ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Let's go!

[Nate in IA]

Go 'Stros!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

2 out walk to Martinez.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Good at bat by J.D.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Martinez laid off some tough pitches.

[Nate in IA]

two popups, a walk and a grounder to third for the top of the 1st

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Verlander gets 2 popups, a BB, and a 5-4 FC.

Let's go offense.  Look for a pitch to punish.

[WVastro]

What?! No runs in the first inning? I forgot what that was like.

[Limey]

Good crowd at Griff’s.  Crush City IPA on special. 

I’m in the right place. 

[Limey]

two popups, a walk and a grounder to third for the top of the 1st

NO.  RUNS!!!!!


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[Nate in IA]

Here's hoping those that are in the park tonight see a dominant performance by JV and a whole passel of runs by the home 9.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

What?! No runs in the first inning? I forgot what that was like.

The inning isn't over yet

[Texifornia]

NO.  RUNS!!!!!

It feels like a lead in the bottom of the first.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Price hit his spots there.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

2 out knock up the middle for Altuve.

[hostros7]

Altuve is putting good wood on the baseball.


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[HudsonHawk]

Correa back in the cleanup spot, eh?

[austro]

Altuve is putting good wood on the baseball.

Not overswinging, just squaring it up.

[subnuclear]

Correa back in the cleanup spot, eh?

Putting the band back together!

[HudsonHawk]

Strike zone enormous so far.

[HudsonHawk]

Damn Correa, waiting on a fucking invitation?

SWING THE FUCKING BAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Strike zone enormous so far.

Ginormous

[Nate in IA]

Bregman takes the first pitch deep to right, Benetendi has the putout.

Springer - low, foul, swinging strike, low, foul, got 'em swinging.   2 outs

Altuve - low ball called a strike, ball high, ball outside, foul, ball inside, single into center

Correa - strike (he never swings at the first pitch), low, strike on the outside (I guess, Price missed his mark), ball low, strike 3 looking at a pitcher's pitch.

after 1, 0 - 0

[MRaup]

Ah good. We're sticking with the "take strike 3" gameplan that's worked so well so far.

SWING THE GODDAMN BAT, CLEANUP HITTER.

[Limey]

Not overswinging, just squaring it up.

Laid off the high FB too.  Good.

[HudsonHawk]

B2:

Bregman flies out F7
Springer strikes out flailing at pitches he couldn't hit with a snow shovel
Altuve lines a single up the middle
Correa strikes out looking

No score

[Astros Fan in Big D]

In case anyone missed it:
3B Alex Bregman
RF George Springer
DH José Altuve
SS Carlos Correa
1B Yuli Gurriel
2B Marwín González
LF Tony Kemp
C Martin Maldonado
CF Jake Marisnick

SP Justin Verlander

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Got to spoil those close pitches.

[Limey]

Strike zone enormous so far.

Orders from the crew chief?  You know he wants this series over. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Orders from the crew chief? 

16 burgers, 12 orders of Fries and 10 big gulps.

[MRaup]

Orders from the crew chief?  You know he wants this series over.

Guccione has always had a huge strike zone.

[austro]

16 burgers, 12 orders of Fries and 10 big gulps.

And a fifth of Jack to wash it down.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Wegner is blind. So is Darling.

[hostros7]

16 burgers, 12 orders of Fries and 10 big gulps.

And he eats it in a rental sedan while sitting in the parking lot of his favorite adult bookstore out I-45 south.


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[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Wow, Devers swings at close pitches and fouls them off.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Kemp's patented jump catch.

[geezerdonk]

How many pitches is that going to cost Verlander?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

There's a dude in a Rangers shirt in the right field stands.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Damn. 

2 strike hit.

Again.

[Limey]

And he eats it in a rental sedan while sitting in the parking lot of his favorite adult bookstore out I-45.

Down by the river. 

[MRaup]

I fully expect a 3 run home run from Bradley here.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Trouble.

[Snuffy]

I fully expect a 3 run home run from Bradley here.

Know the feeling, but no thanks.

[Tom Servo]

Walk the 9 hitter to bring up Betts with the bases loaded. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

That's a fucking swing.

[hostros7]

Never going to get a call.


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[Waldo]

Here comes that vomit taste again.

[HudsonHawk]

Sox with the bases loaded, two outs for Betts...

[MRaup]

FUCK THESE FUCKING UMPIRES!

TWO FUCKING REALLY IFFY CHECKS...

[Snuffy]

31 pitches so far thru in 2nd.

[HudsonHawk]

Walk the 9 hitter to bring up Betts with the bases loaded.

That 9 hitter who's driven in 9 runs in the last three games.

[WVastro]

JV is lucky strike one isn’t on the tracks.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Block anything and everything Maldonado

[austro]

TV guys said Boston is 15-33 with 2 strikes. Dat's da work o' da debil.

[HudsonHawk]

T2:

Moreland flies out F7 on the first pitch
Kinsler...0-2...1-2...grounds routinely to 3B, Bregman's throw pull's Yuli off the bag...Kinsler safe on the TE5
Devers...0-2...flies out F7
Vazquez...0-2...1-2...singles to RF, Kinsler to 2B
Bradley...3-0...3-1...3-2...swings and misses for ball four...walks, Kinsler to 3B, Vazquez to 2B
Betts strikes out swinging

No score

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Have some cheese!

[Tom Servo]

That 9 hitter who's driven in 9 runs in the last three games.

Still a 9 hitter.

[Waldo]

Bout fucking time.

[Nate in IA]

Moreland swings at the first pitch, flares to right, Tony Kemp is there, 1 out.

