Can I just say that watching the Astros build from the ashes of three consecutive 100 loss seasons to this team of contenders is quite awesome
Quote from: Crewe on July 07, 2017, 07:32:43 PM
Can I just say that watching the Astros build from the ashes of three consecutive 100 loss seasons to this team of contenders is quite awesome
Not awesome if you're a Mariners fan ;)
But yeah it's incredibly impressive what they've done.
lol understood
Hahaha this is great.
https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/890421079398916096
lol Ump deserved it, they all deserve it ;-)
I hope I dont look back at this post and realize I jinkxed my team, but, looking ahead, these guys worry me:
The Dodgers....it had to be the Dodgers, right?
I really dont have a problem with them like I did with 80's Lasorda's Dodgers, I mean who didnt hate those guys? But these fellas are good, I mean, really really good.
Matter of fact, aside from the AStros, I like them best to win it all.
Washington - these turds worry me. A good team who could do the equal to riding a hot goaltender in hockey and win it all. I think they could be a serious hiccup.
Chicago Cubs - this isnt last years Cubs, but theyre here because Champs usually dont go down without a fight. but seeing they are in the National League, Im hoping they'll be gone if we are lucky enough to make it to the WS
In the AL, a bit more worry mostly because of the familiarity with each other.
Boston and NY obviously and not because they are awesome teams but because they are catch lightining in a bottle teams with that historical nostalgia behind them.
KC - just because, KC.
I'll preface this by saying, I don't really argue with or about bandwagon fans anymore.
Ok, I try not to, but I digress.
Just an observation on this town:
So for instance, I couldn't find one Astros fan during our 100 loss seasons. Even when they got back to the playoffs, yea stadium was rocking but outside that, not a lot of fans.
Couple that with the run they were on this year and all the sudden I see more and more and more "fans" which is fine, but, here's my problem.
It happened with the Oilers, it happened with the Astros multiple times and I see it again.
When a team does well here, the Johnny come lately's curse us and we turn to shit.
Coincidence? I don't think so.
Ok, maybe it is, this time since we have lost three starting pitchers and our AS SS but i thought it was worth pointing out and hoping these supporters that think a HR is six points will stay away.
That was sort of passive aggressive wasn't it?
Eh, I'm a Yankees fan (granted, born in NY), so what can I say?
I'll tell you what though, finally living in a state, let alone a city that has a baseball team (eff off South Carolina) has been amazing. I haven't gone to as many games as I'd like (tickets for the Mariners aren't high, but with parking, food at the game, etc it becomes a bit much), but I've gotten to see the Astros twice, got to see Texas, got to see New York. I told myself I'd go to one more game before the season ends so we'll see.
One of the games coming up they're doing a giveaway of an exclusive King Felix Funko Pop. I may go to that one because my son likes to collect those.
My post was vague, it wasn't my intention to relate it to attendance only, but just around town.
I agree, cost keeps me from attending as many as I want. You can bring food into Minute Maid which helps. I don't know if others do that or not.
Oh and Yanks are a big draw here as well
Knew this time was coming, but was thinking it wouldn't happen until the offseason. But the last hour has been a little crazy with reports of a no-trade clause not being waived.
https://twitter.com/freepsports/status/903473955326984192
JV was fun to watch the last 10 years, and it's going to be weird not seeing him in a Tigers uniform. Hope he gets his WS shot that he couldn't get here. Enjoy him Crewe.
I always wince at giving up top prospects because you end up losing guys like Brett Phillips for a Carlos Gomez. Especially for a 13 year vet whose 35 years old.
That said, I'm ok with this one. I seriously hope Verlander has a serious run or two left in him, I'd hate for this to be a Randy Johnson one off, having given 3 of our top ten ten prospects. Plus I hope he can bring veteran leadership to a young team who could always benefit, see Beltran.
You received some good talent. Perez is our top pitching prospect who at 19 can reach 96mph but beware of the Stasburg effect.
