You wan the good news first, or the bad news?

[HudsonHawk]

The good news is, the Astros have 37 games to play, are up 12 in the loss column, and still have to play 9 games against the Angels, 6 against the Mariners and 6 against the Rangers.  The bad news is, they still have to play 9 against the Angels, 6 against the Mariners and 6 against the Rangers.  Of course they finish up with a 4-game road series in Boston. 

Hang on.

[juliogotay]

The good news is, the Astros have 37 games to play, are up 12 in the loss column, and still have to play 9 games against the Angels, 6 against the Mariners and 6 against the Rangers.  The bad news is, they still have to play 9 against the Angels, 6 against the Mariners and 6 against the Rangers.  Of course they finish up with a 4-game road series in Boston. 

Hang on.

I hope the Astros don't have to face Red Sox ace Doug Fister in that game. Last night he goes 9 allowing 1 hit. Allowed 1 run against Cleveland.

[JimR]

I am not going to panic until we get our lineup back and are still playing like this. If that happens, Mark likely will have me committed. I think we need Verlander, but more than that, a healthy lineup.

[hostros7]

I am not going to panic until we get our lineup back and are still playing like this. If that happens, Mark likely will have me committed. I think we need Verlander, but more than that, a healthy lineup.

Agree. The team is currently regularly starting several players that should still be in AA/AAA. Hopefully, those guys will be back riding the bus soon. 

I sat in the RF bleachers at Wrigley last Friday and contemplated jumping on the field and kidnapping Aoki back to Houston when he was a late-inning replacement for the Jays in RF. Fortunately, the beers and the grating effect of a drunk female cubs fan screeching "BAAUUUUUUUUUTISSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH"at the top of her lungs over and over and over again from the RF concourse for several innings were not enough to compel me to jump.

[Jacksonian]

Agree. The team is currently regularly starting several players that should still be in AA/AAA. Hopefully, those guys will be back riding the bus soon. 

The top three batters yesterday, who are not guys who should be in the minors, went 2 for 13 with seven LOB between them.  The top four on Sunday went 2 for 12 with nine LOB between them.

[JimR]

Hinch is not managing to win games with his depleted personnel. We have lost several winnable games by acting as if nothing has changed.

[TerryPuhl21]

I am not going to panic until we get our lineup back and are still playing like this. If that happens, Mark likely will have me committed. I think we need Verlander, but more than that, a healthy lineup.

My sentiments exactly. I'm not happy right now but I'm not panicking either. We simply have guys in the lineup that shouldn't be there (Centeno, Stassi, Davis, Fisher) and the injuries are responsible. When everyone comes back we should be ready to roll again.

I will add, trading Aoki was a BIG mistake. Fisher isn't ready and is a strikeout machine...the exact opposite of what Nori was. Aoki's contributions were under appreciated.

I think we still need Verlander and I would give the Tigers pretty much anything they want except Tucker AND Whitley. Either one with others and I'm good to go.


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[JimR]

Nori was a throw in, too, to open LF for Fisher.

[TerryPuhl21]

The top three batters yesterday, who are not guys who should be in the minors, went 2 for 13 with seven LOB between them.  The top four on Sunday went 2 for 12 with nine LOB between them.

While I will admit that is true, that is a short two game snapshot. This offense has been stalled ever since Correa and Springer went out at basically the same time, and it hasn't recovered since George got back because of Gattis, McCann and the Aoki trade. One could argue that the poor performance on the days you cite could be a result of those top guys pressing and trying to do too much because of the others being out.

I still think all will be fine in about 10-14 days when Correa, Gattis and McCann get back. There won't be any fixing the left field issue however unless you plan to play Marwin out there most days.


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[Jacksonian]

While I will admit that is true, that is a short two game snapshot. This offense has been stalled ever since Correa and Springer went out at basically the same time, and it hasn't recovered since George got back because of Gattis, McCann and the Aoki trade. One could argue that the poor performance on the days you cite could be a result of those top guys pressing and trying to do too much because of the others being out.

I still think all will be fine in about 10-14 days when Correa, Gattis and McCann get back. There won't be any fixing the left field issue however unless you plan to play Marwin out there most days.


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The expectation is that Fisher will adjust.

[BlownRanger]

There won't be any fixing the left field issue however unless you plan to play Marwin out there most days.

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Assuming Hinch wants to play the lineup that gives him the best chance to win, Marwin pretty much has to be in left field when Correa returns.