Kinsler - strike 1 on the outside edge (at least his giving JV the same), swinging strike, check swing ball, grounder to Bregman, Kinsler safe when Yuli tried to tag him and the ball fell loose.   E5

Devers - strike 1, (nice to have jv from the stretch), foul, foul, fly ball to left, Tony Kemp has it, 2 outs

Vazquez - strike 1 on a changeup, throw over, swinging strike on a good slider, ball outside, base hit to right. Kinsler to second.

Bradley Jr - ball outside and high, ball high, ball high, strike, foul, check swing walk

Betts - strike, ball high (not getting the curve to work just yet), foul, 97 heat gets him swinging!

bases left loaded.

mid -2 0-0

[Astros Fan in Big D]

All that to get the 4th out.

Costly even if the scoreboard didn't budge.

[Limey]

Verlander is obsessed with the number three, because that’s how many pounds each of his balls weigh. 

[Tom Servo]

Big strike out.  I was thinking they would get 2 runs at least there.

[MRaup]

Still a 9 hitter.

No. Not even a little bit.

[WVastro]

T2:

Moreland flies out F7 on the first pitch
Kinsler...0-2...1-2...grounds routinely to 3B, Bregman's throw pull's Yuli off the bag...Kinsler safe on the TE5
Devers...0-2...flies out F7
Vazquez...0-2...1-2...singles to RF, Kinsler to 2B
Bradley...3-0...3-1...3-2...swings and misses for ball four...walks, Kinsler to 3B, Vazquez to 2B
Betts strikes out swinging

No score

Never been so happy that you’re a pitch ahead. Much more fun knowing the next pitch was a punch out.

[austro]

All that to get the 4th out.

Costly even if the scoreboard didn't budge.

Yup. My faint hopes for an 8- or 9-inning stint from JV are gone now.

[austro]

Verlander is obsessed with the number three, because that’s how many pounds each of his balls weigh. 

I thought it was why he worked the inning up to 33 pitches.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Addendum to earlier instructions:

While looking for a pitch to drive,  be sure to protect the plate with 2 strikes.

[Tom Servo]

No. Not even a little bit.

You would rather face Betts? 

[Tom Servo]

Yuli with a line drive.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

That's a line fucking drive from  Yuli.

[hostros7]

Let’s hope Yuli stopped giving fucks.


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[Aussie Astro]

You would rather face Betts?

I would rather they get them out.

[HudsonHawk]

Yup. My faint hopes for an 8- or 9-inning stint from JV are gone now.

The error cost an inning of JV on the mound.

[Limey]

Marwin just pulled one hard that was neither fair nor off West’s noggin.  🤬

[austro]

You would rather face Betts? 

I don't think that's what he's saying. I think he's saying that you have to be a lot more careful with Bradley (at least right now) than you do with an "ordinary" #9.

[Limey]

I thought it was why he worked the inning up to 33 pitches.

Shut your whore mouth. 

[hostros7]

Price looks like the love child of a smurf and one of the seven dwarfs


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[MRaup]

I don't think that's what he's saying. I think he's saying that you have to be a lot more careful with Bradley (at least right now) than you do with an "ordinary" #9.

Nailed it.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Price looks like the love child of a smurf and one of the seven dwarfs


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Nailed it.

[Limey]

Price looks like the love child of a smurf and one of the seven dwarfs

He looks like Randall’s biological father from This Is Us. 

[WVastro]

Price looks like the love child of a smurf and one of the seven dwarfs


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He has a Yuli beard

[Tom Servo]

Nailed it.

gotcha

[austro]

How was that a fucking strike?

[MRaup]

Come on Kemp. That was a fucking meatball.

[WVastro]

Wtf on s1 to Kemp...? It was over his shoulders

[MRaup]

gotcha

Enjoy me being semi-coherent while you can.

At the pace I'm drinking, I'll have to check the GZ tomorrow to see how the game turned out.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I know he's had a few big hits in the postseason.

But Maldonado owes us some more.

[WVastro]

Enjoy me being semi-coherent while you can.

At the pace I'm drinking, I'll have to check the GZ tomorrow to see how the game turned out.

I thought that was what the GZ was for.

[Tom Servo]

Enjoy me being semi-coherent while you can.

At the pace I'm drinking, I'll have to check the GZ tomorrow to see how the game turned out.

I think HH drank too much rum and the mojo wore off.  Maybe whatever you're drinking will help.

[Tom Servo]

watching strike 3 again.  granted, it was a tough pitch, but damn..

[HudsonHawk]

Watching strike three is indeed a bold strategy...let's see if it pays off

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Way to milk the call,  cocksucker.

[Limey]

WHAT. THE. FUCK. WAS. THAT. STRIKE. THREE?


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[HudsonHawk]

I think HH drank too much rum and the mojo wore off.  Maybe whatever you're drinking will help.

I carried my team to the postseason .  Someone's gotta pick up the slack.

[Nate in IA]

Yuli line drive to the gap cut off for a single

Marwin fouls a bunch off before a lazy fly ball to right

Kemp fly ball to left

Maldonado rung up on maybe a strike 3.

After 2, 0 - 0

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Clean inning,  please.

[Tom Servo]

Took care of Benentendi there.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Jake starting in CF.

I'm assuming this is AJ wanting Jake and George to cover as much ground as possible since JV gives up flyballs.

[WVastro]

Clean inning,  please.

Quick would be nice too but I’m sure a fan Joe West will find a way to interfere.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

WHAT?!

[HudsonHawk]

FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tom Servo]

First he struck out, the hit a HR.

[hostros7]

Fuck.


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[austro]

Fuck you, HPU! That was strike three.

[MRaup]

And Guccione gives them the lead after blowing strike 3 the call before.

Fucking unbelievable.

[94CougarGrad]

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH

[astrojo]

Martinez homers *AFTER* strike 3.

