That 1998 team was pretty loaded. They got killed by kevin brown, but offensively I would take that team over this one. Pretty much every one on the team except maybe ausmus could hit.
Even Ausmus collected two hits off Brown in Game 1. The older teams will always be special to me, but I'll have to admit, if I was a Yankees or Red Sox fan, this team would scare the living hell out of me. We're lucky we don't have to face ourselves. I think when all is said and done, this era of Astros baseball will go down as an all-time great team.
Bregman looks like Barry Bonds right now. Not as big a home run threat, but you’re just sure he’s going to get on base any time he gets to the plate.
Despite dropping a 0.61 ERA against the Stros in 1998, Kevin Brown has one of the worst jumps in ERA from regular season to postseason. I think he has third great increase behind Price and Kershaw.
Clevinger knew it and instead of throwing him the 3rd ball and then eventually the 4th ball to walk him, he beaned him. Everything he threw Bregs could get a piece of or had the eye to distinguish what pitch it was. He owned them.
The difference is clutch-ability.. specifically, playoffs. Never would I take the Killer Bees before this squad in October.
I had to refresh my memory https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1998_NLDS2.shtml Statistically, we played about as bad (offensively) vs San Diego as the Indians played against us, except our 98' squad did get one win. .182 / .277 / .248 isn't going to get it done vs any team. Call it clutch ability, call it whatever. These guys (2018 squad) thrive under the pressure/spotlight and produce. I loved the Killer B's, btw.
Is Scott Van Pelt melting? I love Bregman's line about pressure being a privilege. I feel like previous teams really lacked that attitude. Not because they took the postseason for granted, but because they let the pressure become this "other" entity that would take over their thought processes and affect their concentration.
Hecklers seems to be bring out the worst in people, Roberto is minding his own business in the bullpen, dumb irritated guys trash talking about his Mom and Sister who are Women. What is wrong with people. Low Status losers who have a bad life and bad with women. Do this pointless heckling.
Cleveland lost LeBron James not once but twice, Kyrie Irving wanted a trade out of Cleveland. No Superstar wants to sign in Cleveland. The Indians are bad at drafting younger players, there were no other young Hitters in the Middle of their Lineup. Lindor and Ramirez, Brantley are talented, but I guess lack of Talent in the Minors, trying to rely on players with down years. Or hard Throwing Youngsters in the Bullpen. Cleveland ain't a place nobody wants to visit. It's not a place you want to spend time outside. WWE wrestlers even hate Cleveland, Dana Brooke Hey Titus O Neil do want to tour Cleveland, No Thanks. The Miz, Dana Brooke are from Cleveland.