[Andyzipp]

The issue with the 1-4 hitters last night, this last week, this last month is that the bottom of the lineup isn't hitting anymore.  Opposing pitchers aren't having to work as hard on 5-9 and can focus on 1-4.  When the offense was at it's best, the 7,8,9 hitters were the best in baseball.  Davis, Centeno/Stassi, Marisnik/Fisher aren't that.

[juliogotay]

those computer models have the Astros about a 16% odds of winning the WS right now. I think that is about right.

[astrojo]

It's definitely been difficult watching this team slump so hard, but they've been riddled with injuries and that cloud of uncertainty has taken its toll.  I'm ready to get the band back together! Firing on all cylinders, they will find their mojo again! Let's win some ballgames!

[HudsonHawk]

The issue with the 1-4 hitters last night, this last week, this last month is that the bottom of the lineup isn't hitting anymore.  Opposing pitchers aren't having to work as hard on 5-9 and can focus on 1-4.  When the offense was at it's best, the 7,8,9 hitters were the best in baseball.  Davis, Centeno/Stassi, Marisnik/Fisher aren't that.

As I mentioned in the GZ last night, since the last week of July, four weeks, Jose Altuve has a grand total of 8 RBIs...four of them on solo home runs.  That's a guy hitting in the top three in your lineup. 

[HudsonHawk]

The expectation is that Fisher will adjust.

I think Fisher will eventually be a good hitter, but he's not been productive this year. 

[BudGirl]

The issue with the 1-4 hitters last night, this last week, this last month is that the bottom of the lineup isn't hitting anymore.  Opposing pitchers aren't having to work as hard on 5-9 and can focus on 1-4.  When the offense was at it's best, the 7,8,9 hitters were the best in baseball.  Davis, Centeno/Stassi, Marisnik/Fisher aren't that.

I'd like to see Reddick or Bregman at the bottom of the order again.  I like having them there, it kept some pressure on the pitchers. 

While I think Fisher is good, I don't think he is the second coming of Berkman. 

[TerryPuhl21]

I think Fisher will eventually be a good hitter, but he's not been productive this year.

I too think Fisher can be good, but if they are expecting him to adjust and become a good hitter THIS season, then in my opinion they have placed too much pressure on the guy and are expecting too much. I'd love for him to hit .300 the rest of the way and hope I have to eat a huge helping of crow, but it ain't gonna happen. He's not a Correa, Bellinger, Seager or Benetendi. Heck, he's not even as well though of as Kyle Tucker and he's struggling of late at Corpus. The LF job could have been/should have been turned over to him coming out of spring training next year if that is what you wanted to do, not now.


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[TerryPuhl21]

I'd like to see Reddick or Bregman at the bottom of the order again.  I like having them there, it kept some pressure on the pitchers. 

While I think Fisher is good, I don't think he is the second coming of Berkman.

I think Bregman will be back down there once Correa returns to the lineup.


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[BudGirl]

I think Bregman will be back down there once Correa returns to the lineup.


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I know he will but Hinch did move him up because he was the one that got hot. 

Who really expected them to keep up the pace from the first half?  Would we like them to be playing .500 ball right now though, hells yeah.

[geezerdonk]

Didn't think so at the time, but trading Aoki to make room for Fisher was a big mistake. Aoki is a seasoned veteran with pennant race and playoff experience. He is a more capable hitter than Fisher and a better fielder and base runner.

[TerryPuhl21]

Didn't think so at the time, but trading Aoki to make room for Fisher was a big mistake. Aoki is a seasoned veteran with pennant race and playoff experience. He is a more capable hitter than Fisher and a better fielder and base runner.

Nail on the head right there....

Now we just have to do the best we can.

But if Liriano saves game 7 of the WS for us it will have been a great move! [emoji16]


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[Andyzipp]

As I mentioned in the GZ last night, since the last week of July, four weeks, Jose Altuve has a grand total of 8 RBIs...four of them on solo home runs.  That's a guy hitting in the top three in your lineup. 

Right, and I agree Springer, Reddick and Altuve have all struggled over the past few weeks (with varying degrees of struggle).  But if your average MLB pitcher has to work hard throughout the lineup, rather than 3-4 guys, it makes it easier to focus on getting those 3-4 guys to make outs.

Meaning, I can concentrate on fooling Altuve on sliders low and away, because I'm not worried about the guys behind him doing damage.