[austro]

The fix is officially in.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

How can he miss that call?

[Tom Servo]

The fix is officially in.

It's been in.

[austro]

How can he miss that call?

The batter's jersey says "Boston".

[astrojo]

This is just so blatant that even the tv crew and all the world of baseball pundits have been talking about the umps crappy calls against the Astros!

[94CougarGrad]

Got eem!

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Nice play,  Alex.

Fuck you,  HPU.

[Tom Servo]

Good play, Bregman!

[HudsonHawk]

How can he miss that call?

He did.  That doesn't man you should hit the bat with the next pitch.

[Aussie Astro]

Bregman owed JV that one.

[Nate in IA]

Benetendi, shows bunt, called strike, strike swinging, perfect curve in for strike 3 looking.   Have a seat meat!   1 out

Martinez - foul, changeup on the outside edge called strike, perfect pitch called a BALLL?  HR over the crawford boxes.

Boegarts - strike, fly to Kemp in left, 2 outs

Moreland - strike, single to right..

Kinsler - to Bregman deep in the hole, just nipped him!   3 outs.

Middle of 3  Astros 0 , Red Sox 1

[Astros Fan in Big D]

He did.  That doesn't man you should hit the bat with the next pitch.

He certainly hung the shit out of that curveball.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I hate in game interviews.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

FUCK YOU, PRICK!

[Waldo]

Jeezus, that ump is just throwing darts at the strike zone.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm starting to think watching strike three is going to make it *more* difficult to score runs.

[Waldo]

Another called third strike.

[94CougarGrad]

Friggin' Guccione.

(Apparently my f-bomb got censored.)

[austro]

That's the second time I've seen Bregman kind of grab at his left shoulder. I wonder if he did something to himself on one of those diving stops last night.

[Tom Servo]

I'm starting to think watching strike three is going to make it *more* difficult to score runs.

I didn't know you made such bold predictions, but I'm starting to think you might be on to something.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Price is dialed in.

And the plate is 25 inches wide.

[MRaup]

PROTECT THE FUCKING PLATE, YOU BUNCH OF FUCKING IDIOTS.

If the zone is big, you can't stand there with your bat on your shoulder.

Especially not on close pitches with 2 strikes.

Fucking idiotic.

[hostros7]

HPU must have sent a memo to price before the game describing the exact location of balls that he will consistently call strikes for a LHP this game.


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[MRaup]

Price is dialed in.

And the plate is 25 inches wide.

It's a lot easier to be dialed in when the other team is taking with 2 strikes repeatedly.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

PROTECT THE FUCKING PLATE, YOU BUNCH OF FUCKING IDIOTS.

If the zone is big, you can't stand there with your bat on your shoulder.

Especially not on close pitches with 2 strikes.

Fucking idiotic.

This

[WVastro]

Strike 1 and 3 can’t both be strikes on Bregman. If so, it’s a 21 inch plate for Price and a 16 inch plate for JV.

[Nate in IA]

Jake - pops it up on the right side, 1 out

Alex - ball outside, strike called 6 inches off the outside edge, strike swinging on a changeup, WTF?!?  Now that's a strike!?!?   strikeout looking. 2 out

George - swinging strike at a ball low, foul, just a bit outside, foul on the one George should have crushed, grounder into 6 -3.  3 outs

After 3, Astros 0, Red Sox 1

[HudsonHawk]

Strike 1 and 3 can’t both be strikes on Bregman. If so, it’s a 21 inch plate for Price and a 16 inch plate for JV.

SWING THE FUCKING BAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MRaup]

Strike 1 and 3 can’t both be strikes on Bregman. If so, it’s a 21 inch plate for Price and a 16 inch plate for JV.

Strike 3 was a strike. Inside corner, caught the plate.

Believe it or not, if you foul off the tough ones, you get another one that might be better to hit.

[Sambito Redux]

Feeble....

[WVastro]

SWING THE FUCKING BAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s a fine and dandy saying. But he’d have been lucky to even foul strike three off. It was perfect. Strike one has him protecting on slop 5 inches off the plate. But you’re right. If he’s going to strike out I’d rather it be swinging....

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Strike 3 was a strike. Inside corner, caught the plate.

Believe it or not, if you foul off the tough ones, you get another one that might be better to hit.

Like the one down the middle that George fouled.

[HudsonHawk]

That’s a fine and dandy saying. But he’d have been lucky to even foul strike three off. It was perfect. Strike one has him protecting on slop 5 inches off the plate. But you’re right. If he’s going to strike out I’d rather it be swinging....

Oh for fuck's sake...now you're suggesting it's too hard to hit that strike so the ump should call it a ball? 

[MRaup]

I'm going for the depression double play tonight.

Watching the Astros play like like shit against the Red Sox AND watching the winless Red Wings play against the quite good Tampa Lightning.

[WVastro]

Oh for fuck's sake...now you're suggesting it's too hard to hit that strike so the ump should call it a ball?

Not at all. Just that the plate was too wide in that ab. Strike one is my gripe.

[Sambito Redux]

Just want to see a Champions effort from some of the boys... 

No indecision, no excuses, --- play like Champions.  They are playing wounded in all senses of the word.

[HudsonHawk]

Not at all. Just that the plate was too wide in that ab. Strike one is my gripe.

That doesn't mean you can stand there and watch strike three.  You have to fucking swing.

[hostros7]

Vazquez’s facial hair looks like he groomed Kathy Bates’s nether regions and then Elmer’s glued the clippings to his face.


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[austro]

Nice play by Yuli.

[Nate in IA]

Devers - ball down, foul, foul, ball high, 97 mph foul, called strike 3.. 1 out

Vazquez - strike 1, foul, ball inside, ball inside, foul (see, that's how you do it Astros!), foul, struck him out on a curve!  2 outs

Bradley Jr - Yuli grabs it and tosses to Justin for the 3 -1 putout.   3 outs.

