Hmmm. It like the Astros knew something when they let Correa and Springer go. Those injuries start to pile up. Springer has been healthier this season, but we know that he a history.
Castro returning and playing decent was such a nice surprise last season but he's been miserable this year.
Normally, yes... but this year the division is especially putrid and now the Angels are going to have their usual injuries that puts them in a deeper hole. The A's are also on a long losing streak. The Rangers are still at least 2 years away from needing to be taken seriously. The Mariners seem built to compete/challenge the Astros... but they're awful against everybody else. They probably do have a heightened sense of urgency/desire in these head to head games, but its a common mark of a young (or poorly managed) team that they lose focus against other less exciting opponents. The good thing is, the Astros should have plenty of flexibility to withstand injury or a prolonged slump (which will happen at some point... as its happened every year during the "golden era"), and hopefully will be able to rest JV more heading into possible post-season games.
Him doing well last year was the surprise. The only surprise this year is that he's not only bad , but he's probably been the worst player in MLB.
I had thought the Mariners were the biggest long term concern. Their problem is that they might not have enough veterans. They really needed both Rodriguez and Kelenic to hit big. Kelenic still has time, but with Pena looking great and Alvarez's extension, Astros may have better talent throughout Rodriguez's club control years. Angels really need to be good this year or next as they just have more money devoted to worse players going forward with a significantly weaker farm than the Astros. A's...no money, limited MLB talent left, and a mediocre farm is not a good combination. Rangers...they have a lot of guys in the minors that might be good, but already have half a billion dollars tied up in two guys that are barely outplaying Siri and McCormick. They are probably a good wild card threat going forward along with Seattle. Like Seattle, they need some serious luck or Astros to fall apart.
I think there was an agreement between Astros (and maybe Rangers) with some of the West Coast AL West teams about start times for certain games on travel days beyond MLB requirements. The travel sucks for the Mariners, and this early time will likely get them in Seattle at a reasonable time tonight so the players can actually enjoy an off day at home.
Right, but it's like "sure it's a travel day, we'll let you get home early...but not toooo early" Wonder how midweek 1PM starts stack up against this attendance wise.
But why not 1 pm start time then? I went to the last 1 pm start, which was a Verlander start. Crowd was just as big as any Tuesday or Wednesday evening game. 5:40 start sucks because downtown streets are a parking lot between 4 pm and 6 pm.
Maybe instead of driving, they’ll all leave work and walk/go to the game! im sure that was suggested at some point as to how inexplicable 5:40 mid week start times could work…