Maybe put another way, Correa/Marwin/McCann is a better 4-5-6 than Reddick/Gurriel/Marwin and Gurriel/Ensberg/Aoki is a better 7-8-9 than Davis/Cenento/Fisher.  If I'm a pitcher, I don't have to sweat Davis/Centeno/Fisher near as much.

Long way of saying everyone needs to get back and everyone needs to start hitting again.

[Andyzipp]

Didn't think so at the time, but trading Aoki to make room for Fisher was a big mistake. Aoki is a seasoned veteran with pennant race and playoff experience. He is a more capable hitter than Fisher and a better fielder and base runner.

Agreed.

[TerryPuhl21]

The good news is, the Astros have 37 games to play, are up 12 in the loss column, and still have to play 9 games against the Angels, 6 against the Mariners and 6 against the Rangers.  The bad news is, they still have to play 9 against the Angels, 6 against the Mariners and 6 against the Rangers.  Of course they finish up with a 4-game road series in Boston. 

Hang on.

Hang on is right. I said a moment ago I wasn't in panic mode just yet because I believe once Correa, Gattis, McCann, Harris and McCullers return, all will be well. I think we start rolling once again. Having said that.....

Panic mode for me isn't far around the corner. Boston is nipping on our heels for top seed. I don't want to be a "debbie downer" but I see one path and one path only for this team to get to the World Series. That path goes through Boston. I feel that the odds of Houston beating Cleveland in a 7 games series are slim to none. I think we MUST secure the 1 seed to force Boston and Cleveland to play each other and hope that Boston wins. It is all getting a little too close for comfort. Our World Series hopes just might rest on the outcome of that final regular season series in Fenway.


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[JimR]

Nail on the head right there....

Now we just have to do the best we can.

But if Liriano saves game 7 of the WS for us it will have been a great move! [emoji16]


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Aoki was not necessary for that trade. He was a throw in.

[Andyzipp]

I do like this thought process though:

2010 Jun 18 through Aug 28... 34 wins and 30 losses (including a 7-game losing streak)
2011 May 25 through Aug 28... 40 wins and 44 losses (also including a 7-game losing streak)
2012 Jun 8 through Aug 2... 23 wins and 24 losses (including a 5-game losing streak)
2013 Jul 13 through Aug 23... 28 wins and 28 losses
2014 May 31 through Sep 28... 51 wins and 54 losses (including 2 different 6-game losing streaks)
2015 Jul 29 through Sep 29... 29 wins and 29 losses
2016 Jun 20 through Jul 30... 15 wins and 21 losses (including two 4-game losing streaks and 1 5-game losing streak)





2010 Giants, WS Champs
2011 Cardinals, WS Champs
2012 Giants, WS Champs
2013 Red Sox, WS Champs
2014 Giants, WS Champs
2015 Royals, WS Champs
2016 Cubs, WS Champs

[JimR]

I do like this thought process though:

2010 Jun 18 through Aug 28... 34 wins and 30 losses (including a 7-game losing streak)
2011 May 25 through Aug 28... 40 wins and 44 losses (also including a 7-game losing streak)
2012 Jun 8 through Aug 2... 23 wins and 24 losses (including a 5-game losing streak)
2013 Jul 13 through Aug 23... 28 wins and 28 losses
2014 May 31 through Sep 28... 51 wins and 54 losses (including 2 different 6-game losing streaks)
2015 Jul 29 through Sep 29... 29 wins and 29 losses
2016 Jun 20 through Jul 30... 15 wins and 21 losses (including two 4-game losing streaks and 1 5-game losing streak)





2010 Giants, WS Champs
2011 Cardinals, WS Champs
2012 Giants, WS Champs
2013 Red Sox, WS Champs
2014 Giants, WS Champs
2015 Royals, WS Champs
2016 Cubs, WS Champs

Yep, every team has them, but when it is your team....

[Andyzipp]

Yep, every team has them, but when it is your team....

I'm just grasping for something at this point.

I see a situation where we drop to the 3rd spot in the AL on the horizon.

[JimR]

I'm just grasping for something at this point.

I see a situation where we drop to the 3rd spot in the AL on the horizon.

No, I totally agree with the point of your post. I am postponing panic until we get everyone back.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Just because I'm at the top of the bridge with a rope tied to a boulder wrapped around my waist everyone ASSUMES I'm panicking.

[HudsonHawk]

Right, and I agree Springer, Reddick and Altuve have all struggled over the past few weeks (with varying degrees of struggle).  But if your average MLB pitcher has to work hard throughout the lineup, rather than 3-4 guys, it makes it easier to focus on getting those 3-4 guys to make outs.