Mid 4, Astros 0, Red Sox 1

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The opposing pitcher is on.

Changing speeds,  hitting his spots,  and mowing them down.

Disciplined approach,  and POUNCING ON ANY MISTAKE is the way to knock him off his rails.


And protecting the plate is paramount since he's always getting ahead.

[astrojo]

Get.Some.Runs.Now.

[HudsonHawk]

The coke commercial with the Horns fan and the brisket...he totally fucks up slicing that brisket.  Like he's never fucking ever even seen a brisket before.

[hostros7]

The opposing pitcher is on.

Changing speeds,  hitting his spots,  and mowing them down.

Disciplined approach,  and POUNCING ON ANY MISTAKE is the way to knock him off his rails.


And protecting the plate is paramount since he's always getting ahead.

TLDR: swing the fucking bats!


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[WVastro]

That doesn't mean you can stand there and watch strike three.  You have to fucking swing.

Well... it’s not like we’re seeing something new. It’s been an issue all season.

I’m not gunna lie. I’m still fucking pissed at the missed call on JD and then the RS seemingly getting every corner and the occasional head scratcher. So take my bitching and moaning fwiw.

[Texifornia]

Put your khakis on, Jake. Time to go to Rake Farm!

[Limey]

Rally shots!!!

[austro]

The coke commercial with the Horns fan and the brisket...he totally fucks up slicing that brisket.  Like he's never fucking ever even seen a brisket before.

No kidding. Makes me cringe.

[Tom Servo]

Put your khakis on, Jake. Time to go to Rake Farm!

If we see Jake this inning, that will be a good thing.

[WVastro]

The coke commercial with the Horns fan and the brisket...he totally fucks up slicing that brisket.  Like he's never fucking ever even seen a brisket before.

I thought the same thing. Looked like he sliced with the grain.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Strike 1 was the 1, Jose.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

The coke commercial with the Horns fan and the brisket...he totally fucks up slicing that brisket.  Like he's never fucking ever even seen a brisket before.

Guess I'll have to pay attention to it. I tend to block out commercials.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Correa nonplussed.

[MRaup]

Here's a fun fact. This is David Price, who has sucked dick on ice in the post season AND warmed up 3 times last night, that is dominating a lineup full of guys that are supposed to be good hitters.

[MRaup]

At some point, an Astro is going to square up a mistake pitch before this series is over, right?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Here's a fun fact. This is David Price, who has sucked dick on ice in the post season AND warmed up 3 times last night, that is dominating a lineup full of guys that are supposed to be good hitters.

He's also on 3 days rest.

Extend some ABs, and get to the pen.

[austro]

At some point, an Astro is going to square up a mistake pitch before this series is over, right?

Yes. And it will go foul.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

At some point, an Astro is going to square up a mistake pitch before this series is over, right?

No shit.

We either take them or fail to punish them.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Here's a fun fact. This is David Price, who has sucked dick on ice in the post season AND warmed up 3 times last night, that is dominating a lineup full of guys that are supposed to be good hitters.

I don't know how he is doing it but he is pitching really well and the Astros are still helping him.

[The Third Man]

Getting swept at home would be a bitter pill to swallow.

[MRaup]

I don't know how he is doing it but he is pitching really well and the Astros are still helping him.

The thing is, he's NOT pitching well. He's throwing a lot of hittable pitches, and the Astros are politely taking or swinging and missing at them. Altuve swung and missed at a pitch that should still be in the air right now for strike 3. Up and in change ups are not ever intentional.

[Tom Servo]

Getting swept at home would be a bitter pill to swallow.

But a fitting end to this season.

[MRaup]

Getting swept at home would be a bitter pill to swallow.

I'm sure you'll find some way to blame Hinch and not the shitty players playing like shit.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Great AB from Yuli.

[Tom Servo]

Nice AB by La Pina

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Great,  great,  great AB.

[MusicMan]

Helluva AB by Yuli.


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[MRaup]

Come on boys. See how Yuli attacked and follow on that plan!

[hostros7]

A pulse.


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[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Yuli G!!! Don't give a damn.

[DVauthrin]

Let’s go Marwin! 

[MRaup]

Marwin has chased SO badly tonight.

[Nate in IA]

Bottom 4

Altuve - ball down and a way, strike down and on the outside, foul, ball low, foul (that's how you foul off that low pitch!), struck out on an inside fastball.   1 out.

Carlos - strike swinging, string swinging on the changeup, ball high, ball low, foul, strikeout swinging  2 outs

Yuli - foul, foul, foul, foul, foul, foul, ball in and low, ball outside, ripped into right, Benetendi fumbles it,Yuli into second standing!

Marwin (C'mon, bring him home!),  foul, ball in the dirt, strike swinging on an outside pitch, way high, strike swinging on the changeup.  3 outs.

After 4, Astros 0, Red Sox 1

[astrojo]

This is so painful to watch.

[DVauthrin]

Marwin has chased SO badly tonight.

Swung at three balls in that at bat.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Seems like they're settling. Like they forgot the mantra.

[austro]

This is so painful to watch.

This offseason is going to feel quite different from last year's.

[hostros7]

Seems like they're settling. Like they forgot the mantra.

What’s the mantra again?


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[DVauthrin]

This offseason is going to feel quite different from last year's.

I must have missed the memo stating the game is over after 4 innings. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

What’s the mantra again?


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The way they are playing it must have been changed to "allow damage."

[astrojo]

Another 2 out, 2 strike hit

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I must have missed the memo stating the game is over after 4 innings.

1 run game.

Price's pitch count rising.

He'll see 7-8-9 and that may be it.

