The Astros had elite pitching and defense most of the year. The bullpen had a FIP higher than their era; but not much. The collapse is largely related to the pen. The offense didn't take off with Lowrie, Gomez and Springer added.. So the team didn't go on a run like the Cubs or Blue Jays. However, if the pen only pitches adequate the last month, the Astros are still in first place. The manager hasn't helped the situation with his handling of the pen or lineups, but this team would struggle with anyone managing if the pen implodes like it has.
Not only do the Rangers now look like the better team but they appear to have better leadership, which can help mental toughness. Even their young players just exude way more confidence as this race has progressed while the Astros have the classic dear in headlights, shell shocked look. There's just no calming influence coming from anywhere in the Astros clubhouse it appears. They come out after each of these games saying they still are in a good place and that they know they are still a "great" team. It appears all that talk is just a bunch of fake confidence to cover up their insecurities and lack of mental toughness but its showing definitely in their play. Rangers are beating them like they stole something.
You can forget the playoffs cause the Astros just don't want it and they sure don't want to win either.
Have you ever seen anything like this, where a serious injury isn't involved? This isn't even worthy of anger anymore, it isn't even sad.... It is embarrassing. You have a manager with no pride, young guys that are glad to be in the big leagues and ****ty veterans.
Yep stupid Hinch should not start him Hinch too dumb Has mental issues maybe Hinch cause Kazmir not pitch gud
Fields??? Losing by 6??? Why not Straily? Save those arms for the next 2 games. Guys, I am sorry, but Hinch makes way to many mistakes. This game is over, but we can win next 2
Even sadder is that we had the hammer in hand, ready to basically put the Rangers away in early August with the Astros up 7 games and the Rangers back 10.5. We lost all 3 games, giving the Rangers new life. Back then people were saying the Rangers were done anyway, that the Astros got this division in the bag already. LOL fast forward almost 2 months and here we are. LOLOL :grin:
