I went with the curveball less. I think I only threw like two or three of them. I think the last game I threw like 20. So, we went more cutter, slider today. It's tough to go with the same look twice against a team of that caliber.
*The Astros went 0x4 w/RISP.
*Jose Altuve was 0x4, giving him one hit in his last 33 ABs. I doubt that holds up over the course of the year.
*Tyler White was 0x3 with 3K. It's the 9th 3K game of his career, and three of those have come in April 2019.
*Brian McTaggart: Ryan Pressly returned to Minnesota, where he started his MLB career. Since coming to Houston he has the record for most consecutive scoreless innings by a reliever, and is close to setting the franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings. Hinch:
Our front office did a good job identifying him and his strengths.
The current franchise records:
1. Roy Oswalt: 32.1IP (Aug 27 - Sept 11, 2008)
2. J.R. Richard: 31IP
3. J.R. Richard: 31IP
4. Ryan Pressly: 30.1IP
J.R. Richard had a 40IP stretch from August 18-September 11, 1979, a 34IP stretch from May 26-June 11, 1980 where he didn't allow an earned run, so I guess those don't count.
*Chandler Rome: Despite Robinson Chirinos' offensive surge, and Max Stassi's offensive struggles, the Astros are sticking to the plan to keep Chirinos fresh.
*Check Jake Kaplan's live mailbag from yesterday.
*George Springer was on Buster Olney's podcast yesterday morning, talking about his strong first month of 2019.
*From TX Sports Nation: Who's surging, who's struggling in the Astros' minor leagues.
*Some sad news to report: Bill McCurdy, an OG Houston Baseball historian who also maintained the excellent Pecan Park Eagle blog, passed away last weekend. Click the link for details on visitation and service.Best part about calling the game from the Crawford boxes? Having a catch during the break! Thanks to @tonykemp for throwing with me. pic.twitter.com/MYfhzDSQ4y— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) April 29, 2019
*MLBTR: After the recent flurry of extensions, Gerrit Cole leads the 2019-2010 free agent power rankings.
*SI's Tom Verducci has 30 nuggets that tell the story of the 2019 MLB season so far.
*Tigers prospect Casey Mize made his Double-A debut last night and threw a complete game no-hitter Maddux.
*Literary Hub: The History Behind Baseball's Weirdest Pitch.
*The Athletic's Kelly Iko: The Rockets' Game One officiating rage is rooted in research.
*A Fire's Unfathomable Toll: How a California Wildfire Changed Everything.
*A Musical Selection:
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Sunday Morning Hot Links
Well I guess a disaster is fine every now and then. Makes life seem real. Been kicked in the balls plenty over the years, what's one more shot to the nuts. Gerrit Cole was freaking terrible and the VapeShops won. The Astros are 13-7. They have won 11 of their last 13 games.
*The Astros, after 20 games, 2019-2010:
2019: 13-7
2018: 13-7
2017: 14-6
2016: 6-14
2015: 13-7
2014: 6-14
2013: 6-14
2012: 8-12
2011: 7-13
2010: 8-12
Every year in which the Astros have been over .500 in the first 20 games in the last decade, they have made the playoffs.
*Yeah but they're 2-4 against Arlington. This is completely unacceptable. The Rangers' 5-run 1st inning was the most runs the Astros have allowed in a single inning, much less the 1st.
*Arlington is 3-1 in four starts vs. Verlander and Cole thus far in 2019.
*Gerrit Cole got blooped and bombed to death, there's no way around it. Cole's line: 4.1IP, 9H/8ER, 8K:3BB. He had allowed 9ER in four starts coming into last night's game. The last time he allowed 8ER in a start was...never in the Majors. If you care, he allowed 8ER on May 19, 2013 when he allowed 8ER against Pawtucket while at Triple-A. His 13 outs were the fewest he recorded in a start with Houston.
Hinch:
It just looked like he was trying to grunt his way through his outing and get to the next pitch, and he was jumping off the rubber a little bit. He was going to out-stuff them. He reached deep into his tank of 98, 99 early, and when he's doing that, he's trying to get out of that big inning. All in all, just a bad night.
Cole's starts, by ER, MLB career:
8: 1
7: 3
6: N/A
5: 15
4: 13
3: 36
2: 42
1: 34
0: 19
It's not surprising, but the Word is that Cole was tipping his pitches. Cole:
I felt like they were on a lot of stuff in the first inning, especially their takes and some of the pitches that they chose to swing at. I think they were maybe a little bit a step ahead of me in terms of being able to identify what pitch I was throwing.
*Reymin Guduan had a nice bounceback appearance with 2IP, 0H/0ER, 3K:0BB. He was rewarded with a trip to the Hill Country in favor of Framber Valdez.
