Astros World Series

[WhyNotaSooner]

Congrats to the team as they head to the ALCS for the first time since 2005. They'll either play the Indians or Yankees next.

Astros are 1-6 in regular season games this year against the Indians.
Astros are 6-2 in regular season games this year against the Yankees.

 

[CTOkie]

I want Houston to win it all for Houston and its fans and for my late brother, Steve who was a huge baseball fan since childhood and Astros' fan since 1962.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

I'm w/ you CT. My days w/ the Houston baseball team date back to the Colt 45s. I don't remember much but I remember Staub, Wynn, & Morgan. Heck I was even an Astro's buddy in 65-67. I was 11yrs old when the Astros issued to me an Honorary Player's Contract. The year was 1969 and it was for catching a foul ball in the air. Man I've had some great times through the years but haven't celebrated a WS..... yet.
Go Stros.

 

[humblesooner]

These guys are real. It's been fun watching them put this team together the last 2-3 years. Don't know how many remember, but SI had them on the cover a couple of years ago, crowning them the 2017 World Series Champs.
I can remember going to Astros games and the second best hitter in the lineup was batting below .250 (Altuve has always been a hitter).
We went to several games this year where the worst hitter in the lineup was above .250 and they had as many as 5-6 over .300.
No weak spots in the offense.
Reddick, Gonzalez, Gurriel all having career years.
Keuchel is great. Peacock, McCullers, McHugh all showing signs of being very solid pitchers, along with Musgrove, Morton.
Then, in September, they added Verlander with two full years left on his contract.
Go 'Stros.

 

[CTOkie]

Verlander was a great addition, as were veterans Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran last November. McCann has helped the pitching staff immeasurably.
This team still retained its best hitting and pitching prospects (Fischer, Whitley, Bukauskas) and has the money to sign a free agent or two in the offseason.
The team's brain trust is top notch.
And I can't express how glad I am that they sent Boston packing.

 

[owenfieldreams]

This past weekend was a disaster...OU lost, Astros lost to BoSox in 3rd game, Texans lost and J.J. and Marcellus out for the year. Thank God the Stros won game 4.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

The veteran additions have been unreal.
McCann, Reddick, Beltran, and I'm going to throw in Guriel as well. He played for 15 years in Cuba. It's going to be a rare night that a pitcher can make through this lineup over 2 times w/o seeing damage. Pitching is the only weakness I see. Hopefully they'll do well going forward and then add more pitching in the off season.

 

[humblesooner]

The veteran additions have been unreal.
McCann, Reddick, Beltran, and I'm going to throw in Guriel as well. He played for 15 years in Cuba. It's going to be a rare night that a pitcher can make through this lineup over 2 times w/o seeing damage. Pitching is the only weakness I see. Hopefully they'll do well going forward and then add more pitching in the off season.

A little like the Sooners. They will likely need to put up lots of points to win.
Fortunately, they have the lineup (offense) to do it.

 

[PtLavacaSooner]

 

[PtLavacaSooner]

 

[CTOkie]

A new outlook for me as a longtime fan of both the Yankees and Astros.....while I will be for the Yankees, it will be no disappointment for me if the Astros make it to the World Series.
One team (Yankees) exceeded my expectations. The other (Astros) lived up to my expectations.

 

[PtLavacaSooner]

A new outlook for me as a longtime fan of both the Yankees and Astros.....while I will be for the Yankees, it will be no disappointment for me if the Astros make it to the World Series.
One team (Yankees) exceeded my expectations. The other (Astros) lived up to my expectations.

I didn't expect the Yankees in the playoffs this year, so I'm with you there...

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

A new outlook for me as a longtime fan of both the Yankees and Astros.....while I will be for the Yankees, it will be no disappointment for me if the Astros make it to the World Series.
One team (Yankees) exceeded my expectations. The other (Astros) lived up to my expectations.

