The hole was dug ourselves in to start the year doesn't allow us that luxury. You have to beat the teams in front of you.
Take away the Hill and they get HR too, the advantage of the Hill is defense and speed. And if it can take out a guy like Trout, it's got that too. The idea of losing the Hill has had an impact on all of the starters mentality. Keuchel has not been the same.
Eh, we aren't really desperate at this point. Right back in the WC race, playing .500 ball on the road should be fine for us going forward.
There's like 90 games left, and they've gotten back into the race by beating teams that may not be directly in front of them. They just need to avoid playing sucky baseball... but I wouldn't get hung up on individual series (yet).
With 89 games left, I'd say we realistically have to win 50 in order to have a good chance at one of the WC spots. That translates to about a .550 winning percentage. So unless we absolutely tear it up at home (.750+ winning percentage), we have to absolutely go .500 on the road.
Without Keuchel, it will be a long haul as we no better than any other .500 team outside of having a great bullpen. We either need Keuchel or Sonny Gray to make the WC. I like our chances, but we need some step up from our top starters.
We aren't desperate, but playing .500 ball on the road means we'll need to be playing .700 ball at home. I'm not getting hung up on a series. Our year isn't over losing one series, but we shouldn't be happy losing a series to a mediocre ball club, especially if you want to pass them in the standings. We already lost 2 of 3 to the Royals, I'm not going to be happy about doing it again.
I have ailing great grandparents from Austria who came here just to see Tal's Hill before they died. We can't get rid of something so unique and globally iconic.
Losing the hill next season has had an impact on our starters mentally this season? What? I doubt that, seriously.
Astros in second now. Darvish, Holland, and now Lewis all on the DL for the Rangers. Things will definitely be interesting moving forward.
The hill is cool and unique, I just wish the depth was shorter by 10-15 feet... maybe lessen the angle a little as guys seem to fall down plenty trying to scale it. The wild card is nice, but winning the division and having more breathing room is best. WCs have won, but I'd rather have a less drama-filled regular season and not risk burning Keuchel in the "First" round (@NYY). Stros should strive for .550+ road ball, while dominating at home.