*The Astros made Adrian Sampson look like An Actual Decent Pitcher: 4.1IP, 7H/2ER, 3K:1BB. They just couldn't get a big hit. Adrian Sampson, 2019:
vs. Houston: 10.1IP, 11H/3ER, 6K:3BB.
vs. Not-Houston: 7.2IP, 12H/8ER, 6K:4BB.
The Rangers are 6-5 in 2019 when their starting pitcher can't get 15 outs. Yeah that's sustainable over 162 games. Baseball is stupid.
*It didn't help that the Astros were 2x13 w/RISP, with GIDPs from Bregman and Correa.
*George Springer hit a 2-run home run in the 6th. It's his 127th career home run, his 20th home run against Arlington, tied with the Mariners for the most against one opponent.
*Jose Altuve was 0x5. It's the 38th 0x5 of his career. He had six 0x5s in 2018. It's his 16th 0x5 with no strikeouts in a game, his first since May 3, 2017.
*Max Stassi finally got his first hit of 2019 with his 1st home run of the season, and threw a batter out. Good job, Max Stassi, I guess. It's the 12th home run of his career, and nine of them have been on the road.
*Chandler Rome on why Yuli Gurriel has suddenly found Patience.
*In the 1st game of a doubleheader, Round Rock beat Memphis 11-6 thanks to back-to-back Homerz from Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez in the 7th, and Taylor Jones and Drew Ferguson in the 5th.
*From David Nuno: How the Hurts family is a Channelview Institution.
*Albert Pujols passed Babe Ruth with 1993 RBIs.
*85,000 Yemeni children have died of starvation. The government has banned all Yemeni travelers from coming to the United States, and have denied Green Cards for Yemini family members of U.S citizens.
*Seattle Times: What an Olympic medalist, homeless in Seattle, wants you to know.
*The Atlantic: How an 18th-century philosopher helped solve my mid-life crisis.
*A Musical Selection:
*The Astros, after 20 games, 2019-2010:
2019: 13-7
2018: 13-7
2017: 14-6
2016: 6-14
2015: 13-7
2014: 6-14
2013: 6-14
2012: 8-12
2011: 7-13
2010: 8-12
Every year in which the Astros have been over .500 in the first 20 games in the last decade, they have made the playoffs.
*Yeah but they're 2-4 against Arlington. This is completely unacceptable. The Rangers' 5-run 1st inning was the most runs the Astros have allowed in a single inning, much less the 1st.
*Arlington is 3-1 in four starts vs. Verlander and Cole thus far in 2019.
*Gerrit Cole got blooped and bombed to death, there's no way around it. Cole's line: 4.1IP, 9H/8ER, 8K:3BB. He had allowed 9ER in four starts coming into last night's game. The last time he allowed 8ER in a start was...never in the Majors. If you care, he allowed 8ER on May 19, 2013 when he allowed 8ER against Pawtucket while at Triple-A. His 13 outs were the fewest he recorded in a start with Houston.
Hinch:
It just looked like he was trying to grunt his way through his outing and get to the next pitch, and he was jumping off the rubber a little bit. He was going to out-stuff them. He reached deep into his tank of 98, 99 early, and when he's doing that, he's trying to get out of that big inning. All in all, just a bad night.
Cole's starts, by ER, MLB career:
8: 1
7: 3
6: N/A
5: 15
4: 13
3: 36
2: 42
1: 34
0: 19
It's not surprising, but the Word is that Cole was tipping his pitches. Cole:
I felt like they were on a lot of stuff in the first inning, especially their takes and some of the pitches that they chose to swing at. I think they were maybe a little bit a step ahead of me in terms of being able to identify what pitch I was throwing.
*Reymin Guduan had a nice bounceback appearance with 2IP, 0H/0ER, 3K:0BB. He was rewarded with a trip to the Hill Country in favor of Framber Valdez.
*The Astros made Adrian Sampson look like An Actual Decent Pitcher: 4.1IP, 7H/2ER, 3K:1BB. They just couldn't get a big hit. Adrian Sampson, 2019:
vs. Houston: 10.1IP, 11H/3ER, 6K:3BB.
vs. Not-Houston: 7.2IP, 12H/8ER, 6K:4BB.
The Rangers are 6-5 in 2019 when their starting pitcher can't get 15 outs. Yeah that's sustainable over 162 games. Baseball is stupid.
*It didn't help that the Astros were 2x13 w/RISP, with GIDPs from Bregman and Correa.
*George Springer hit a 2-run home run in the 6th. It's his 127th career home run, his 20th home run against Arlington, tied with the Mariners for the most against one opponent.
*Michael Brantley has 2+ hits in eight of his 20 games as an Astro. He has a 12-game on-base streak. He has 2+ hits in six of those games.
*Jose Altuve was 0x5. It's the 38th 0x5 of his career. He had six 0x5s in 2018. It's his 16th 0x5 with no strikeouts in a game, his first since May 3, 2017.
*Max Stassi finally got his first hit of 2019 with his 1st home run of the season, and threw a batter out. Good job, Max Stassi, I guess. It's the 12th home run of his career, and nine of them have been on the road.
*Chandler Rome on why Yuli Gurriel has suddenly found Patience.
*In the 1st game of a doubleheader, Round Rock beat Memphis 11-6 thanks to back-to-back Homerz from Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez in the 7th, and Taylor Jones and Drew Ferguson in the 5th.
*From David Nuno: How the Hurts family is a Channelview Institution.
*Albert Pujols passed Babe Ruth with 1993 RBIs.
*85,000 Yemeni children have died of starvation. The government has banned all Yemeni travelers from coming to the United States, and have denied Green Cards for Yemini family members of U.S citizens.
*Seattle Times: What an Olympic medalist, homeless in Seattle, wants you to know.
*The Atlantic: How an 18th-century philosopher helped solve my mid-life crisis.
*A Musical Selection:
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Tuesday Morning Hot Links
That was a weird game and the game-winning RBI from Carlos Correa was a weird hit, reminiscent of the Bregman walk-off from about this time last year. Nevertheless the Astros win 4-3 and improve to 6-5, 4-0 at home.
*The last time the Astros won their first four home games of the season was 2001. They would go on to win the World Series 16 years later.
*The Astros are now 4-0 in 1-run games, quite a departure from 2018, when they went 24-24 in 1-run games.
*Carlos Correa's game-winning hit had an exit velocity of 28.9mph. Correa:
You've got to take them. This is a tough game. Sometimes you hit the ball hard right at people and sometimes that happens. That's why we love this game so much - you never know what to expect.
*Robinson Chirinos was 2x3 with two doubles (and 2RBI). He has six hits in 2019: four doubles, one home run, and one single.
*Alex Bregman was 1x2 with 2BB. Since April 1 Alex Bregman has reached base in 18 of his last 29 PAs (12 hits, 6 walks).
*Jose Altuve hit his 2nd home run of the year - the 2nd-hardest-hit home run he's ever hit, as recorded by Statcast.
*Justin Verlander threw 6IP, 7H/3ER, 6K:2BB while the bullpen of Harris, Pressly, and Osuna held the Yankees to 1H/0ER, 2K:1BB in the final 3IP.
*Due to the three off-days in the next eight, the Astros won't be needing Brad Peacock to make any starts for a while, so he's headed to the bullpen. Hinch:
I've noticed a difference in the first 10 games to have a 12-man pitching staff versus a 13-man pitching staff. We've seen Josh James pitch a lot, we've seen [Harris] and Rondon get up virtually every game. An extra arm down in the 'pen for this stretch will be nice.
*Just in case you got got, like I did with the 6:10pm CT start time, tonight's game starts at 7:10pm, while tomorrow night's game is at 6:40pm.
*A.J. Hinch isn't concerned by Max Stassi's slow offensive start.
*Corpus' J.B. Bukauskas didn't have the start to the season he'd hoped for, allowing 8H/9R (8ER) with 2K:3BB in 2.2IP. Corpus lost to Frisco 11-2.
*2017 4th Round pick Peter Solomon struck out 11 batters in 4.2IP in an 8-5 Fayetteville win last night.
*FanGraphs: J.D. Davis' changed approach could turn him into a big-time slugger. Maybe don't read this one.
*I feel badly for Chris Davis, who set an MLB record for going 49 ABs without a hit last night. No one is more disappointed than Davis.
*The wild world of trust funds for pets.
*A Musical Selection:
*The last time the Astros won their first four home games of the season was 2001. They would go on to win the World Series 16 years later.
*The Astros are now 4-0 in 1-run games, quite a departure from 2018, when they went 24-24 in 1-run games.
*Carlos Correa's game-winning hit had an exit velocity of 28.9mph. Correa:
You've got to take them. This is a tough game. Sometimes you hit the ball hard right at people and sometimes that happens. That's why we love this game so much - you never know what to expect.
*Robinson Chirinos was 2x3 with two doubles (and 2RBI). He has six hits in 2019: four doubles, one home run, and one single.
*Alex Bregman was 1x2 with 2BB. Since April 1 Alex Bregman has reached base in 18 of his last 29 PAs (12 hits, 6 walks).
*Jose Altuve hit his 2nd home run of the year - the 2nd-hardest-hit home run he's ever hit, as recorded by Statcast.
*Justin Verlander threw 6IP, 7H/3ER, 6K:2BB while the bullpen of Harris, Pressly, and Osuna held the Yankees to 1H/0ER, 2K:1BB in the final 3IP.
*Due to the three off-days in the next eight, the Astros won't be needing Brad Peacock to make any starts for a while, so he's headed to the bullpen. Hinch:
I've noticed a difference in the first 10 games to have a 12-man pitching staff versus a 13-man pitching staff. We've seen Josh James pitch a lot, we've seen [Harris] and Rondon get up virtually every game. An extra arm down in the 'pen for this stretch will be nice.
