Most years, the Astros look better than their record. This year, their record looks better than they do. Not something I am used to.
When in doubt, track record matters. Do you really believe this team is all smoke and mirrors? The one that's made 5 straight ALCS appearances and has on of the most dynamic young starting rotations and dynamic bullpens in baseball? And that's before looking at the stalwarts of JV, Altuve, Bregman who are all capable of good things if healthy. The only thing that can upend this team is another team overachieving (which the Angels are likely doing)... the Astros aren't going to beat themselves.
No. And I meant nothing of the kind. What was meant is most years, where it comes to EXWL, we are usually a few games behind. This year, our actual record is better than the EXWL. https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings/_/view/expanded
The run differential (which is solely responsible for expected win percentage) will certainly regress (or egress?) to reflect this teams true nature. they’ve had a lot of one run games. They’ve been blown out. And they don’t have as many blow out wins thanks to some offense inconsistency. I still think they’re more likely to reflect their record than being a team like Seattle was last year.
Link I think Bob has that bolded part backwards, right? Didn't we think it wouldn't vest if he hit 130 innings (i.e. he's healthy)? Also enjoyed this:
I am pretty sure Verlander’s contract has a 2023 player option that isn’t valid until he has 130 innings pitched. https://www.wxyz.com/sports/justin-verlander-astros-finalize-25-million-one-year-contract
^the emphasis was mine. I think the bats will continue to heat up. If the defense holds up and the pitching **only** regresses to solidly above average, this team is a contender again.
In the postseason it will always come down to pitching. Look at the Braves last year in the WS. I'm confident Click will add another bat at the deadline and I do think our offense will get back to the offense we know and love. If McCullers comes back and is solid like last year and Verlander stays hot, I think our pitching will be set. Next the only thing to watch is how Pena will do in his first postseason experience. We have a fun season in store.
Hah! Edited my post for clarification. If the pitching only regresses from dominant to solidly above average, we're in great shape/ A top 10 pitching staff, top 10 offense and #1 defense and we're going places.
Piss off Jim Crane if you want to, Brian. Might mess around and cause Jim to pull the trigger on a Soto deal just to say eff the Yankees and go and win another one