Meaning, I can concentrate on fooling Altuve on sliders low and away, because I'm not worried about the guys behind him doing damage.

Maybe put another way, Correa/Marwin/McCann is a better 4-5-6 than Reddick/Gurriel/Marwin and Gurriel/Ensberg/Aoki is a better 7-8-9 than Davis/Cenento/Fisher.  If I'm a pitcher, I don't have to sweat Davis/Centeno/Fisher near as much.

Long way of saying everyone needs to get back and everyone needs to start hitting again.

Guess I wasn't very clear.  My point about Altuve was meant as anecdotal support for your comment about the bottom of the order.  He's not driving in runs, despite still hitting .360, except himself.  Part of it is his approach and situational success, but part of it is not being part of those "pressure innings" where they scored runs in bunches and made pitchers cry.  And the former certainly is affected by pitchers knowing they have a couple of reasonably easy innings coming up if they can get a few guys at the top. 

[Andyzipp]

Guess I wasn't very clear.  My point about Altuve was meant as anecdotal support for your comment about the bottom of the order.  He's not driving in runs, despite still hitting .360, except himself.  Part of it is his approach and situational success, but part of it is not being part of those "pressure innings" where they scored runs in bunches and made pitchers cry.  And the former certainly is affected by pitchers knowing they have a couple of reasonably easy innings coming up if they can get a few guys at the top. 

I misunderstood. Kindly disregard my rambling.

[BlownRanger]

I'm just grasping for something at this point.

I see a situation where we drop to the 3rd spot in the AL on the horizon.

You're not grasping.  It is helpful to realize that nearly every team goes through this.  I can assure you that two years ago Royals fans were freaking out every bit as much as everyone around here is now.  There was no shortage of "anyone who thinks this team is going to the World Series is crazy!" sentiment.

[juliogotay]

Didn't think so at the time, but trading Aoki to make room for Fisher was a big mistake. Aoki is a seasoned veteran with pennant race and playoff experience. He is a more capable hitter than Fisher and a better fielder and base runner.

I think we are making way too much out of who is playing LF for Houston right now. This slump is much more inclusive than a part-time LFer.

[JimR]

I think we are making way too much out of who is playing LF for Houston right now. This slump is much more inclusive than a part-time LFer.

You missed Andy's point entirely. The bottom of the order was the best in baseball. At one point of the season it was better than other teams' 3-4-5. Now it is automatic out times three.

[juliogotay]

You missed Andy's point entirely. The bottom of the order was the best in baseball. At one point of the season it was better than other teams' 3-4-5. Now it is automatic out times three.

I don't think I missed Andy's point. He wrote this: The issue with the 1-4 hitters last night, this last week, this last month is that the bottom of the lineup isn't hitting anymore.  Opposing pitchers aren't having to work as hard on 5-9 and can focus on 1-4.  When the offense was at it's best, the 7,8,9 hitters were the best in baseball.  Davis, Centeno/Stassi, Marisnik/Fisher aren't that.

He never  pointed the finger squarely at Fisher. Others in this thread have and there is just more to it than that. Andy and I are in agreement.

[JimR]

I don't think I missed Andy's point. He wrote this: The issue with the 1-4 hitters last night, this last week, this last month is that the bottom of the lineup isn't hitting anymore.  Opposing pitchers aren't having to work as hard on 5-9 and can focus on 1-4.  When the offense was at it's best, the 7,8,9 hitters were the best in baseball.  Davis, Centeno/Stassi, Marisnik/Fisher aren't that.

He never  pointed the finger squarely at Fisher. Others in this thread have and there is just more to it than that. Andy and I are in agreement.

wow, ok. Fisher is one of them who took Aoki's place. The others are AAA here on an emergency basis.

[juliogotay]

wow, ok. Fisher is one of them who took Aoki's place. The others are AAA here on an emergency basis.

I do agree, though, that Aoki is missed at the bottom of that lineup. He is a tough out that makes contact and uses the whole field.

[Duman]

I do agree, though, that Aoki is missed at the bottom of that lineup. He is a tough out that makes contact and uses the whole field.

Okay folks,  let's look at what Aoki was really doing.  In his last month with the Astros, he played in 16 games and had 47 plate appearances. Aoki had hits in only 8 of those games.  But one of those was a 3 hit game and another was a two hit game. He was good when he got in but only because he was being put in situations that were favorable for his success.  Oh, and many of his games were played with a healthy Correa (DL 7/19), and Springer (DL 7/29). 