Let's go.

[DVauthrin]

Need the bats to get going.

[Nate in IA]

Top 5

Betts - strike 1, ball high and away, grounder to Alex, 5 -3.  1 out.

Benintendi - strike 1, foul popup to Alex near the crowd, 2 out

Martinez - 55' ball, foul, foul tip into Maldonado's glove, single up the middle..

Bogaertz - line drive to left, Springer is there.. 3 outs

Mid 5, Astros 0, Red Sox 1

[Nate in IA]

The Barefeet Retreat looks really stupid

[austro]

I wonder if Sale would like a free Doritos Locos taco.

[Nate in IA]

The Barefeet Retreat looks really stupid

Sorry, "The Guest Book"

[Snuffy]

Make him work, Kemp!

[The Third Man]

I must have missed the memo stating the game is over after 4 innings.

I hope they come back. They look listless and today's lineup changes have resulted in three hits.

[hostros7]

today's lineup changes have resulted in three hits.

You seem to lack a clear understanding of cause and effect.



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[Astros Fan in Big D]

I hope they come back. They look listless and today's lineup changes have resulted in three hits.

The opposing pitcher has yielded 3 hits.

Don't troll anti-AJ shit.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I wonder if Sale would like a free Doritos Locos taco.

He may have already had one.

[Snuffy]

80th pitch for Price....

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Run into one,  Jake

[DVauthrin]

Martin had a good approach.  Jake not so much.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Not what I had in mind.

Let's go JV.

[hostros7]

No breaks


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[Nate in IA]

Bottom 5

Kemp - ball, foul, foul tip strike, strike 3 swinging.. 1 out

Moldanado - foul, long foul down the right side, ball low, long out, Bradley pulls it in near the wall  2 out

Marisnick - swinging bunt, Price gets it and guns down Jake.  3 out

After 5, Astros 0, Red Sox 1

[MRaup]

This is FUCKING PATHETIC.

[Snuffy]

Makes us appreciate a productive 8 & 9 spot in the lineup...

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Dammit.

Leadoff double.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Great effort by Kemp.

[DVauthrin]

Verlander is overthrowing.

[The Third Man]

The opposing pitcher has yielded 3 hits.

Don't troll anti-AJ shit.

I am not doing that. Nothing I said was wrong, by the way.

[astrojo]

Runners on the corners no out

[Tom Servo]

I don't feel good about this situation.

[hostros7]

Welp.


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[Tom Servo]

I don't feel good about this situation.

Ugh.

[HudsonHawk]

Welp  Fuck.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

That'll do it.

[DVauthrin]

That may be the nail in the coffin.

[HudsonHawk]

4-0 Sox

[Waldo]

That’s probably ballgame, folks.

[astrojo]

Someone in the dugout (Reddick?) needs to give the ‘ol ‘was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?’ speech

[MRaup]

Welp, enjoy the void, folks.

Our stay at home offense plus our dogshit lack of pitching from the bullpen all series is a recipe for losing. Never Settle my fucking ass.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm gonna go down to the river and set some wood on fire.

[Tom Servo]

And Price will likely get his first postseason win in a start.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Fastballs away to lefties.

Bad idea jeans.

[Aussie Astro]

I feel like it is nearly time to go fishing.

[DVauthrin]

Someone in the dugout (Reddick?) needs to give the ‘ol ‘was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?’ speech

Pulling a Yuli in game 5 of the World Series works too.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I feel like it is nearly time to go fishing.

Watch out for boat sharks.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Why make a play now,  Maldonado?

[Snuffy]

Lotta loud foul balls....

[astrojo]

Watch out for boat sharks.

Speaking of sharks, Tyler White Cindy Bradying his ph appearance last night, the bat never leaving his shoulder, really had me screaming

[Aussie Astro]

Watch out for boat sharks.

The mood I'm in, they better fuckin' watch out...

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Speaking of sharks, Tyler White Cindy Bradying his ph appearance last night, the bat never leaving his shoulder, really had me screaming

He's next to C4 on the Astros Mt Rushmore of shitty postseason ABs.

[HudsonHawk]

Speaking of sharks, Tyler White Cindy Bradying his ph appearance last night, the bat never leaving his shoulder, really had me screaming

0 for 7 with 5 punchouts this series.

[MRaup]

It really sucks that Verlander is the one getting smoked right now, but fuck this offense. What a fucking pathetic showing against a guy that 1.) sucks in the post season and 2.) warmed up 3 times last night and is still throwing great.

I know there are a few guys with injuries that need to be dealt with, but fuck all the guys in this lineup that went in to the deep freeze when this series started. Gurriel has been awful, Correa was dogshit until yesterday, Bregman hasn't delivered when given the chance (although he hasn't been terrible).

No players stepping up and leading by example is a recipe for disaster against a team that has some good ball players on it.

[Nate in IA]

Top 6

Moreland - foul, long fly to left, Kemp jumps, but it bounces off the wall first.. Moreland into 2nd.

Kinsler - ball high and outside, spiked down for a ball, foul, foul, single to right, Springer gets it back in, Moreland to 3rd..

Had to take a pee, and Devers clears the bases .. 3 runs Crawford box special

Vazquez - ball, foul, foul, foul, foul, ball, foul, foul, pop fly to Kemp for out #1

Bradley Jr - first pitch rolled to Yuli who tosses to JV for the 3 -1 putout.   2 outs

Betts - ball low, curve for a strike on the outside edge, foul, foul, ball, ball, fly ball to Springer in right for the 3rd out.

Mid 6, Astros 0, Red Sox 4

[Aussie Astro]

0 for 7 with 5 punchouts this series.

More of a hammerhead than a great white.

