"Then, as the Reds drifted, then nose-dived late in the year, Baker insisted there was no need for urgency."
I just don't get why Dusty usually puts Pena at the top of the lineup, instead of in the bottom 4. Diaz should always be in the top 5, and never Pena. Last 15 games best to worst OBP - Alvarez, Diaz, Bregman, McCormick, Tucker, Pena, Abreu, Maldonado SLG - Alvarez, Diaz, Abreu, Tucker, Maldonado, McCormick, Pena, Bregman HR - Alvarez, Diaz, Abreu (5), Maldonado (3), Bregman, Tucker, McCormick (2), Pena (0)
I’m ready for it to end, the vibe and energy from this team is so uncharacteristic that to me it’s obvious there’s a rift in this clubhouse. Maldy crying? Dusty and his mess - whatever - I just don’t see it happening- I feel it’s a bit of a mutiny
Best way to watch is not to watch. Just check out the recap of the latest loss first thing in the morning and it’s over quick. No suffering required. ❤️
I see a lot of blame thrown at Dusty on this board night in night out, and I certainly share the frustrations of many regarding lineup decisions. But I think a lot of the team’s struggles since the beginning of summer come from pitching, inconsistency across the board across our rotation and unreliability of the bullpen. The thought I often worry about is “The further this franchise gets from Strom…….”. During this amazing era of Astros baseball, you’ve been able to count on at least (2), maybe even (3), absolute aces in the pitching rotation. You could make a pretty convincing argument right now that The Astros have (0) SP’s that fit this description. The other thing I think about is the challenges of sustained success in the face of complacency. Maybe they’re just bored of the endless reg, and really can/will turn it on the postseason. The problem is they have to make it there first.
One more thought: What about MLB banning the shift? Many analysts before the season said this rule change would affect The Astros more than any other club
This team lacks everything that made them such a likeable team. Bregman turned into a 45 year old accountant Altuve doesn't stand on the top step biting his nails during every at bat Tucker walks to 1st on every ground ball Tucker playing lazy in the outfield Just no spark or sense of urgency. The team doesn't look like they like each other. It has to be a split clubhouse.
This team lacks everything that made them such a likeable team. Bregman turned into a 45 year old accountant Altuve doesn't stand on the top step biting his nails during every at bat Tucker walks to 1st on every ground ball Tucker playing lazy in the outfield Just no spark or sense of urgency. The team doesn't look like they like each other. It has to be a split clubhouse. It has a lot to do with the terrible usage.
100% Dusty, he is the manager isn't he? Also, I think he took control of the pitching staff this year as well as GM role. If he isn't run out on a rail we're finished.
Altuve Bregman Alvarez Tucker Diaz Chas Abreu Peña Meyers that should be your lineup or somewhat similar with Diaz getting one or 2 days off the rest of the way. But Dusty and the starters are too damn stubborn. Of course this is banking on Brantley not being healthy
Before he got to the Astros Dusty was known as a choker and an arm killer...he's just regressing back to the mean...Dusty old bones full of green dust...
