I know it's asking a lot, but I'm more of a fan of the Rockets and Texans...I literally stopped watching over the last 2 months...(sorry)...What are the top reasons in order for the turnaround... Was it the pitching, the acquisitions,...who? Thanks if possible...
The pitching has improved. Adding Wolf stabilized the starting rotation. The bullpen has settled down with Sampson taking over the 6th and 7th. Hawkins has performed beyond anyone's wildest dream and ValVerde has been near perfect. Offensively, they are "slugging" better, though their OBP remains about the same. Erstad had been getting Bourne's at bats (prior to Lee and then Wigginton getting hurt), and that was an offensive improvement. HR-wise, Berkman had slowed down significantly, but Wigginton picked up the slack. Now that Ty has gone down, at least Bourne's OBP has improved. Every day some one is picking up the slack and that has made it a joy to watch. If it's not Castillo, it's Abercrombie, or Saccomanno or Newhan, or Arias. Cooper has become a better manager, because his moves are working.
They haven't pulled anything off yet. But, they are playing some great baseball in the second half of the season. I think we kind of expected them to play better in the second half. They always do. But, to think they could crawl back into the wild card race and actually have a shot...I didn't think that would happen. So, I give them credit. It's unfortunate we had to overcome so much bad baseball in the first half, however. They are the best team in the majors in the second half. They are doing us proud.
this thread's from may (how many wins for the astros this season), i thought there was one from before spring training. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=148493
I definitely gave up on them. I did see them playing better as they usually do late in the season, but not that much better. And I definitely did not see the Brewers struggling this much. And kudos to Wade for picking up Wolf and Hawkins. I didn't expect much from them, but they have helped tremendously.
If you want some high comedy, go back & read the LaTroy Hawkins thread a few pages back. We're all soooo smart, aren't we?
WOW that's a harsh thread! http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=151974 Lucky for me I didn't comment on the whole deal . By then I had already gavin up on them and didn't care what they did at that point LOL.