[BudGirl]

I'm fully expecting to be shut out by Boston

[Astros Fan in Big D]

My worst fear was the not losing the series but if the Astros played poorly.

They've played worse than poorly much of the past 4 games.

Please,  scratch out some runs and battle thru the last 4 innings of the season.

[Aussie Astro]

I'm fully expecting to be shut out by Boston

Well, we have 4 innings to do something worthwhile, time ain't the problem.

[Waldo]

Every fucking break is going Boston’s way.

[hostros7]

Let’s not go out with a whimper


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[Sambito Redux]

The Champs look like chumps....  plain and simple.

Painful to acknowledge, but obvious to everyone.

Not enough production at almost every level

1.  Starting pitching (2 out of 4 decent outings)
2.  Relief pitching (complete dogshit)
3.  Timely hitting with 2 outs (Walter Mondale-esque)
4.  Catching and defense -- out of our element/errors - few big plays
5.  Bench

[Waldo]

Osuna warming up.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Mookie Betts eats tainted meat and moldy cheese, and he washes it down with anti-freeze. He's a bad motherfucker.

[Aussie Astro]

Mookie Betts eats tainted meat and moldy cheese, and he washes it down with anti-freeze. He's a bad motherfucker.

He's a sneering little motherfucker that you could only like if he played for your team.

[Limey]

Fuck this fucking shit. 

That is all. 


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[HudsonHawk]

Astros have gone ahead and folded this one up.

[Nate in IA]

Bottom 6

Bregman - strike looking, ball, Bregman hits it to deep right, Betts leaps and comes down with it.   Was not over the wall. 1 out

Springer - ball low, ball high, foul, foul as he goes to a knee, slow roller to third.. 5 -3.  2 outs

Altuve - foul, foul, swinging strikeout   3 outs

After 6, Astros 0, Red Sox 4

[Waldo]

Altuve’s AB looked like he is ready for a vacation.

[Aussie Astro]

Osuna warming up.

Scare tactics?

[HudsonHawk]

He's a sneering little motherfucker that you could only like if he played for your team.

Perhaps he'll have some video to post to social media bragging about it.

[MRaup]

Astros have gone ahead and folded this one up.

Planning golf outings next week already.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Altuve’s AB looked like he is ready for a vacation.

Imagine the adrenaline is missing after the bomb.

[Nate in IA]

Every fucking break is going Boston’s way.

This is why it's so hard to repeat.

[Nate in IA]

Osuna pitching the Top of the 7th

Benintendi - foul, strike swinging, grounder to the left, Bregman cuts off Correa and throws him out 5 -3.   1 out.

Martinez - rolls the first pitch to Correa who throws him out.   6 -3  2 out

Bogaertz - strike, ball down and out, strike, rolled to Alex, throws him out  5 - 3 3 outs

Mid 7, Astros 0, Red Sox 4

[MRaup]

This is why it's so hard to repeat.

While your point is valid, this team has played pathetically flat all series.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I wish Osuna pitched like that Sunday.

[austro]

I hope Luhnow and Hinch can figure out why the offense refuses to participate when Verlander pitches.

[astrojo]

Are they really going to be shut out in the final game of a sweep at home?

[austro]

Are they really going to be shut out in the final game of a sweep at home?

That's sure what it feels like.

[astrojo]

Forget #DoDamage, Astros PLEASE #DoSOMETHING

[Astros Fan in Big D]

3 innings left.

Do something good.

[hostros7]

I hope Luhnow and Hinch can figure out why the offense refuses to participate when Verlander pitches.

They’ll have to also bring in the Clemens, Hun, Purp, and Scrap Iron to the circle jerk discussion of the imponderable.


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[Snuffy]

Forget #DoDamage, Astros PLEASE #DoSOMETHING

Yes!

[MRaup]

The Astros are in serious danger of doing zero fucking damage against a REALLY, REALLY shitty Red Sox bullpen.

It would be quite the fitting end.

[Waldo]

While your point is valid, this team has played pathetically flat all series.

There’s no shame in losing to a 108-win team. But the Astros have committed so many unforced errors in this series. Knowing that they saved their absolute worst baseball of the season - in damn near all facets of the game - for the worst possible time is really tough to swallow.

[Snuffy]

I was hoping that Cole may have a chance to redeem himself in this series....

[MRaup]

Hooray, not a shutout anymore.

[Waldo]

No more shutout.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

There's something.

2.1 innings left.

Keep battling.

[Aussie Astro]

That's a start!

[Snuffy]

That's a start!

Why not!

[astrojo]

Shutout gone, now let’s add more.

[astrojo]

Just once can’t we see one of their infamous bullpen meltdowns we have heard about?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Walk.

Let's go.

[Aussie Astro]

Shark sighting?

[Nate in IA]

Matt Barnes pitches the bottom of the 7th for the Red Sox

Correa - ball high and away, strike, curve ball fouled off, ball high, foul, foul, grounder to 3rd.   5 -3, 1 out

Gurriel - loud foul..grounded to third, slips coming out of the box, 5 -3. 2 out

Gonzalez  (batting left) - foul, bunt try goes foul, ball, ball, HR!!  on the board!   

Kemp - ball, ball, foul, ball, foul, foul, ball 4..

White pinch hit for Maldonado -

[hostros7]

Just once can’t we see one of their infamous bullpen meltdowns we have heard about?

Kimbrel tried last night


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[austro]

I assume that White has been announced already.

[doyce7]

Incredible AB from Kemp

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[hostros7]

Fuck that camera operator so much.


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[Nate in IA]

Eovaldi takes the bump for the Red Sox and pitches to

Reddick - curve for a strike,  just missed it.. fly to deep right, Betts is there.   3 outs.

After 7
Astros 1, Red Sox 4

[doyce7]

Fuck that camera operator so much.


