I'm so ridiculously biased, but it was far and away the most interesting and fun playoff run in any sport I've ever witnessed. I've told this story before, but I woke up the morning after they won that second title, and my dad was in the bathroom down the hall shaving. He said, "I'm so glad we won, but I'm so sad it's over, because I'm not sure I'll ever see anything like that ever again in pro sports."
So other than Stros win, the absolute best outcome would be rooting for the following in order: Angels win over Arlington. Toronto loss to Yankees. Arizona win over White Sox. Mets win over Marlins. Cleveland win over Cincinnati. A's win over Twins.
Good point... Is schadenfreude of the misfortune of bad vibes by the success of good vibes considered good vibes?
Pretty much. Would be nice if Arizona had nothing to play for by the weekend. I think we need to be watching Toronto more than any other team. I've given up on the division - we've pretty much giftwrapped that to arlington, but it would be nice to catch Toronto while at the same time creating more space between us and Seattle.
For the record, I came up with the I Still Believe sax man bit back in 2017 during the ALCS and have used it almost every year when the chips were down. Not trying to be an ownership snob, there is enough sax man for everybody, and we need him badly. https://bbs.clutchfans.net/threads/...-houston-astros.285664/page-286#post-11370783
I'm torn on the catching Toronto. Not scared by Minnesota, but they are overdue for some good playoff luck and a series win, and Tampa Bay's injuries may finally be catching up to them.
Actually more than just Arizona not having anything to play for but setting up their rotation for the WC with only 1 off day and possibly resting regulars
Good point. On the surface, the twins would be an easier matchup but they've had their way with us this year.
I never play the "would rather face this team than that team" game in the playoffs, that tends to find a way bite you in the azz. I would rather have a bye than not have one, then just let the opponents fall where they may, and fight the fight.
Maybe it’s just because I’m older but I’m neither panicking or overly hopeful about this team. What is will be what is.
I mean, ok? Will my life end if we lose today? No. will it be an appropriate end to a pretty miserable season? do I want to lose and miss the playoffs or do anything other than win a WS? hell no. these opportunities with a WS caliber team are so fleeting, to flush one down the drain is just awful.