The Yankees made some great trades and moves before the trade deadline. It has paid off big time. Looking forward to the series. I think it'll be an exciting series and it'll take the Astros all 7 seven games to finally win.

 

[CTOkie]

The Yankees may not have Robertson and Chapman for game one, so the Astros may benefit....along with the home cooking.

 

[humblesooner]

The Yankees made some great trades and moves before the trade deadline. It has paid off big time. Looking forward to the series. I think it'll be an exciting series and it'll take the Astros all 7 seven games to finally win.

I think if it goes 7, the Astros lose. They are very young and have not faced adversity a lot. I'm afraid if they can't win in 5 (maybe 6), doubt will begin to creep in. And I'm not convinced they won't be mirroring their manager. I think if winning comes down to Hinch making the right decisions, you just might see the Yankees in the WS.
The only positive I can say about Hinch is, he played a lot of players this year because he wanted to, not because of necessity. Had he not done that, we might never have seen how good Marwin really can be at the plate (or in the field). Same with Marisnick. When he was batting below .200, he was getting 4 at bats a week, then getting the bench because his average wasn't good. Marisnick did get playing time due to injuries, so Hinch doesn't really even get credit for that one.
He has made a lot of questionable calls throughout the year and I think the Astros won in spite of him, not because of him.

 

[humblesooner]

One advantage the Astros will have is, Keuchel and Verlander go in game 1 and 2 and can come back in games 5 and 6 on full rest.
While the Yankess will likely have a #3 pitcher going tomorrow night. For Robertson/Chapman to get more than one start, they will likely be going on short rest, while the Astros will have the luxury of full rest for their top 2 (if Hinch doesn't panic).

 

[hOUston...]

This past weekend was a disaster...OU lost, Astros lost to BoSox in 3rd game, Texans lost and J.J. and Marcellus out for the year. Thank God the Stros won game 4.

All the above and my remediation contractor's excuses for providing proof of loss. The past few years have been "next year" things will be better. One day does not make a year but losing to ISU did not improve my disposition. I do not want to have to listen to my UT friends after this weekend.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

I believe this is the most talented team Houston has ever fielded. It's also very deep. I also believe they recognize how talented they are. This is a team that is not over confident but is also very lose. They all have been successful in that they've been high picks etc. Add to this, the veterans that have been added. These veterans have past playoff experiences that I think will pay off. The only issue I see is the pitching. They've experienced a tremendous amount of injuries and I'm nt sure they are completely healed yet. Time will tell.

 

[PtLavacaSooner]

Yankees in 6...

 

[CTOkie]

Except for Robertson and Chapman in the pen and Severino starting, the Astros have the advantage at every position.
Reddick in RF can't match Judge's 52 homers, but at least he's hitting well right now in isn't a strikeout "black hole" like Judge.
Sanchez is a great hitting catcher, but McCann is a clutch performer who can handle pitchers well.
As a Yankees' fan (and also an Astros' fan) I see this as a David and Goliath matchup. A great Astros team against a Yankees team that exceeded all expectations and is still rebuilding on the fly.
And the both the Yankees and Astros still have loaded farm systems.

 

[iasooner1]

When I was a Stro I think we were NL team. I know when I was a cub we were. I'll have to check my rook card to be sure...

 

[humblesooner]

When I was a Stro I think we were NL team. I know when I was a cub we were. I'll have to check my rook card to be sure...