*Just in case you got got, like I did with the 6:10pm CT start time, tonight's game starts at 7:10pm, while tomorrow night's game is at 6:40pm.
*A.J. Hinch isn't concerned by Max Stassi's slow offensive start.
*Corpus' J.B. Bukauskas didn't have the start to the season he'd hoped for, allowing 8H/9R (8ER) with 2K:3BB in 2.2IP. Corpus lost to Frisco 11-2.
*2017 4th Round pick Peter Solomon struck out 11 batters in 4.2IP in an 8-5 Fayetteville win last night.
*FanGraphs: J.D. Davis' changed approach could turn him into a big-time slugger. Maybe don't read this one.
*I feel badly for Chris Davis, who set an MLB record for going 49 ABs without a hit last night. No one is more disappointed than Davis.
*The wild world of trust funds for pets.
*A Musical Selection:
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
Good morning everyone we got Shuck'd last night.
The Pirates defeated the Astros yesterday at Minute Maid 5-1 off the back of former Astros great J.B. Shuck's 1/2 with 1 RBI night. Colin Moran was there too. Notes:
Springer 1/2, Solo HR
Tanielu: 1/2
Stassi: 1/2
Those were all our hits.
Bukauskas: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
Martin: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO
Carlos Correa may miss the season opener with a sore neck :/
Here is the Opening Day FAQ for tomorrow's game.
The SI preview not only gives some predictions, but also gives out some awards like "Most overrated", "biggest bust potential", and "the one guy you want up in a clutch moment"
Here are the four most burning questions Astros have going into the season besides when Cionel Perez will get called back up.
The Astros unveiled their new Hall of Fame exhibit. Are there too many players that were put there?
Nick Tanielu is #good.
Tony Kemp looks to make the most out of his first Opening Day roster spot opportunity.
Jake Marisnick and Tyler White went undercover at an Academy store to mess with the shoppers there and make us, the target audience, laugh at their quirky one-liners.
The Astros end-of-season Open Forum is available for you to participate in about the Astros Spring Training performances.
Matt Young from the Chron has put together the contract situations that will need to be addressed in the 2019 offseason.
George Springer plans on heckling Charlie Morton tomorrow.
PSA: Backpacks will not be allowed in Minute Maid anymore, but some bags will still be allowed in the building.
The Astros top 30 prospects of 2019 are up on the Crawfish Boxes.
Deep fried Cadbury's Creme Eggs are starting to pop up because of course they are.
A guy armed with a bow and arrow (for real) nearly killed a man if it wasn't for his smartphone.
The Pirates defeated the Astros yesterday at Minute Maid 5-1 off the back of former Astros great J.B. Shuck's 1/2 with 1 RBI night. Colin Moran was there too. Notes:
Springer 1/2, Solo HR
Tanielu: 1/2
Stassi: 1/2
Those were all our hits.
Bukauskas: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
Martin: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO
Carlos Correa may miss the season opener with a sore neck :/
Here is the Opening Day FAQ for tomorrow's game.
The SI preview not only gives some predictions, but also gives out some awards like "Most overrated", "biggest bust potential", and "the one guy you want up in a clutch moment"
Here are the four most burning questions Astros have going into the season besides when Cionel Perez will get called back up.
The Astros unveiled their new Hall of Fame exhibit. Are there too many players that were put there?
Nick Tanielu is #good.
Tony Kemp looks to make the most out of his first Opening Day roster spot opportunity.
Jake Marisnick and Tyler White went undercover at an Academy store to mess with the shoppers there and make us, the target audience, laugh at their quirky one-liners.
The Astros end-of-season Open Forum is available for you to participate in about the Astros Spring Training performances.
Matt Young from the Chron has put together the contract situations that will need to be addressed in the 2019 offseason.
George Springer plans on heckling Charlie Morton tomorrow.
PSA: Backpacks will not be allowed in Minute Maid anymore, but some bags will still be allowed in the building.
The Astros top 30 prospects of 2019 are up on the Crawfish Boxes.
Deep fried Cadbury's Creme Eggs are starting to pop up because of course they are.
A guy armed with a bow and arrow (for real) nearly killed a man if it wasn't for his smartphone.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Monday Morning Hot Links
I hope everyone enjoyed their March Madness weekend as much as I did. Purdue is in the Sweet 16. Life is good.
Oh yeah, and baseball is on in three days. No big deal.
Astros played their last Spring Training game in Florida yesterday. Notes:
Marisnick: 2/4, Solo HR
Toro: 1/1, 2 RBIs
Tanielu: 2/4, 2 R
Stassi: 2/3, RBI
Cole: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO
And the rest of the numbers...
Chandler Rome wraps up his final thoughts on the 2019 Opening Day roster.
Verlander believes his new deal is part of the new wave of baseball contracts, for the better.
Josh Reddick hurt his back putting on his sock, which is sadly pretty relatable.