OF Daz Cameron is a good on e too. I don't mind losing him though because our OF is stacked for a few years plus we have Ticker ahead of him so he will be better off anyway. I see hi as a Jake Marisnick type. Jakes a bit better in the filed but Daz, better at the plate.
Rogers is the solid big leaguer. We haven't had a great catching prospect make the big time since Biggio.
Not saying he's a HOF catcher but his defensive skills are what will get him called up. His bat will have to keep him there, so that needs work, but I really like him.
Good luck to us all.
Wild card night baby!!!!!!
Honestly, even if the Yanks win, I doubt we're getting past the Astros or Cleveland. I think it'd be great for the young guys to win this game rather than lose it, for sure, but I don't think it'll spark a run. The rest of the competition is just too good.
At this point, I don't look beyond anyone. Records no longer matter, just winning what's in front of you and any team is capable.
Easy to say, Houston fan.
(How many years has it been since someone could say that in such a context?)
Me, yesterday. Sorry not sorry Cleveland.
https://twitter.com/LGhail/status/918260543840051201
Although I did enjoy Aaron Judge robbing ballhawk and all-around douchenozzle Zack Hample of a potential HR ball a few nights ago.
https://twitter.com/sung_minkim/status/917198619328909312
Quote from: Bucfever on October 08, 2017, 03:24:46 PM
Easy to say, Houston fan.
(How many years has it been since someone could say that in such a context?)
lol how bout now?
so uh in a few words, bats are sick.
This series is so indicative of Houston teams in any sport. This all excludes those two orgasmic seasons the Rockets pulled out in the 90's.
We sometimes have a good team, sometimes a great team, always competitive and almost always fold.
Sticking with baseball, 1980 v Phillies. Great series, multiple extra inning games, all one run games (IIRC) but we lost.
1986 v Mets; blew a 4 run lead in NY which led us back home just to lose in a heart wrenching exciting 16 inning marathon.
1990's....pick a series.
2005, such a stacked lineup that went cold in the playoffs.
2017, same.
Such a talented team, but our guys just whiff in crunch time.
Maybe I'm wrong but I certainly feel the Astros have the better team, but unless they start acting like it tonight, we will be home early, again.
And if I may honest, even if we make it to the WS, I don't see us beating he Dodgers. Holy crap that is a good team.
The Dodgers just took the defending champs and dismantled them. Definitely a damn good team, and whichever team comes out of the ALCS (please let it be the 'Stros) will have their work cut out for them.
I'm hopeful the Astros can do it. Its not even that big of an achievement to win two from the Yanks at home considering how terrible they are on the road, but then, we are much better on the road than home, at least until hose three games.
That said, I'm a huge Dodger fan if we lose.
Yeah, apparently the Yankees have an issue with hitting at the top of the inning? I heard that on MLB Network. I mean, if it's a 0-0 game I suppose there's slightly less pressure if you're batting at the bottom of the inning, but who knows?
I'm worried about them at the Astros park. They've looked out of control the last 3 games, and hey, outside of Game 5 we haven't gotten any production out of the DH spot anyways so who cares if our pitchers have to hit, but the home crowd and just that weird ballpark, I have concerns about them finishing out.
I'm assuming CC is going Game 7, if there is one. That's the only thing I have to steeling my nerves.
Aren't the dimensions of Yankee stadium smaller than MMP?
I have to add that only in recent years have I softened on our ballpark only because many parks are smaller or same as Houston.
Still miss the monster Astronomer although I concede it wouldn't have been worth modernizing
I just realized I, for some inexplicable reason, wrote in my prior post that the Yankees pitchers would have to hit tonight.
Guess I'm a series ahead in my thoughts.
