I have not seen any compelling explanation for why close game performance over a 60 game sample can be reasonably attributed to some “clutch” factor rather than luck. If you are going to attribute it to some kind of “clutch” performance, it would have to lay at the manager’s feet, because the vast majority of players have played well in clutch situations in the past, and I don’t know how you can quantify managerial performance in that area, especially over such a small sample.
The season is getting short really fast. Ownership/management needs to decide really fast if they want to win or punt. Win means: 1) make the roster as ideal as possible 2) play the players with the best chance to succeed specific to the matchup/situation. 3) Do not risk any SP by requiring too many pitches or innings. With Javier and Urquidy out, the options are awful until Garcia and/or Lance are ready. 4) make some kind of transaction that energizes the team and fanbase, like 2017 Verlander, 2019 Grienke, etc. Punt means: 1) resolve the Bregman situation by trade, extension, or decide QO is best. 2) trade anyone who is not expected to be a positive in 2025. 3) give extensive playing time to any young player that could help in 2025 but is still unproven. 4) do as much as possible to settle 1b and 3b for 2025.
16-31 against everyone except the A's and Rockies More blown saves than saves this season About to break the record for games in a row only scoring in 1 inning About to get swept by the team you're chasing for 1st place This thread is getting harder and harder to justify....and I'm the one who started it.
...situations have changed. First time for the following, and they are struggling to adjust: Bregman in a contract year Diaz as a full-time starter Pressly with a demotion but pressing to show he should have his old job Espada as the primary decision-maker Framber without his security blanket
You make your own luck, and unfortunately the Astros have decided to create bad luck. Just perfect that they go out and do that in a year where everyone else in the division is either mid or ass.
Ok, I spent weeks being Mr Optimistic in arguments on here about giving up on the season If we lose today Don't just push that button, slam it
Something about Showalter has always rubbed me the wrong way, no clue what it is but I can't stand that dude. I wish we would have jumped on Craig Councill, the Cubs jumped quick after him. Love me some Joe Maddon
Okay, well....back on topic. It seemed like the world was coming to an end 4 hours ago, but the net change in the standings from this horrible series is only 2 games.
Whatever - they are dabbling too much. They need a definitive run to get over .500% and then push for the division. They really should have won 3/4 from Mariners and didn’t take care of business. They took care of business to avoid an obituary in the Chronicle tomorrow morning. It is clear some of this “bad luck” in high leverage situations and the record has started to get to them - they are expecting something to go wrong late in close games. Doesn’t mean it will still be there if they start playing better. Sample size is the Astros fans - they shouldn’t keep having bad luck, but it can happen. The Rangers several times over the last decade had extreme records in one run or come from behind games. Could be the Astros keep this up - we will see. The Javier and Urquidy injuries are bad news, especially Javier, who was very good when healthy. We dodged a bullet with Valdez - probably won’t with Javier. The first basemen situation still looms large and unnecessarily.
"Playoff rotation" He didn't say that it was a World Series rotation. He is right - it is good enough to get to the playoffs. FWIW The Astros are being aggressive looking at pitching, all types of pitching. The problem is that right now 5-6 teams are talking to the same 5-6 teams that the Astros are - and mostly about the same players. The Mariners are being VERY aggressive, as they think they can win the division and more. Right now the run differential between the Astros and Mariners is not very big. As for the Astros - they have spoken to the Mets about Sean Manaea and (interestingly enough) JD Martinez. They have also spoken to the White Sox about Kopech.... the Angels about Matt Moore.... Giants about Luke Jackson and Rogers (wasn't clear which Rogers).....
Ugh. This makes me sick. They are emboldened by their record against us. I hate that we're not HAMMERING everyone in our division head to head like we normally do. We're giving them hope.