The first MLB Power Ranking dropped, and the Astros are pretty high up there.
New Lima Time Time Podcast released a couple of days ago, so go listen to that.
Houston Astros Legend Erik Kratz just joined his 8th different baseball team in 9 years.
A 15 year old lacrosse player can't play lacrosse because his skull is too massive for the helmet. Poor guy.
This koala wouldn't get out of this air conditioned car because it was so hot outside.
Oh yeah, and baseball is on in three days. No big deal.
Astros played their last Spring Training game in Florida yesterday. Notes:
Marisnick: 2/4, Solo HR
Toro: 1/1, 2 RBIs
Tanielu: 2/4, 2 R
Stassi: 2/3, RBI
Cole: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO
And the rest of the numbers...
Chandler Rome wraps up his final thoughts on the 2019 Opening Day roster.
Verlander believes his new deal is part of the new wave of baseball contracts, for the better.
Josh Reddick hurt his back putting on his sock, which is sadly pretty relatable.
The first MLB Power Ranking dropped, and the Astros are pretty high up there.
New Lima Time Time Podcast released a couple of days ago, so go listen to that.
Houston Astros Legend Erik Kratz just joined his 8th different baseball team in 9 years.
A 15 year old lacrosse player can't play lacrosse because his skull is too massive for the helmet. Poor guy.
This koala wouldn't get out of this air conditioned car because it was so hot outside.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Friday Morning Hot Links
We have now reached the point where nobody I know or follow on Twitter is even mentioning Spring Training so it feels like mid-January again.
Speaking of Spring Training, the Astros defeated the Marlins yesterday 4-1. Notes:
Stassi 2-2, RBI, BB
Kemp 0-1, 2 BB, SB
Verlander 3.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
Martin 2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
Buster Olney has reported this morning that the Astros offered Maldonado a 2-year contract earlier this offseason.
JV is experimenting with a changeup for 2019.
The Astros giveaway days have been announced.
Ken Rosenthal has reported the Astros have offered Dallas Keuchel both a 1-year and 2-year deal, but Keuchel and Boras don't like the money.
Josh Reddick plays first base now?
Jose Altuve is taking some time off due to "side soreness" and is considered day to day.
Cionel Perez threw his first batting practice of the Spring.
A handicapped man held onto the back of a semi-truck on the highway to get somewhere in a quick and efficient manner.
Wisconsin is having a normal one.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1930, Babe Ruth signed a 2 year, $130,000 contract. The Yankees GM at the time, Ed Barrow, said "no one will ever be paid more."
Speaking of Spring Training, the Astros defeated the Marlins yesterday 4-1. Notes:
Stassi 2-2, RBI, BB
Kemp 0-1, 2 BB, SB
Verlander 3.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
Martin 2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
Buster Olney has reported this morning that the Astros offered Maldonado a 2-year contract earlier this offseason.
JV is experimenting with a changeup for 2019.
The Astros giveaway days have been announced.
Ken Rosenthal has reported the Astros have offered Dallas Keuchel both a 1-year and 2-year deal, but Keuchel and Boras don't like the money.
Josh Reddick plays first base now?
Jose Altuve is taking some time off due to "side soreness" and is considered day to day.
Cionel Perez threw his first batting practice of the Spring.
A handicapped man held onto the back of a semi-truck on the highway to get somewhere in a quick and efficient manner.
Wisconsin is having a normal one.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1930, Babe Ruth signed a 2 year, $130,000 contract. The Yankees GM at the time, Ed Barrow, said "no one will ever be paid more."
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Thursday Morning Hot Links
Good morning. It is 20 days until Pitchers & Catchers Report.
*The BatGuy wrote about Hall of Fame voting.
*The Astros feat. Max Stassi, Myles Straw, and Corbin Martin took ten kids on a shopping spree at Academy in Corpus.
*Stassi talked about the Astros' adding Robinson Chirinos and the mindset going into 2019:
The offseason was obviously 10 days longer, but the guys are hungry as ever and ready to roll for this upcoming season. It drives you a lot and you are obviously disappointed when you didn't win the whole thing, but ultimately guys are going to have the same mindset as they did last year.
*Josh Reddick got married and stayed extremely On Brand by wearing customized wrestling belts.
*Trent Thornton, traded to Toronto for Aledmys Diaz in November, didn't know he was talking to the Blue Jays' GM when he got the call. Also:
In the back of your mind when you're with an organization like [Houston] you kind of wish you'll get traded because it's so log-jammed.
*J.D. Davis, on going to Spring Training with the Mets:
[I'll be] trying to outwork everybody, and trying to take those extra swings in the cage, those extra reps on the field, doing work in the gym. I feel like if I get the opportunity...I will start turning some heads. I have absolutely all the confidence in the world in myself.
*Former Astros Great Chris Johnson, now somehow only 34, signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox.