Reminder that Game 7s are awesome. :popcorn:
One of the things I miss about Must See JV: stuff like this. Definitely took him for granted when he was in Detroit.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/921582914592280576
https://twitter.com/bruce_arthur/status/921565405184974848
That still cracks me up but as much as it pains me to say, Frazier did what he could. That was such a great pitch that was set up so well, it looks like a FB coming at your head and in a split second he sees it will be a breaking ball over the plate, so he goes from bailing out to throwing the bat out there hoping for a foul ball.
Perfect execution, exactly the reaction that pitch is to cause the hitter.
I'm so glad the Astros made it, I just hope we aren't being fed to the Dodgers.
They are the more talented team but that doesn't mean we can't win
I don't know man. I don't think there's a better hitter in baseball right now than Jose Altuve. Keuchel and Verlander match up with Kershaw and Darvish. LA definitely has the better bullpen though, but then so did the Yanks.
Agree on all counts. Ill probably pay for this but JV can't keep doing the Superman bit, can he? I mean they finally hit Keuchel
The best thing about the 'Stros being back in is watching all these Brad Lidge highlights on MLB Network right now.
I forgot how Pujols basically ended his career.
I haven't :(
Jeez man. If nothing else, your boys do NOT quit.
Its been fun to watch....heart attack inducing, but fun.
This was how it was in 1980 vs the Phillies, 81 vs the Dodgers, 86 vs the Mets, and numerous times in the 90's v Atlanta, et al, its all this franchise knows...check that, its all Houston teams know, cardiac type series and finishes.
When I see new fans with all their crisp new attire purchased after the Boston series, I just remind myself they missed all the real fun.
Watching all the moves, draft choices and development of players during the 100 loss seasons is what makes this journey worthwhile to me.
Seeing the build to this series, its truly entertaining.
I can't imagine, and am fearful of how many balls will be flying over the train tracks once we get back to the juicebox.
There's an article from, if I remember correctly, the June 30th, 2014 issue of SI (actually was their cover story) where the headline was "Why Houston will be your 2017 World Series champs." This franchise has indeed made excellent moves and done an amazing job of developing talent, and they more than deserve to be where they are right now.
yea youre right about SI but we don't acknowledge that, curses and all.... ;-)
Haha, I saw it on a comment on a Deadspin post and was just amazed.
In the meantime, I'm highly upset about Girardi leaving. This is an awful decision. I have to assume he wanted to leave for some reason, because if the Yanks chose not to renew him, that's a terrible decision.
I read some Yanks fans weren't happy with his coaching but I didnt follow them all year so I have no opinion.
Just want to point out, I saw a Cubs game last year in Chicago and then they won the World Series.
This year I saw Houston in person, twice (albeit in Seattle, not at their home park like I did Chicago).
I did not see LA.
lol easy there. I have to turn off the post game early because they are tooting the Stros horn.
Can I just say, in previous championship series, be it the NHL, MLB, NFL, even when I didn't have a dog in the fight, always disliked one of the teams, a lot.
You'd think even moreso this year since my team is in it, but I have to say I really like the Dodgers, and given our history with them and how I hold on to grudges for decades, thats saying something.
This has been a very well played and professional series thus far. No showmanship, no taunting, no over the top celebrations, just pure fun, passion and emotion on both sides.
It can go at least 6 for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if it went 7. They were the winningest team in baseball after all.
My heart though....lol
Dammit Gurriel!
ok, as much as I hate it, his suspension should begin in the WS, not next year, but I understand why.
Props to Darvish for wanting to move forward.
As a sports fan, I'm glad it's next year so that's not hanging over the Series, now and in the future.
As a person, I'm conflicted.
Quote from: Crewe on October 28, 2017, 05:06:41 PM
Dammit Gurriel!
ok, as much as I hate it, his suspension should begin in the WS, not next year, but I understand why.
Props to Darvish for wanting to move forward.
Pretty much my take, although Darvish handled the aftermath a lot better than I would've/did. I've seen that stupid shit since grade school, and to this day it still angers me. We should be better than this.