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My thoughts exactly

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[Aussie Astro]

Fuck that camera operator so much.


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Fucker got me in as well...

[Nate in IA]

Seems a black hole has settled over right field..

[Waldo]

Fuck that camera operator so much.


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I knew what was up when the crowd noise started to die.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Fuck that camera operator so much.


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What an asshole.

Pans to the upper deck for a ball short of the track.

[hostros7]

I knew what was up when the crowd noise started to die.

I have learned not to get my hopes up when anything is hit to RF, but still it was an egregious upward swing of the lens.


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[austro]

How fitting.

[Waldo]

There’s a glitch in the Matrix.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Another lucky bounce on the wp.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Let's go.

Make these chowder heads sweat.

[Nate in IA]

Top 8

Osuna pitches to

Moreland - ball, strike swinging, strike on the outside edge, strike 3 swinging.. 1 out

Kinsler smacks the first pitch off the wall in left, Kemp with a great throw to second but Kinsler beats it.

Devers - strike, bounces a pitch which mccann blocks it but it squirts away and kinsler goes to 3rd, foul, strike 3.  2 outs

Brock Holt pinch hits for Vazquez - ball just outside, shot to first, Yuli scoops and takes it 1 unassisted.  3 outs

Mid 8,
Astros 1, Red Sox 4

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Now is the time to quit fucking around.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Now is the time to quit fucking around.

This game counts?!?

[Aussie Astro]

This game counts?!?

Only if you want to extend the season.

[WVastro]

Hit a fastball Jose.

[Nate in IA]

Bottom 8
Leon catching and
Eovaldi pitching to

Brian McCann - curve for a strike, ball, ball down, strike, ground into the shift, 6 -3. 1 out

Bregman - strike, strike, foul, ball down, ball down, strike swinging at high cheese   2 out

Springer - base hit to center...

Altuve - ball, just foul down the third base line, ball outside and down, ball just down too close to take,  lined to Bradley in center.  3 outs.

After 8
Astros 1 Red Sox 4

[Waldo]

I wish they wouldn’t wait until there are two outs before trying to get something going.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Welp.

Last inning of the season boys and girls.

[Nate in IA]

Sure wish that was over Bradley's head instead of right at him.

[doyce7]

Every hard hit ball is right at somebody.

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[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Well, regardless of what happens, I still love all you guys and OrangeWhoopass is the best.  Literally. It was a great ride.

[WVastro]

Well, regardless of what happens, I still love all you guys and OrangeWhoopass is the best.  Literally. It was a great ride.

Yup

[Waldo]

Sox are gonna throw Kimbrel in the 9th after he struggled through almost 40 pitches yesterday. Don’t let me get my hopes up.

[astrojo]

These anal-ysts crying yard every fly ball

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Sox are gonna throw Kimbrel in the 9th after he struggled through almost 40 pitches yesterday. Don’t let me get my hopes up.

So you're saying there's a chance.

Let's go.

[Nate in IA]

Osuna still on the bump at the top of the 9th

Bradley Jr - strike, swinging strike, ball down, lines softly to Yuli at first.. 1 out.

Betts - ball down, ball high, high fly ball to kemp on the track in deep left.   2 outs

Benintendi - strike,   strike swinging,  ball high, fouled off of McCann's mask.. ball outside, swing and a foul tip into McCann's glove.  3 outs.

Mid 9
Astros 1, Red Sox 4

[Nate in IA]

Let's bat around boys...

[Aussie Astro]

So you're saying there's a chance.

Let's go.

Time to shit, or get off the pot.

[WVastro]

Time to shit, or get off the pot.

I don’t know why, but I dislike this OWA tradition on agreement... but fuck it...


“This.”

[Astros Fan in Big D]

1 down.

[HudsonHawk]

Correa gets off the pot quickly.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Shit or get out of bed for this series.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Walk for Yuli.

He played very well tonight after struggling most of the series.

[Waldo]

Swing the fucking bat.

[HudsonHawk]

Marwin mails it in.

[Tom Servo]

What the fuck, Marwin?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

2 down.

Appropriate that he didn't swing.

[Waldo]

And Kemp watches a hanging curve belt high.

[WVastro]

Well. The season was either going to end on a DP or strike thee looking. At least one is eliminated.

[Aussie Astro]

2 down.

Appropriate that he didn't swing.

Well if we were after an appropriate ending, I think it would have been a DP...

[HudsonHawk]

Well...how about all that fucking cockiness now?

[Nate in IA]

Kimbrell in to pitch the bottom of the 9th

Correa - foul, foul, foul, strike swinging great pitch... 1 out

Gurriel - ball high, ball outside, ball low, ball 4.. walk this way...

Gonzalez - strike, strike on the inside corner, called strike 3.. never got the bat off his shoulder.. 2 outs.

Kemp - curve for a high strike, ball high,  high fly ball to left...  Benintendi runs.. and grabs it.    3 outs.

Final, Astros 1, Red Sox 4

The season ends.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Good night.

[Waldo]

Astros didn’t do much to deserve winning this series.

Night all.

[Nate in IA]

Just remember, they still get paid...

[Texifornia]

That's a wrap. A sour end to a great season.

First on the agenda for '19: figure out how to win at home.

[Tom Servo]

Oh well, it was a fun year. I had a good time in here all season.

Let’s get it next year.


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[Astros Fan in Big D]

Sigh.

Great season ended by a string of poor, poor play.

Hate that they didn't play close to their level.

[doyce7]

Way to shit the bed for 4 straight games guys

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[Astros Fan in Big D]

Handshakes/High 5s to OWA.

This place makes it all better.

[The Spleen]

I knew that the Red Sox were a very good team, and very capable of beating the Astros.
I had no idea that they could break the Astros.

