I am awed by what these Astros have accomplished and I think we should recognize each of the players for their substantial contribution. Roger, more than anything, you've changed the mindset of this organization and the fans. Before you signed on, we always hoped, sitting nervously with our fingers crossed, but reserving a part of ourselves because we weren't tough enough. Then you put away the pinstripes and donned the shooting star. You are larger than life and give us the edge and confidence that has always been lacking. No matter what happens, thanks. Andy, thanks for wanting it so much. Thanks for being one of us. It's so clear that this means more to you than any of the world series with the Yankees. You don't get the attention that Roger does, but you also carry that mystique. You give us strength in numbers at the top, a depth in quality and character that no other team has. If Roger leads this team with his toughness, you are his lieutenant, giving everyone the assurance of knowing that if Roger doesn't have his best, you can take the ball next. Roy-O, you were blessed with a thunderbolt for an arm and the iron will of a champion. When you dominated Pujols with your high heat in the first inning, you put the team on your rail thin shoulders and said, "I've got this." There are plenty of guys in this league with terrific stuff (AJ Burnett comes to mind). Your refusal to yield and hard ass mentality can take you to the hall of fame. It would have been easy for you to take the 3rd best mentality when Roger and Andy signed on. But you took it as a challenge, refusing to concede that anyone is better than you. Because of that, we have 3 Aces, which is damn hard to beat in Texas Hold'em. BGO, I'm so happy that you exorcised the ghosts of Octobers past. You dumped the leg kick, quit swinging at the slider low and away, and led this team by example and performance. Nobody will ever accuse you of dogging it or giving less than 100%. There are stars and there are role models. You are both and countless parents can tell their kids to be like you and Bags. Bags, I wish you could have played a bigger role and hope you get to DH. It has to be so difficult and frustrating, not getting a chance to play. But in Houston, we don't get on the big stage that often, so we'll take it on any terms. Be ready, I think we'll call on you before it's all over. Like BGO, you are a star and a role model. I can already see the bronze statues of you and Bidge in front of MMP. Lance, thanks for being so plain and honest. Thanks for being the most dangerous hitter to put on an Astros jersey. You keep the clubhouse loose and aren't afraid to call a spade a spade. The young guys will look to you now and in the future, and I expect that you'll end your career as an icon like Bidge and Bags. Lane, people thought you were pressing but you were just playing ball, one at bat at a time. In these playoffs, you've shown that you, Lance and Morgan are the future of this team's offense. You've come up with big hits and plays in the field, and you have a hot girlfriend/wife. Thanks for all of that. Everett, you're absolute magic in the field. You make plays when it counts, and I'll never forget the diving stop last night and the double play you turned in Game 4. The phantom tag you pulled off last night was something out of the matrix. Mere mortals cannot go horizontal then twist their bodies in mid air, not without the aid of ropes and pullies. more later. please add your own.
Morgan, thanks for getting us here with your MVP caliber season. You're steady as a rock in the field and have come through time and again in big spots. The fact that you were basically ignored as a prospect in college and the pros makes you perfect for this team. Lamb, thanks for hitting like you can. Purpura was right about 1 thing: at the trade deadline, he wouldn't make a trade unless it would bring someone that could outperform you when you're doing your thing. You've been clutch in the postseason and I hope you stay around for a long, long time. The kids: Willy, Burke and Scott. Thanks for being too young and stupid to know you should feel the pressure. Thanks for seizing the day and proving your right to be here. Willy, thanks for being King of Tal's Hill. Burke, thanks for the big shot in the 18th inning. Scott, thanks for the star wars intro music and drawing the big walk to set up Berkman for the grand slam.
Ausmus...thanks for being one of our most consistent hitters in the second half. Behind this amazing pitching staff is a catcher that even the best pitcher living says is crucial to the success they've had. People have ragged on you all year long, but you've always been one of my favorites!! Go Dartmouth!
Backe, thanks for living our dream. Thanks for being pissed when you get pulled off the mound. Thanks for dominating the Cards this year and last. Thanks in advance for Game 4 of the WS. Wheeler and Qualls: Thanks for being the filthy assassins that nobody knows about.
I'm devoting this post to Chad Qualls. The guy was invincible throughout the NLCS, and considering what his role was on the team, you can really make a case that Qualls should've have been the NLCS MVP.
I also want to thank Drayton ... He's taken a lot of crap for quite a while, but the bottom line is this team has been very competitive and enjoyable to watch for the past decade. He's not been afraid to make a big trade (Randy Johnson, Beltran). He did everything he could bring Roger and Andy back to where they belong. He's kept my childhood heros (Bags and Bidge) on this team through thick and thin. All of that culminates in this moment right now with a shot at the whole thing. It doesn't get much sweeter than that.
Brad Assmunch: I still have no idea how much it means to pitchers to have you calling the games, but thanks for being a genius back there. Thanks for the clutch hitting for the last few months. And of course, thanks for the 406 foot homer, which will go down as one of the greatest clutch hits in Astros history.