Absolutely feel he should be suspended starting now but I get why he wasn't...oh well.
What. A. Series. I hope this goes 7. I can't get enough of these two teams.
Quote from: TheNorm on October 28, 2017, 09:53:05 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 28, 2017, 05:06:41 PM
Dammit Gurriel!
ok, as much as I hate it, his suspension should begin in the WS, not next year, but I understand why.
Props to Darvish for wanting to move forward.
Pretty much my take, although Darvish handled the aftermath a lot better than I would've/did. I've seen that stupid shit since grade school, and to this day it still angers me. We should be better than this.
Absolutely feel he should be suspended starting now but I get why he wasn't...oh well.
Exactly. I think his response is exactly what MLK would've stressed.
I was flogged in the Astros sub on reddit for suggesting he be suspended during the series. I was hit with all kinds of bombardments, thats not how the law works, union wouldn't allow it etc....yea I know, and I said I understood all that, but it doesn't mean thats how it should be.
NHL suspends players during the playoffs right? Everyone should. This wasn't a mystery. I mean its not like Zeke Elliot where theres no real evidence and needs a prolonged investigation. He did it, the whole world saw it, he shouldn't play. But I digress.
This is perhaps my own world but I go by my gut, cynical, pessimistic, whatever you want to call it, but after that incident and the aftermath today, I knew they would lose this game.
And Ill go you one further.... that so energized the Dodgers, and rightfully so, and the Astros would be too distracted, now you have to go back to Dodger stadium and rest assured they won't forget. Now its going to be hostile, thats a whole different animal now.
Essentially what Im saying is, the Astros just lost the World Series, mark my words.
Even if it goes 7, they will not recover.
On a side note, I do have to add this: Houston relievers cost us every single time.
In 80 it was Sambito and Forsch. In 86 it was Smith. In the 90's it was crack tater Johnson. Then later it was Brad Lidge and now Giles.
https://deadspin.com/report-world-series-baseballs-are-too-slick-to-throw-a-1819951846
This is interesting.
I've seen some crazy baseball games in my time, but wow...Game 5 was bonkers. Kershaw on the mound with an early 4 run lead? I thought that was it...but nope, the Astros stormed back a few times, and then forced the Dodgers to work some magic of their own to tie it and send it to extras. What a game, and what a series.
And now JV on the mound with a chance to win it all (and I'm biased, but that would've sounded a lot better in any of the previous 11 seasons)? I want to see him do it, but there's also a part of me that wants to see a Game 7...yeah, easy for me to say with really no dog in the fight.
Quote from: Crewe on October 29, 2017, 12:59:13 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 28, 2017, 09:53:05 PM
Quote from: Crewe on October 28, 2017, 05:06:41 PM
Dammit Gurriel!
ok, as much as I hate it, his suspension should begin in the WS, not next year, but I understand why.
Props to Darvish for wanting to move forward.
Pretty much my take, although Darvish handled the aftermath a lot better than I would've/did. I've seen that stupid shit since grade school, and to this day it still angers me. We should be better than this.
Absolutely feel he should be suspended starting now but I get why he wasn't...oh well.
Exactly. I think his response is exactly what MLK would've stressed.
I was flogged in the Astros sub on reddit for suggesting he be suspended during the series. I was hit with all kinds of bombardments, thats not how the law works, union wouldn't allow it etc....yea I know, and I said I understood all that, but it doesn't mean thats how it should be.
NHL suspends players during the playoffs right? Everyone should. This wasn't a mystery. I mean its not like Zeke Elliot where theres no real evidence and needs a prolonged investigation. He did it, the whole world saw it, he shouldn't play. But I digress.
This is perhaps my own world but I go by my gut, cynical, pessimistic, whatever you want to call it, but after that incident and the aftermath today, I knew they would lose this game.
And Ill go you one further.... that so energized the Dodgers, and rightfully so, and the Astros would be too distracted, now you have to go back to Dodger stadium and rest assured they won't forget. Now its going to be hostile, thats a whole different animal now.