[Nate in IA]

Quite an accomplishment to make it to the League Championship Series...    Just got beat by a better team this year.   

[astrojo]

2 down.

Appropriate that he didn't swing.

I was thinking he was going to hit into a season ending DP.

[astrojo]

Well...how about all that fucking cockiness now?

Royals, I mean Red Sox didn’t take the bait.

[Aussie Astro]

In the end we couldn't even squeeze out a fart, well, there is always next year...

[HudsonHawk]

I knew that the Red Sox were a very good team, and very capable of beating the Astros.
I had no idea that they could break the Astros.

Made the Astros their bitch.

God how I hate the fucking trolling and bragging before you’ve accomplished shit.

[The Spleen]

Osuna turning into Walter Johnson after the game was effectively decided made me want to break things...

[HudsonHawk]

Royals, I mean Red Sox didn’t take the bait.

Oh the took the bait...then ripped the fucking rod right out of the Astros hands.

[The Spleen]

Made the Astros their bitch.

God how I hate the fucking trolling and bragging before you’ve accomplished shit.

This makes me more than disappointed about this year (like I would be if they'd lost a tough Game 7 in Boston).
This makes me very nervous about next year.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Made the Astros their bitch.

God how I hate the fucking trolling and bragging before you’ve accomplished shit.

Same here.

Dunno if this will serve as any kind of lesson.  Once they started pitching to him,  Bregman came close but ultimately didn't deliver.

[HudsonHawk]

This makes me more than disappointed about this year (like I would be if they'd lost a tough Game 7 in Boston).
This makes me very nervous about next year.

Karma is a bitch. I’ll get over it, but it irritates me to no end.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

This makes me more than disappointed about this year (like I would be if they'd lost a tough Game 7 in Boston).
This makes me very nervous about next year.

Roster/rotation questions should make you nervous.

But I expect the Astros to be competing for the division again.

[HudsonHawk]

Roster/rotation questions should make you nervous.

But I expect the Astros to be competing for the division again.

I’m looking forward to not watching Keuchel in an Astros uniform again.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I’m looking forward to not watching Keuchel in an Astros uniform again.

I really appreciate him for his accomplishments and for being a big part of their return to relevance.

But good grief he became freaking exhausting to watch.

[moriartp]

Despite the shitty end, this was a really good team and a really good season overall. Here's to more good seasons. And to all of you.

[The Spleen]

Roster/rotation questions should make you nervous.

But I expect the Astros to be competing for the division again.

They'll have Cole, Verlander, Altuve, Bregman and Springer. A great foundation, but everything past that is a giant question mark.
You can't count on Correa. No knock on him. It would be the same for any athlete coming off a serious back injury.
Will Gurriel be better next year with his wrist fully healed? But he... and Reddick... is at an age where, as a very good but not great player, bad things start to happen.
Catcher? Machete is a solid backup, but McCann may be at the end of the trail.
White will likely be a nice bench player, but is he a starting DH? What does Gattis have left?
McCullers and Morton are very good, but will they be healthy?
And the bullpen is still a raging tire fire, even after all the tinkering. There are enough live arms in the system that they could probably spend the first half of next year auditioning for bullpen spots (and 5th starter) and work something out. Well, if the division was as weak as it was in 2017. But the A's aren't going to let that happen...

If everything breaks right, or if they go out and have a big offseason they could win 100 again. If not they may be struggling for a wildcard spot.

[VirtualBob]

Handshakes/High 5s to OWA.

This place makes it all better.

This.

Glad I got to see the game live tonight, but sorry the Astro bats forgot to show up.

[David in Jackson]

They'll have Cole, Verlander, Altuve, Bregman and Springer. A great foundation, but everything past that is a giant question mark.
You can't count on Correa. No knock on him. It would be the same for any athlete coming off a serious back injury.
Will Gurriel be better next year with his wrist fully healed? But he... and Reddick... is at an age where, as a very good but not great player, bad things start to happen.
Catcher? Machete is a solid backup, but McCann may be at the end of the trail.
White will likely be a nice bench player, but is he a starting DH? What does Gattis have left?
McCullers and Morton are very good, but will they be healthy?
And the bullpen is still a raging tire fire, even after all the tinkering. There are enough live arms in the system that they could probably spend the first half of next year auditioning for bullpen spots (and 5th starter) and work something out. Well, if the division was as weak as it was in 2017. But the A's aren't going to let that happen...

If everything breaks right, or if they go out and have a big offseason they could win 100 again. If not they may be struggling for a wildcard spot.

These are good points but I see the glass as more than half full.  I don't think the bullpen has been a raging tire fire.

I do worry about Gurriel/Reddick, catcher, and the other issues.  The big question mark will be Correa and whether the next round of young stars (Tucker, Whitley, James, etc.) can step up.

[DVauthrin]

Roster/rotation questions should make you nervous.

But I expect the Astros to be competing for the division again.

The Astros have plenty of starting pitching options. They could make McHugh and Peacock starters again, or see if James and Valdez can build off their strong 2018 campaigns in spring training.

[Bench]

The Astros have plenty of starting pitching options. They could make McHugh and Peacock starters again, or see if James and Valdez can build off their strong 2018 campaigns in spring training.

In my mind James is already in the rotation.

[VirtualBob]

In my mind James is already in the rotation.

Sounds like the way Derek Fisher runs the bases.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Sounds like the way Derek Fisher runs the bases.

In my heart,  the Astros are in the WS.

[geezerdonk]

As far as I am concerned, the Astros became World Champions in perpetuity last year.

[JimR]

Same here.

Dunno if this will serve as any kind of lesson.  Once they started pitching to him,  Bregman came close but ultimately didn't deliver.

BBGs at work.