*Tim Brown: Rather than declaring war on baseball, here's how to fix it.
*
*A Musical Selection:
*The BatGuy wrote about Hall of Fame voting.
*The Astros feat. Max Stassi, Myles Straw, and Corbin Martin took ten kids on a shopping spree at Academy in Corpus.
*Stassi talked about the Astros' adding Robinson Chirinos and the mindset going into 2019:
The offseason was obviously 10 days longer, but the guys are hungry as ever and ready to roll for this upcoming season. It drives you a lot and you are obviously disappointed when you didn't win the whole thing, but ultimately guys are going to have the same mindset as they did last year.
*Josh Reddick got married and stayed extremely On Brand by wearing customized wrestling belts.
*Trent Thornton, traded to Toronto for Aledmys Diaz in November, didn't know he was talking to the Blue Jays' GM when he got the call. Also:
In the back of your mind when you're with an organization like [Houston] you kind of wish you'll get traded because it's so log-jammed.
*J.D. Davis, on going to Spring Training with the Mets:
[I'll be] trying to outwork everybody, and trying to take those extra swings in the cage, those extra reps on the field, doing work in the gym. I feel like if I get the opportunity...I will start turning some heads. I have absolutely all the confidence in the world in myself.
*Former Astros Great Chris Johnson, now somehow only 34, signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox.
*Tim Brown: Rather than declaring war on baseball, here's how to fix it.
*
*To save the sound of a Stradivarius, a whole city must keep quiet.An MLB Network oral history: Roy Halladay's 2010 NLDS no-hitter for the @Phillies. #HOF2019 pic.twitter.com/daXtXdffJh— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 22, 2019
*A Musical Selection:
Friday, December 28, 2018
Friday Morning Hot Links
I'm not entirely sure how accurate this is, but this might be the first ever Astros County blog post to ever have been posted from our nation's capital. I just woke up from a pleasant afternoon nap that eradicated this wicked headache that I was battling all afternoon, so for the first time today I feel physically ready to break the news to you that the Astros did not sign Nelson Cruz. Yayyyyyy..
But don't worry folks, not are the Hot Links are this dreadfully sad. I got some good ones to bring to you too!
While we're talking about Astros offseason moves, Climbing Tal's Hill published a piece grading the Astros moves so far. Since there aren't a whole lot of Hot Links again today, I might as well also write an actual opinion piece which is something I think I was brought onto the team in the first place for (please also keep in mind I am a biased idiot).
Robinson Chirinos - Chirinos is the old man, no-average, high power, strong-armed catcher we were hoping 2018 Brian McCann would end up being. While I don't mind the signing, I hope it's more of a fallback plan in case the Max Stassi Experiment flops in 2019 because he is the main catcher that I want to see. I think I got officially burnt out on nausea-inducing BABIP scores in 2015 so when I see Chirinos' stat line, it makes me sad. Nevertheless, I don't mind the signing and I personally don't mind riding with Stassi instead of trading for Realmuto or shelling out cash for a Grandal. Grade: B
Aledmys Diaz - This one sucks a little bit because I don't even want to think about having to replace my favorite Houston Astro of all time, but I have to. This trade pretty much solidified that Houston's Hero is not coming back. However, we got Diaz for what I understand to be a steal. I'm no prospect man, but the guy we traded has a career minor league ERA of 4.23, so I don't mind this deal at all either. His consistent statistical numbers are eerily similar to Marwin's and he can play multiple positions, which takes away the pain a little bit and it makes me honestly okay with what has transpired this offseason. Although when I saw him in Toronto this summer he ONLY went 1-3 so he's gonna have to do a lot more to firmly woo this old codger over to his side. Marwin if you're reading this please come back. Grade: B+
Michael Brantley - As yes, The Big One. Our cornerstone move of the 2018-2019 offseason. We all know what this guy is all about. Can't stay healthy but when he does he is an All-Star. Decided not to spend money and take a risk with the new outfielder. All that. I like the signing. Again, this is a signing I like. I don't like his unhealthy past per se but looking at it from a wider scope the good free agent outfielders save Bryce Harper are quite injury-riddled (Brantley, Pollock, CarGo etc). I mean, you could have gone McCutchen in theory but are you going to pay Cutch 3 yrs. 50 Mil or Brantley for 2-32? This signing also makes me think of the Charlie Morton contract. "but he can't stay healthy" "but he's in the back end of his career!" they said. Obviously these two situations are completely independent of each other, but I have decided to completely disregard trades for injury purposes thanks to the fact he might, you know, stay healthy. This is an upgrade, and he is better than Kemp, Tucker (for now), and Marisnick. It isn't flashy, but it should get the job done and ease Tucker into the position. Grade: A
Packaging all three moves into one overarching theme, it seems as if he are replacing players and not necessarily upgrading the positions but maintaining them. We replaced McCann with McCann 2 (didn't get better), we replaced Marwin with Marwin 2 (didn't get better), and we replaced Marwin/Kemp/Jake with Michael Brantley (better). Will this be good enough? Honestly, I have no idea. It was in 2017 and not in 2018. Only time will tell and it isn't over yet. Still plenty of time for moves.