In the 26 PA since the trade, he is only hitting .208 with 5 Ks to 1 BB.  Did he get bad all of a sudden or are the situations he is in not as favorable? 

Fischer has 61 plate appearances in 16 games this month so far (he appeared in a 17th but didn't get a PA)  Fischer has a hit in 9 of those games.  Each of those games has been a one hit game.  Springer came back 8/9, Gattis went out on 14th, McCann on the 15th. 

Let's don't romanticize Aoki.  I am not convinced he would be doing much better than Fischer as an every day LFer. He was a good bench player.   

[Bench]

Okay folks,  let's look at what Aoki was really doing.  In his last month with the Astros, he played in 16 games and had 47 plate appearances. Aoki had hits in only 8 of those games.  But one of those was a 3 hit game and another was a two hit game. He was good when he got in but only because he was being put in situations that were favorable for his success.  Oh, and many of his games were played with a healthy Correa (DL 7/19), and Springer (DL 7/29). 

In the 26 PA since the trade, he is only hitting .208 with 5 Ks to 1 BB.  Did he get bad all of a sudden or are the situations he is in not as favorable? 

Fischer has 61 plate appearances in 16 games this month so far (he appeared in a 17th but didn't get a PA)  Fischer has a hit in 9 of those games.  Each of those games has been a one hit game.  Springer came back 8/9, Gattis went out on 14th, McCann on the 15th. 

Let's don't romanticize Aoki.  I am not convinced he would be doing much better than Fischer as an every day LFer. He was a good bench player.

But his approach!

[TerryPuhl21]

Okay folks,  let's look at what Aoki was really doing.  In his last month with the Astros, he played in 16 games and had 47 plate appearances. Aoki had hits in only 8 of those games.  But one of those was a 3 hit game and another was a two hit game. He was good when he got in but only because he was being put in situations that were favorable for his success.  Oh, and many of his games were played with a healthy Correa (DL 7/19), and Springer (DL 7/29). 

In the 26 PA since the trade, he is only hitting .208 with 5 Ks to 1 BB.  Did he get bad all of a sudden or are the situations he is in not as favorable? 

Fischer has 61 plate appearances in 16 games this month so far (he appeared in a 17th but didn't get a PA)  Fischer has a hit in 9 of those games.  Each of those games has been a one hit game.  Springer came back 8/9, Gattis went out on 14th, McCann on the 15th. 

Let's don't romanticize Aoki.  I am not convinced he would be doing much better than Fischer as an every day LFer. He was a good bench player.

I don't think anyone is romanticizing him but situationally, he was a better player than Fisher. Again, it isn't always about the stats. Sometimes how you make your outs are much more important than how or when you get your hits. Fisher has been a strikeout machine and I never thought I'd say this, but Aoki was actually a better fielder. Fisher has the potential to be a much, muck better player than Aoki, but right now in the moment, I miss Aoki.


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[toddthebod]

Trading Aoki pissed me off because it was a money issue.  The Astros wanted to send some money back so they weren't assuming all of the cost of bringing in Liriano.  That is just acting cheap which is ridiculous given where the Astros are right now. 

What also annoyed me was sending down Tyler White to keep JD Davis at the majors.  White was hitting really well in Houston and is a far more experienced bat. 
 

[doyce7]

Trading Aoki pissed me off because it was a money issue.  The Astros wanted to send some money back so they weren't assuming all of the cost of bringing in Liriano.  That is just acting cheap which is ridiculous given where the Astros are right now. 

What also annoyed me was sending down Tyler White to keep JD Davis at the majors.  White was hitting really well in Houston and is a far more experienced bat.

Trading aoki had absolutely zero to do with saving money. It was about giving Fisher his roster spot.

Eta- it also opened up a 40-man spot for what the believed to be an imminent trade.

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[Foghorn]

I was hoping the Astros would make the last 4 games in Boston this season meaningless.  Doesn't appear to be the case. 

To me, the worst news in recent days/weeks is that AJ Hinch makes some really awful decisions at seemingly the worst possible time.

(1)  August 5th versus TBJ.  Tied game in the B7, single, double...runners on 2nd and 3rd no outs.  McCann pops up.  Here come JD Davis in his debut to the plate.  Marwin Gonzales is on the bench.  Hinch lets Davis bat (strikes out for the 2nd time that game).  White strikes out.  Go ahead Run never scores.  Astros lose in extra innings.