Essentially what Im saying is, the Astros just lost the World Series, mark my words.
Even if it goes 7, they will not recover.
On a side note, I do have to add this: Houston relievers cost us every single time.
In 80 it was Sambito and Forsch. In 86 it was Smith. In the 90's it was crack tater Johnson. Then later it was Brad Lidge and now Giles.
I don't know, man...I think Dave Roberts management of the Dodgers bullpen has really opened the door for the Astros. He's coddled his starters a bit too much at the expense of the bullpen, and it's starting to show.
thats an interesting link about the baseballs. So the league wants more HR's in the WS? say it aint so :popcorn:
Im surprised we've been able to get to their pen, but IM thinking that they can't be crappy forever and they are more talented than ours.
I thought we would lose Game 4 and Game 5, but in that shootout, who knows. I still feel like they won't respond well to the hostilities in LA.
They are certainly capable of it for sure, but I guess Im just disappointed in Gurriel and believe it killed the teams mojo.
On a national stage, which we rarely visit, I was hoping we would be represented well and that just didn't help.
the fans giving Gurriel a standing ovation didn't help in my mind but I guess, what else were the fans supposed to do?
Following his career, I realize that is probably not indicative of his character or the type of person he is, its just a sad situation. Maybe Im making more of it than it is, I dunno.
I'm with Norm on this one. Having no dog in the fight, I'd like to see this go to Game 7. And, lets be honest, that doesn't mean Verlander has to fail considering the way these bullpens are getting destroyed.
Yeah, I came in with it 4-0 last night and kept watching (at least until the girlfriend was ready to finish up Stranger Things). I thought "Well, maybe that's it and I won't miss much." Next thing I know it's 9PM here on the west coast and the game is in JUST THE BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH?! WHAT?!
If this ends with Game 6, and it's as close and explosive as Games 2 and 5, I don't care if it doesn't go 7, this may very well qualify as one of the best World Series ever.
I hope it is considered one of the best once its over. I also feel confident it will go 7, LA will be pissed off and fired up moreso than game 4.
Obviously I hope it ends Tuesday
I missed this, but Beltran contacted Darvish without Gurriel's knowledge. According to the broadcast, Darvish said he didn't wish anything negative to Gurriel or his family and that he knew it was a mistake and he along with everyone should move on. Beltran then went to Yuli with that info and it elevated his spirits. I'm paraphrasing but what a leadership move by Beltran, and I already had mad respect for Darvish if not more now. the man is absorbed in empathy and understands life
Looks like Sports Illustrated was right.
Congrats Crewe. And, I know he's not on the Tigers anymore, but congrats Norm for getting to see Verlander get one.
At least now I can say the Yanks took the MLB champions to seven.
Quote from: Crewe on October 29, 2017, 12:59:13 AM
Essentially what Im saying is, the Astros just lost the World Series, mark my words.
Even if it goes 7, they will not recover.
so uh, about my word....it aint worth shit.
im so glad they proved me wrong. This city is bananas!
We don't have many titles...the back to back Rockets run which was 15 years ago and now this one. We have the 73-75 Aeros and the 98 Aerso and the 60 and 61 Oilers in the AFL, but we need more top 3 championships. This was certainly a start.
Watching them build this team by restocking the minor leagues, then watching our minor league teams win their titles, young guys like Springer being named Minor League Player of the Year and seeing Altuve come up, then the drafting of guys like Correa and Bregman and just witnessing this team mature from record setting 100 loss season, morphing into Champions, well, its emotionally investing as any fan can tell you.
Yea Im glad to see all the new fans, but I still get a giggle when I see all the new crisp t-shirts and jersey celebrating.
Btw, anyone else realize...the Cubbies last year, Astros this year.....whats the world coming to?
ok, received everything, so now, how do I present everything? Shadow box, individual frames....?