Astros were "blackmailed" in to moving from the NL to the AL in 2013 to even out the number of teams in each league.
Drayton McLane decided to sell the team and Jim Crane wanted to buy them.
Problem is, Jim Crane had a business discrimination skeleton in his closet.
In order for Crane to be approved to purchase the team, Commissioner Bud demanded that he agree to move to the AL to balance the leagues. After 50 years as an NL team, Commissioner Bud decided it made more sense to force the Astros to move, rather than move his own Brewers BACK to the AL (previously moved for the AL to the NL) or move the Expos to the AL when they became the Nationals or move one of the newest teams (Diamondbacks or Rockies) who were clearly more suited for being a West Division Team.
The Hypocrisy of the situation is, moving the Astros to the AL West did not change the the discrimination issue, which Bud was going to use to deny his ownership.
Jim Crane, knowing he had a business opportunity on his hands, agreed to the change, with a stipulation of his own.
He wanted a discount on the team. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think the actual purchase price was about $25 Million less THAN HAD ALREADY BEEN AGREED ON. MLB ended up paying about $10 Million and Poor old Drayton McLane was out the rest.
I can't believe DM didn't sue the pants off Bud and MLB. It cost him $15 Million because Bud wouldn't approve the sale unless the Astros moved to the AL West.
The Astros beating the Yankees and then the Cubs or Dodgers to become World Champions would go a long way to alleviating some of the ire that Astros fans feel over the situation.

 

[iasooner1]

Thanks humble; I know I probably should have researched that but was too lazy. As everyone can see I'm no pro on MLB ball but do have 'my name' on at least two teams baseball cards...

 

[CTOkie]

Astros were "blackmailed" in to moving from the NL to the AL in 2013 to even out the number of teams in each league.
Drayton McLane decided to sell the team and Jim Crane wanted to buy them.
Problem is, Jim Crane had a business discrimination skeleton in his closet.
In order for Crane to be approved to purchase the team, Commissioner Bud demanded that he agree to move to the AL to balance the leagues. After 50 years as an NL team, Commissioner Bud decided it made more sense to force the Astros to move, rather than move his own Brewers BACK to the AL (previously moved for the AL to the NL) or move the Expos to the AL when they became the Nationals or move one of the newest teams (Diamondbacks or Rockies) who were clearly more suited for being a West Division Team.
The Hypocrisy of the situation is, moving the Astros to the AL West did not change the the discrimination issue, which Bud was going to use to deny his ownership.
Jim Crane, knowing he had a business opportunity on his hands, agreed to the change, with a stipulation of his own.
He wanted a discount on the team. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think the actual purchase price was about $25 Million less THAN HAD ALREADY BEEN AGREED ON. MLB ended up paying about $10 Million and Poor old Drayton McLane was out the rest.
I can't believe DM didn't sue the pants off Bud and MLB. It cost him $15 Million because Bud wouldn't approve the sale unless the Astros moved to the AL West.
The Astros beating the Yankees and then the Cubs or Dodgers to become World Champions would go a long way to alleviating some of the ire that Astros fans feel over the situation.

Astros got screwed by MLB in 1969 when they traded Rusty Staub to Montreal for 1B Donn Clendenon and OF Jesus Alou. Clendenon refused to play for Harry Walker the manager of the Astros who was said to be a racist. Clendenon then went to the Mets later that summer and was the WS MVP against the Orioles, while pitchers Skip Quinn and Jack Billingham replaced Clendenon in the deal. Billingham spent two so-so years in Houston and then became a mainstay in the Reds' rotation from 1972-77.
As for Bud Selig, there's nothing at all Hall of Fame worthy about this fool and what he did to Houston....and for Milwaukee...was bad. So many bad things happened under his tenure as commissioner. He was booed justifiably at the Cooperstown induction ceremony 4 months ago. I now believe that greatness is no longer required to get into the HOF. As a Yankees fan, I do not believe Steinbrenner should qualify either.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

Game 7... at Minute Maid. I have to give the Yankees the edge in starting pitching and even the bullpen, but Home Field goes to the Astros. Which so far is a big deal as the Yankees have yet to win a game on the road.

I will say that this Astros team is still shy a quality starter and a LH reliever. That's on management. The players themselves have done what needs to be done to win this series.