(2)  Giving JD Davis 28 plate appearences in 8 starts.  Astros are 1-7 in games where JD Davis starts.  Its not his fault.  He should still be at CC or perhaps Fresno.  Even with Correa injured, between Bregman/Marwin/Gurriel you have 3B covered.  With a day off on Monday 8/21, why sit Gurriel in favor of Davis on Sunday 8/20?  Yuli was off about 9 days prior on 8/12, and had a day off scheduled for the next day.  Beltran was also off that day (versus a righty).  Shocking we only scored 2 runs that day and lost 3-2.

(3)  Bunting with Marwin the other night.  ANother 1-run loss.

To me the 2nd worst news is that Luhnow seems to think we have not been in need of another bat.  With the run of injuries, Stassi/Centeno/Davis/Reed/White have all had way too many at bats lately.  I'd be tempted to throw Fisher into this group as well.  Meanwhile, the Dodgers add C Granderson, the Indians add J Bruce.  Z Cosart and B Phillips have both cleared waivers.  Any of those guys are upgrades over what we've been running out there. 

I forget who said it, but I do subscribe to the belief that what makes the Astros offense so damn good is that from 1-9, there was never a break.  Never a chnace for the pitcher to catch his breath.  But lately, the 7-8-9 spots have been a black hole.  Gettis back MCCann and Gattis will help.  Getting back Correa will help.  But in the mean time, the lead over BoSox is slipping and if you are playing for October, you want the WC in the first round.  Otherwise, you get a dose of Sale X2 + Kimbrel, or Kluber X2 + Miller in a 5-game series.  Fuck a lot of that.

[JimR]

Trading Aoki pissed me off because it was a money issue.  The Astros wanted to send some money back so they weren't assuming all of the cost of bringing in Liriano.  That is just acting cheap which is ridiculous given where the Astros are right now. 

What also annoyed me was sending down Tyler White to keep JD Davis at the majors.  White was hitting really well in Houston and is a far more experienced bat.

Come on, Todd. Are you serious? That was not about money. They were giving LF to Fisher, and Aoki had to go.

[toddthebod]

I think it had to do with both. 

[JimR]

I think it had to do with both.

No way.

[Knight and Day]

Trading Aoki pissed me off because it was a money issue.  The Astros wanted to send some money back so they weren't assuming all of the cost of bringing in Liriano.  That is just acting cheap which is ridiculous given where the Astros are right now. 

What also annoyed me was sending down Tyler White to keep JD Davis at the majors.  White was hitting really well in Houston and is a far more experienced bat.

The bevy of criticism GM Luhnow is receiving from some Astros fans is unwarranted IMO.  These fans are treating him like he snuck into their houses and stole all the damn beer from their fridge.  Just because a blockbuster trade did not materialize at the non-waiver deadline does not mean the organization is not maximizing their efforts to improve the team.    The Astros have the best record in the American League because Luhnow constructed a pretty good roster.   Regardless if Luhnow would have made headlines with a non-waiver deadline trade, I believe there would be folks complaining about how much prospect talent the Astros gave up in any deal.   The Rangers can attest to this - winning at the trade deadline does not necessarily translate into post season success.  Luhnow built a solid team with a talented farm system that he is leveraging to get this team to a World Series Championship.  The Astros are an excellent team with many talented players more than capable of winning the World Series.  The defining moment of the 2017 season will not be the lack of activity at the trade deadline; it will be the moment Correa, McCullers, Harris, McCann, and Gattis all return to the team  - which has more value to the organization than any other MLB player that has cleared waivers.   

[Mr. Happy]

No way.

Absolutely right. It seems clear beyond cavil that the Aoki trade had everything to do with their feeling that Fisher was ready.

[HudsonHawk]

So to reiterate...this is a huge series. The Astros are up 13 games in the loss column on the Angels. This series is a potential game changer.

[austro]

So to reiterate...this is a huge series. The Astros are up 13 games in the loss column on the Angels. This series is a potential game changer.

I hope that the training staff brought some extra-good pillows for this trip.

[Jose Cruz III]

Nail on the head right there....

Now we just have to do the best we can.

But if Liriano saves game 7 of the WS for us it will have been a great move! [emoji16]


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If Liriano saves game 7 of the WS, I will eat my keyboard.

[austro]

If Liriano saves game 7 of the WS, I will eat my keyboard.

Hopefully it's one with chiclet keys.