Oh yeah, Hot Links.
Hey speaking of the outfield situation, CTH also did a thing about that!
FanGraphs dropped their 2019 Steamer projections for the Houston Astros baseball club.
Is Dallas Keuchel the starting pitcher signing to make?
Or is it a man by the name of Marcus Stroman?
I would have never thought we would see the day, but MULTIPLE bloggers like Tony Sipp and want them on their teams?
HOF BALLOT UPDATE: There are 8 players who have put on a Houston Astros uniform on the ballot this year. 0 of them are in with 29% reporting but Clemens is currently sitting at a 73.7%.
If you are looking for some deep reading and like The Future, @AstrosFuture has composed many Astros MiLB reviews available for your viewing pleasure. I'll start you off on the starting pitchers but the rest can be found in the article.
Here it is. The annual "somebody won the lottery but some idiot is going to forget to cash it in" article.
THIS MAN HAS STREAKED AT 568 EVENTS IN HIS LIFE AND STILL IS ALLOWED TO WATCH SPORTS IN STADIUMS.
But don't worry folks, not are the Hot Links are this dreadfully sad. I got some good ones to bring to you too!
While we're talking about Astros offseason moves, Climbing Tal's Hill published a piece grading the Astros moves so far. Since there aren't a whole lot of Hot Links again today, I might as well also write an actual opinion piece which is something I think I was brought onto the team in the first place for (please also keep in mind I am a biased idiot).
Robinson Chirinos - Chirinos is the old man, no-average, high power, strong-armed catcher we were hoping 2018 Brian McCann would end up being. While I don't mind the signing, I hope it's more of a fallback plan in case the Max Stassi Experiment flops in 2019 because he is the main catcher that I want to see. I think I got officially burnt out on nausea-inducing BABIP scores in 2015 so when I see Chirinos' stat line, it makes me sad. Nevertheless, I don't mind the signing and I personally don't mind riding with Stassi instead of trading for Realmuto or shelling out cash for a Grandal. Grade: B
Aledmys Diaz - This one sucks a little bit because I don't even want to think about having to replace my favorite Houston Astro of all time, but I have to. This trade pretty much solidified that Houston's Hero is not coming back. However, we got Diaz for what I understand to be a steal. I'm no prospect man, but the guy we traded has a career minor league ERA of 4.23, so I don't mind this deal at all either. His consistent statistical numbers are eerily similar to Marwin's and he can play multiple positions, which takes away the pain a little bit and it makes me honestly okay with what has transpired this offseason. Although when I saw him in Toronto this summer he ONLY went 1-3 so he's gonna have to do a lot more to firmly woo this old codger over to his side. Marwin if you're reading this please come back. Grade: B+
Michael Brantley - As yes, The Big One. Our cornerstone move of the 2018-2019 offseason. We all know what this guy is all about. Can't stay healthy but when he does he is an All-Star. Decided not to spend money and take a risk with the new outfielder. All that. I like the signing. Again, this is a signing I like. I don't like his unhealthy past per se but looking at it from a wider scope the good free agent outfielders save Bryce Harper are quite injury-riddled (Brantley, Pollock, CarGo etc). I mean, you could have gone McCutchen in theory but are you going to pay Cutch 3 yrs. 50 Mil or Brantley for 2-32? This signing also makes me think of the Charlie Morton contract. "but he can't stay healthy" "but he's in the back end of his career!" they said. Obviously these two situations are completely independent of each other, but I have decided to completely disregard trades for injury purposes thanks to the fact he might, you know, stay healthy. This is an upgrade, and he is better than Kemp, Tucker (for now), and Marisnick. It isn't flashy, but it should get the job done and ease Tucker into the position. Grade: A
Packaging all three moves into one overarching theme, it seems as if he are replacing players and not necessarily upgrading the positions but maintaining them. We replaced McCann with McCann 2 (didn't get better), we replaced Marwin with Marwin 2 (didn't get better), and we replaced Marwin/Kemp/Jake with Michael Brantley (better). Will this be good enough? Honestly, I have no idea. It was in 2017 and not in 2018. Only time will tell and it isn't over yet. Still plenty of time for moves.
Oh yeah, Hot Links.
Hey speaking of the outfield situation, CTH also did a thing about that!
FanGraphs dropped their 2019 Steamer projections for the Houston Astros baseball club.
Is Dallas Keuchel the starting pitcher signing to make?
Or is it a man by the name of Marcus Stroman?
I would have never thought we would see the day, but MULTIPLE bloggers like Tony Sipp and want them on their teams?
HOF BALLOT UPDATE: There are 8 players who have put on a Houston Astros uniform on the ballot this year. 0 of them are in with 29% reporting but Clemens is currently sitting at a 73.7%.