Go Stros.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

Except for Robertson and Chapman in the pen and Severino starting, the Astros have the advantage at every position.
Reddick in RF can't match Judge's 52 homers, but at least he's hitting well right now in isn't a strikeout "black hole" like Judge.
Sanchez is a great hitting catcher, but McCann is a clutch performer who can handle pitchers well.
As a Yankees' fan (and also an Astros' fan) I see this as a David and Goliath matchup. A great Astros team against a Yankees team that exceeded all expectations and is still rebuilding on the fly.
And the both the Yankees and Astros still have loaded farm systems.

The Yankees added big time at the trade line. Todd Frazier, Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson, & Jaime Garcia. All of which changed the dynamics of the team and each has contributed well since the trade. Not so much for the Astros. GM Jeff Luhnow for whatever reason(s) could not or did not pull the trigger and make moves. He got Liriano who Hinch is scared to death to even pitch. But he did redeem himself with getting Verlander at the latest possible deadline. And if it wasn't for that trade, the Astros wouldn't be playing right now.

 

[CTOkie]

The Astros have two elite starters in Verlander and Keuchel with decent 3-4 starters. The Yankees do not have such a 1-2 punch in their rotation, but do have, on paper, a better bullpen.
As a Yankees fan, I regard this 2017 team as one that has overachieved and one whose future is even brighter given the depth and quality of their farm system and the freed up money from the A-Rod contract which ends this year. If they can sucker some team to take Ellsbury and his obscene contract, it would help....but that would require eating the bulk of the remainder of his contract and adding a prospect or two.
As an Astros fan, this team looks to dominate for years and its farm system is also as good. The core of this team is reminiscent of the Yankees "core four" of Jeter, Rivera, Posada and Pettitte of the early 1990's, which kept the Yankees as a contender covering two decades.
The main and only REAL concern for the Astros is relief pitching. What they currently have is above average, but a consistent everyday shut down closer is needed as well as a topflight lefty. Given the Astros front office smarts, I can't see how plugging these holes will be a problem before next season.

 

[CTOkie]

The Yankees added big time at the trade line. Todd Frazier, Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson, & Jaime Garcia. All of which changed the dynamics of the team and each has contributed well since the trade. Not so much for the Astros. GM Jeff Luhnow for whatever reason(s) could not or did not pull the trigger and make moves. He got Liriano who Hinch is scared to death to even pitch. But he did redeem himself with getting Verlander at the latest possible deadline. And if it wasn't for that trade, the Astros wouldn't be playing right now.

Agree.
The Liriano deal was a head scratcher. What I read was that Houston liked his numbers against lefty hitters and he would thus be a lefty specialist. Bottom line: I don't want him on this team next year. The Astros should aim higher in getting lefty relievers....a lot higher.
The trade with the Chisox getting Frazier, Robertson and Kahnle was huge and it helped compensate for the sudden meltdown by Betances, who can no longer throw strikes. Frazier's presence also gives the team insurance in case 3B Miguel Andujar needs another year at AAA next year.

 

[humblesooner]

I think if it goes 7, the Astros lose. They are very young and have not faced adversity a lot. I'm afraid if they can't win in 5 (maybe 6), doubt will begin to creep in.

He (Hinch) has made a lot of questionable calls throughout the year and I think the Astros won in spite of him, not because of him.

I'm certainly glad I was wrong about doubt creeping in.
Still feel the same about Hinch.

 

[CTOkie]

If the Astros can win one game in LA, that would be huge coming back for three games at MMP.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

Only two more wins are needed for a WS title. They're playing lights out now defensively. The hitting has come back and Hinch is playing his pitching staff masterfully. Go Stros!

 

[OklaBama]

Hinch is a hometown hero and with a World Series victory “could” dethrone Mike Gundy as Midwest City High School’s king of past Bombers. Well, probably not because unless things have changed since the early nineties, MCHS has had a big Aggie following. I’m rooting for A. J. My boys were 7 years apart and the oldest played with Gundy and the youngest with Hinch. Hinch was by far the better kid. Mike had few friends but that never bothered him. Cale was a great kid, and not saying this because one is a Sooner and the other a Cowboy. Both are very good coaches.