I think the Crane Way- where everybody is expendable- might have caught up with them mentally. More than likely, the talent drain and sheer exhaustion has taken a toll.
The sad thing is knowing another 60 years can pass and there still won't be anything close to what we've had since 2017. I still think we will have another solo Title before Yordan's contract is up in 2028.
Nobody cared more than Jeff Bagwell and he utterly sucked in the playoffs. The playoffs are not for everybody.
I'll never root for a homefield advantage for the Astros in the playoffs ever again. The fact is they are a much better road team in the playoffs. I don't know why. I guess they put more pressure on themselves at home.
It really shouldnt matter at this point. Astros paid 95 million for an electric shutdown arm. He should be effective in either scenario, especially in the playoffs. Everyone knew this was a bad spot for him to be in.
The TV color guy just said "he's gotta throw his slider here. He's all over the fastball." BOOM - another fastball and a bases clearing double into the corner.
Preaching to the choir here. But a 3 game series doesnt make sense for professional MLB baseball. MLB's entire lifeblood is consisent pitching rotations, and rest between pitching. 3 game series nullifies that. Makes it about good timing. If a team has 1 great starter and a couple hot bats on regular schedule, thats an entire series edge over a team with starters & bullpen on shorter rest. If a team's #3 starter is their hottest pitcher - the reason they even made the postseason - there's likelihood to not even see that pitcher. To me, even if its a 3-0 sweep, need to at least see 1-3 starters for a real MLB series
The hitting Coaches Alex Cintron and Brian Snitker are gone. Brice Matthews will bring much needed youth and energy to the Team. Astros must trade for big time Center Fielder similar to George Springer. A Everyday 1B Can Hit and Catch Bounce Throws.
Spoiler 28-21 at home in playoffs since 2015 7 straight home losses [2024] 0-2 in two home wildcard games [2023] Up 3-2, couldn’t beat the Rangers in two tries at home [2019] Up 3-2, couldn’t beat the Nationals in two tries at home G2 L Tigers G1 L Tigers G7 L Rangers G6 L Rangers G2 L Rangers G1 L Rangers G2 L Twins G1 W Twins G6 W Phillies G2 W Phillies G1 L Phillies G2 W Yankees G1 W Yankees G2 W Mariners G1 W Mariners G6 L Braves G2 W Braves G1 L Braves G6 W Red Sox G2 L Red Sox G1 W Red Sox G2 W White Sox G1 W White Sox [2020 not included.] G7 L Nationals G6 L Nationals G2 L Nationals G1 L Nationals G6 W Yankees G2 W Yankees G1 L Yankees G5 W Rays G2 W Rays G1 W Rays G5 L Red Sox G4 L Red Sox G3 L Red Sox G2 W Indians G1 W Indians G5 W Dodgers G4 L Dodgers G3 W Dodgers G7 W Yankees G6 W Yankees G2 W Yankees G1 W Yankees G2 W Red Sox G1 W Red Sox [2016 missed playoffs] G4 L Royals G3 W Royals
The Astros looked ready to rest for one week and face Cleveland all of a sudden a rainout and cancelled game 162 then face the Tigers in the Wild Card. Rob Manfred screwed the Astros.