If you are looking for some deep reading and like The Future, @AstrosFuture has composed many Astros MiLB reviews available for your viewing pleasure. I'll start you off on the starting pitchers but the rest can be found in the article.
Here it is. The annual "somebody won the lottery but some idiot is going to forget to cash it in" article.
THIS MAN HAS STREAKED AT 568 EVENTS IN HIS LIFE AND STILL IS ALLOWED TO WATCH SPORTS IN STADIUMS.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Friday Morning Hot Links
This week has been the longest year of my life.
*Nate Eovaldi is from got dang Alvin. He went to Alvin High School. He throws hard. The Red Sox re-signed him yesterday.
*Brian T. Smith says it's a little early to be worried about the Astros' off-season.
*The three teams in serious discussions for Paul Goldschmidt were the Astros, Rays, and Cardinals, according to this Phoenix Sports Radio guy.
*Rum Bunter says the Astros are interested in Pittsburgh catcher Francisco Cervelli, and they would like Cionel Perez in return.
*I'm just going to give you the opening line - word-for-word - of this glorified press release:
LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) - Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer, shortstop for the Houston Astros is hosting free clinics in our area.
According to a post from the Robeson County Government Facebook page, the MLB player will be hosting free clinics with the Robeson County Parks and Rec. for boys and girls ages 7-12 on December 8 and 9.
*Ex-Marlins president David Samson said the Padres kept real and fake medical files on players. Samson:
The Padres lied. They had an entire medical file on a player and didn't disclose it. Two sets of medical records is what they had. [Padres GM and former Rangers Assistant GM] A.J. Preller shouldn't be allowed in the game. It's beyond comprehension that he's still working. They did it to the Red Sox. There are a lot of things you mess with, but you don't mess with that.
Man. When David Samson says you're unethical, you are officially at Rock Bottom.
*Kyler Murray still plans to play for the A's next year.
*Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo, both of whom played with the Astros at some point in their careers, were killed in a car wreck inthe Dominican Republic Venezuela last night. RIP.
*Drew Magary on Anthony Bourdain: The last curious man.
*A Musical Selection:
*Maybe it's posturing for the Criminal Enterprise known as the Miami Marlins, but the Astros are fully prepared to head into 2019 with a combo of Robinson Chirinos and Max Stassi.
Maybe not, though, says Brian McTaggart. Luhnow:
We certainly feel good about going into the season with Stassi and Chirinos as our catchers. We've got [Garrett] Stubbs in the minor league and other players as well. It doesn't mean we won't take advantage of the opportunity if one presents itself as a way to get better, but right now we feel comfortable with the group we have.
As far as what else is on the agenda for the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas starting on Sunday, Luhnow:
We're still evaluating different ways to improve the team, but starting pitcher is one of the areas where we're looking at, maybe an arm to the bullpen and also another bat for the lineup. Those are the three avenues we're exploring.
So, to recap, the Astros are willing to explore upgrading at catcher, rotation, bullpen, and offense. Tight focus, there.
*Typical Astros said they were maybe kinda sorta in on some free agent deals:
Luhnow wouldn't say if the Astros were in on Goldschmidt or Eovaldi, but said: "We have been involved in conversations with players that have signed or been traded."— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) December 6, 2018
*Nate Eovaldi is from got dang Alvin. He went to Alvin High School. He throws hard. The Red Sox re-signed him yesterday.
*Brian T. Smith says it's a little early to be worried about the Astros' off-season.
*The three teams in serious discussions for Paul Goldschmidt were the Astros, Rays, and Cardinals, according to this Phoenix Sports Radio guy.
*Rum Bunter says the Astros are interested in Pittsburgh catcher Francisco Cervelli, and they would like Cionel Perez in return.
*I'm just going to give you the opening line - word-for-word - of this glorified press release:
LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) - Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer, shortstop for the Houston Astros is hosting free clinics in our area.
According to a post from the Robeson County Government Facebook page, the MLB player will be hosting free clinics with the Robeson County Parks and Rec. for boys and girls ages 7-12 on December 8 and 9.
— Calhoun (@linkcalhoun) December 6, 2018
*Ex-Marlins president David Samson said the Padres kept real and fake medical files on players. Samson:
The Padres lied. They had an entire medical file on a player and didn't disclose it. Two sets of medical records is what they had. [Padres GM and former Rangers Assistant GM] A.J. Preller shouldn't be allowed in the game. It's beyond comprehension that he's still working. They did it to the Red Sox. There are a lot of things you mess with, but you don't mess with that.
Man. When David Samson says you're unethical, you are officially at Rock Bottom.
*Kyler Murray still plans to play for the A's next year.
*Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo, both of whom played with the Astros at some point in their careers, were killed in a car wreck in
*Drew Magary on Anthony Bourdain: The last curious man.
*A Musical Selection:
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